How to Get the Chase Ritz-Carlton Card (Step-by-Step)
Why the Ritz-Carlton Card Is the “Secret Weapon” for Families
While most people are focused on the usual premium cards, there’s a quieter strategy happening behind the scenes.
People who really understand how these systems work are using the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card to solve one very specific problem:
👉 Getting a family into airport lounges without paying extra fees
And honestly? It does this better than almost anything else right now.
For a $450 annual fee, this card offers a combination of benefits that are unusually well-suited for families:
Ritz-Carlton Benefits
$300 Flexible Travel Credit
Unlike cards that force you to route your spending into their travel portal, this credit is much more practical.
You can use it for:
Seat upgrades
Checked baggage
Airline incidental fees
Flights
Hotels
Almost anything travel related
This is the kind of credit most families will actually use organically
Free Authorized Users (This Is the Game-Changer)
You can add authorized users for $0. That alone is rare.
But here’s why it matters:
Every authorized user gets their own Priority Pass membership
The “Lounge Loophole” for Families
Even after the 2026 lounge changes across the industry, the Ritz-Carlton card is still incredibly powerful.
Here’s how it works:
Each Priority Pass membership allows 2 guests
If you and your spouse both have access (primary + AU)
👉 You can bring in a family of up to 6 people total
No extra fees. No guest charges. No workarounds.
This is exactly where cards like the Capital One Venture X Credit Card have become less useful for families after their recent guest policy changes.
Read more: Is the Venture X Still Worth It? The Brutal Truth for Families
If you’re traveling with more than 3–4 people, guest limits become the biggest constraint. One of the simplest ways to work around this is by using authorized users to effectively multiply your lounge access. I break down exactly how that works here:
→The Authorized User Loophole: How to Get 6 People Into Airport Lounges for $0
85,000-Point Free Night Certificate
Every year, you’ll receive a free night worth up to 85,000 Marriott points
This can easily be used at:
Ritz-Carlton properties
St. Regis hotels
Other high-end Marriott brands
Realistic value: $500–$800+ per year
So What’s The Catch? You Can’t Apply for It Directly
This is where most people get confused.
The Ritz-Carlton card is not available for new applications.
Instead, it’s a product change (upgrade) from an existing Marriott card issued by Chase.
Step 1: Start with a Marriott Card
You’ll need one of these:
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™
Marriott Bonvoy Bold®
Make sure that you understand Chase’s 5/24 rule before you apply for one of these cards.
Read More: Chase 5/24 rule explained
Step 2: Wait 12 Months
Because of federal regulations, your annual fee cannot increase within the first year.
👉 You must wait at least 366 days before upgrading
The 3 Requirements for a Successful Upgrade
Before calling, make sure you meet these:
1. Minimum $10,000 Credit Limit
The Ritz-Carlton card is a Visa Infinite, which requires:
👉 At least a $10,000 credit line
Mary’s Tip:
If your Marriott card is below that, you can move credit from another personal Chase card (like a Sapphire or Freedom) before calling.
2. The “Visa Signature” Bridge
This is a weird (but real) issue.
If you have the no-annual-fee Bold card, it may be a standard Visa, and the upgrade option might not show.
Fix:
Ask to upgrade to the Bountiful (Visa Signature) first
Then request the upgrade to the Ritz
3. Time Your Anniversary Strategically
Before upgrading, wait until your current card’s free night certificate posts
👉 That way you:
Keep your current certificate
Start the clock on your new 85k Ritz certificate
What to Say When You Call
Call the number on the back of your Marriott card.
You don’t need a special department.
Use this script:
“Hi, I’ve had my Marriott card for over a year and I’d like to upgrade my card. I’m looking to product change to the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card.”
If they say it’s not available:
Ask them to check for “available offers”
Confirm your credit limit is $10k+
If needed, hang up and call again (HUCA)
Is the Ritz-Carlton Card Worth It for Families?
If your goal is simple:
Get your whole family into airport lounges without paying extra fees
This card is one of the strongest options available right now.
Ritz-Carlton Card Compared to the Venture X
As I explained in my Venture X update, the new guest fees significantly reduce its value for families.
The Ritz-Carlton card solves that problem entirely with free authorized users + separate Priority Pass accounts
Ritz-Carlton Card Compared to the Sapphire Reserve
The Sapphire Reserve is still strong, especially with Chase Sapphire Lounges.
But if your priority is:
👉 maximum people covered for the lowest cost
The Ritz-Carlton card often comes out ahead.
👉 If you want a full breakdown of how this compares to other top cards, see my guide:
Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access for Families
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