Major changes to Chase Ritz-Carlton card (USA)

A couple weeks ago I was approved for the Chase Ritz-Carlton (USA) credit card, with a sign-up bonus of two free nights after spending $4,000. As of yesterday, Flyertalk reports that Chase has implemented major changes to the Ritz-Carlton card. These include:

(1) The sign-up bonus has changed from two free nights after $4,000 to three nights after $5,000;

(2) The card is now a Visa Infinite Signature card, which includes the $100 off a round-trip flight for 2+ passengers within the USA, no minimum/restrictions. My account, which was issued as a Visa Infinite, is now able to access the air discount page, so I imagine that all previous card holders have been transitioned;

Source: J.P. Morgan Chase, https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/ritzcarlton/aep3CN.
Source: J.P. Morgan Chase, https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/ritzcarlton/aep3CN.

(3) There’s a new reimbursement just for Global Entry. Previously, Global Entry costs would come out of the annual $300 credit, but now there’s an entirely new reimbursement scheme in addition to the $300 credit;

(4) If you add an authorized user, and that card is used for a single purchase, you will get 10,000 Ritz points;

(5) Annual fee is changing from $395 to $450, and;

(6) The lounge benefit is changing. Previously, cardholders would have access to the Lounge Club card, which included a complimentary guest. The card is now changing to Priority Pass Select, which doesn’t allow a free guest.

I’d say that the changes are pretty positive, especially the airfare benefit. I’m annoyed that I got the card just before the sign-up bonus changed, but I messaged Chase about matching the new bonus, which apparently they’re pretty good at doing. What do you think about these changes?

 

10 Comments

  1. Called the customer service line for this card and they advised that they are not aware of the 3 nights sign up bonus, and they confirmed it is only 2 nights. Bummer!

  2. If one currently has the chase us Marriott card, can one cancel it and immediately apply for this card?

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