How to Get the Chase Ritz-Carlton Card (Step-by-Step)

Airport & Lounge StrategiesFamily Travel StrategiesChase

Mar 26

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.

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.

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.

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

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