Ritz Carlton rewards credit card

[Kaplin261]

Ritz Carlton has a rewards credit card that get you 3 free nights at one of there hotels. Plus you can upgrade for free to club level rooms (free cocktails) and $100 to use on food.

I looked at a Aruba Ritz Carlton and it looks like the club level rooms are $700 a night making this deal worth over $2,200.

Has anyone churned this card? I know it has $450 anual fee, but plan to cancel before the 12 months are up.

[Slee_stack]

I churned it once.  Got  three nights at the RC Vienna gratis.

There were also some credits ($200?) I used on travel reimbursement.

It also may have a free Global Entry reimbursement ($85 - $110).  Can't recall if I used that or not.

Anyway, the net annual fee ended up working to $85 a night all-in for an upgraded RC room.  Of course I never would have paid the $500 or more a night that the normal rate was, but it was a tolerable spend to over-indulge.

We churn CCs a great deal to pay for all our spendy trips.  It still costs money, just a more reasonable rate.

[Kaplin261]

I churned it once.  Got  three nights at the RC Vienna gratis.

There were also some credits ($200?) I used on travel reimbursement.

It also may have a free Global Entry reimbursement ($85 - $110).  Can't recall if I used that or not.

Anyway, the net annual fee ended up working to $85 a night all-in for an upgraded RC room.  Of course I never would have paid the $500 or more a night that the normal rate was, but it was a tolerable spend to over-indulge.

We churn CCs a great deal to pay for all our spendy trips.  It still costs money, just a more reasonable rate.

So the annual fee is a upfront charge? I couldn't cancel prior to the 12 months? I'm new to churning.

[bacchi]

That card does not waive the annual fee the first year.

Unless you're absolutely sure you'll use the benefits in the first year, look for another card. There are plenty out there (Chase Hyatt comes to mind).


Eta: Actually, the 2 night Hyatt vouchers also need to be used in the first year but at least there's no charge. Look into the IHG card for points, which can be used after the card is closed.

[mskyle]

I churned it once.  Got  three nights at the RC Vienna gratis.

There were also some credits ($200?) I used on travel reimbursement.

It also may have a free Global Entry reimbursement ($85 - $110).  Can't recall if I used that or not.

Anyway, the net annual fee ended up working to $85 a night all-in for an upgraded RC room.  Of course I never would have paid the $500 or more a night that the normal rate was, but it was a tolerable spend to over-indulge.

We churn CCs a great deal to pay for all our spendy trips.  It still costs money, just a more reasonable rate.

So the annual fee is a upfront charge? I couldn't cancel prior to the 12 months? I'm new to churning.

I've never gotten one of these cards but my understanding is that the cards with the really big fees give you a lot of benefits right out of the gate but they do not waive the fees no matter what.

[Kaplin261]

So this card will end up costing $950? $450 for upfront fee and if use the same time and energy on another card that gives me $500 cash with no sign up fee.