Ritz-Carlton hotel stays are not considered “Marriott participating properties worldwide” for earning 5 points per $1 with Marriott Rewards Premier Visa credit card. Ritz-Carlton hotel spend registers as ‘other purchases’ and only earns 1 Marriott Rewards point per dollar.
A January 2011 post from a thread in Marriott Rewards Insiders states Marriott Rewards is working with JP Morgan Chase to get a better deal for Marriott Rewards Visa card spend at Ritz-Carlton Hotels. (Note: You need to register with Marriott Rewards Insiders to read forum threads.)
I guess the bank hasn’t budged since this earning rate hasn’t changed in 2011.
This might not be news for some of you as holders of Marriott Visa cards, but I was not aware that Ritz-Carlton hotels do not earn 5 points per dollar for Marriott Visa charges like other Marriott properties. The fine print details on the Marriott Premier Visa application form simply states:
EARNING POINTS: You will earn 5 points for each $1 of Net Purchases made at participating Marriott® locations.
Earn Points Faster With Everyday Purchases
- 5 points for every $1 spent at over 3,400 Marriott® locations.
Perhaps the best advice is to move your Ritz-Carlton spend to another credit card instead of using the Marriott Visa.
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Why not just get the Ritz card?
http://ritzcarltonrewardscard.com/#home
Earn more Ritz-Carlton Rewards with every purchase and get more of the rewards you want, including complimentary stays, upgrades and travel packages.*footnote You can even convert your points into miles transferable to 33 airline partners.
5 Ritz-Carlton Rewards points per $1 spent at The Ritz-Carlton
2 Ritz-Carlton Rewards points per $1 spent on qualifying airfare, car rental and dining
1 Ritz-Carlton Rewards point per $1 spent on all other purchases
$395 Annual fee. No sign on bonus points that I see…
Automatic Gold Elite status in The Ritz-Carlton® Rewards*footnote your first year
With each two-night stay or longer at The Ritz-Carlton, celebrate with a $100 Hotel Credit*footnote to be used toward your choice of dining, spa or other hotel recreational activities when reserving this offer
Upgrade to The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level*footnote three times annually, subject to availability at time of reservation. Advanced reservations and e-certificate are required.
When you travel
$200 Airline Incidental Fee reimbursement*footnote when you use your card24-hour J.P. Morgan Premier Concierge Service for all your planning needsComplimentary airport lounge access with Priority Pass™ Select*
I don’t know that Gold Elite is all that valuable, but it does look like Marriott recognizes it:
Expansive hotel network
Lets you enjoy your Gold Elite benefits at over 3,400 partner hotels worldwide.
Sorry to clutter your blog with my comments
I did find a 50,000 point sign up offer…
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Rewards/CreditCard.htm
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card extends the tradition of personalized, attentive service that you’ve come to expect when staying at The Ritz-Carlton. Receive 50,000 Ritz-Carlton Rewards points after the first time you use your card, and enjoy a suite of premium travel benefits and distinguished rewards including automatic Gold Elite status for your first year, and extraordinary hotel privileges