Originally Posted by
writerguyfl
I have no direct knowledge about the Property Management System (PMS) used by Marriott. But, none of the various PMS I've seen provide information on which bank issued a given credit card.
In that scenario, the only way a Front Desk staff member would know you are using a chain-branded credit card is if you physically hand it to them (and they look). Or even less likely, the staff member would have memorized the common sequence of numbers for the card.
At several different Ritz Carlton properties I've had FD agents mention that I get a folio credit for using my Chase RC credit card. These were without actually handing them the card. The credit is simply a benefit of paying with the card, and is not associated with the reservation or room rate.
So there may be some way for properties to tell in advance if a particular branded card is on the reservation. However, I have no idea whether the CC made any difference in upgrade success at those properties.