Originally Posted by Innerloop

I signed up about a week ago also. Haven't received anything yet, but my no-status (0 points) Marriot Rewards account shows Gold Status now, so I assume they processed the card already.

Honestly not sure I made the right choice versus the Sapphire card. I wanted a complementary card to my existing Amex Plat for cases where Amex acceptance was an issue (and already have a joint United card), but I'm sort of bummed that the Ritz-Carlton and Marriot benefits aren't better integrated. Really given the fees and such, this card should give the same 5pts/$ that you'd get on the Marriott card so you don't have to guess which chain you'll have more stays with. Its not like the RC brand is so widespread that you always have that option, and the quality between RC and the top-end Marriott properties is pretty blurry.

But we'll see how it goes. The Airport Club benefit is redundant to Amex Plat., but the hotel & airline fee benefits should pay for themselves at least.

I really hope the promotions between the two programs aren't also segemented, its hard enough learning how to maximize one set of rules, much less two.