Credit Card Programs - Marriott Elite status with Marriott Visa?

I have read people saying that they got elite status each year by carrying the Marriott Visa card. I have went to their site and it talks about silver but the specifics I cannot find in the t&c's. Does anyone know if you really do get elite level by having a Marriott Visa? Do you get it every year you keep the card? What level does it get you to? Does anyone have a link to the t&c with this information contained in it?

I have read people saying that they got elite status each year by carrying the Marriott Visa card. I have went to their site and it talks about silver but the specifics I cannot find in the t&c's. Does anyone know if you really do get elite level by having a Marriott Visa? Do you get it every year you keep the card? What level does it get you to? Does anyone have a link to the t&c with this information contained in it?
Yes, it gives you silver status. If you get the Plat version, you could get bump up to the next level if you are within 15 nights of the next level.

Does it give you silver status each year without a purchase or an annual fee?
Can you give me a link to a signup offer that states this?

without a purchase or an annual fee?


Where did you get the idea that there was no annual fee?

This link is pretty clear on how the cards work.

http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webcgi/webserve.cgi?partner_dir_name=marriott_rewards_20k&page=cont&mkid=618K

This link is pretty clear on how the cards work.

http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webcgi/webserve.cgi?partner_dir_name=marriott_rewards_20k&page=cont&mkid=618K
That's a great link! $30.00 for Signature and $65.00 for Premier. First year free on Signature regular. Great!

That's a great link! $30.00 for Signature and $65.00 for Premier. First year free on Signature regular. Great!

Personally, I think that the Signature Premier is a better deal:

1. You get 15 nights credit toward status (which means automatic silver status)
2. You get a free night certificate each year. This is worth far more than the $65 annual fee (unless you already have a bazillion hotel points.)

Don't both give you silver status?

Don't both give you silver status?

Yes. However the Premier version gives 15 days credit which helps you get Gold/Platinum status.

Let's say I were going to go ahead and get this card. Would it be better to go for the signature make a charge get the 20k and then wait a month or two and then upgrade or apply for the premier? How do I maximize my application?

Let's say I were going to go ahead and get this card. Would it be better to go for the signature make a charge get the 20k and then wait a month or two and then upgrade or apply for the premier? How do I maximize my application?

Here are some thoughts...

1. If you apply for the non-premier card and get a point bonus, you will not get a point bonus if you upgrade to the Premier card.
2. Chase MAY not give you a point bonus for a new Premier card if you already have a non-premier card. There is some funny language in the T&Cs that concerns me about this approach. Check the Marriott forum.
3. IMHO it is best to get the Premier card early in the calendar year. They do not credit the 15 days toward status until your anniversary date. (Verify this in the Marriott forum.)
4. Sure you could save $65 by applying for the non-premier card and upgrading later. You will get virtually the same benefits during the first year. Just check the Marriott forum to make sure that this approach does not have adverse consequences.