That will work. I hold the Ritz CC and just received the Marriott CC 25 days ago.

Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card (2016 onward)
 

I had Ritz and Marriott (private/business) at the same time too. No problems

AA gift card may not work anymore for the reimburse
 

Called CS 2nd time and they still reviewed these purchases as gift certificate. I guess AA has coded gift card in a separate way...No luck:(

Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card (2016 onward)
 

When did your 2nd AF show up? My first statement closed 2/5/2015 and the AF wasn't shown at the 2/5/2016 statement (limit was 1k but needed to increase to 2k a couple month back)

Just to confirm, if I use my marriott account number when applying, my marriott status will be upgraded to gold?. Thanks

Correct.

My second year annual fee will hit in May.

I'm wondering is there a way I could get both a retention offer and annual fee credit for the second year. I'm thinking of moving my credit line to another Chase card leaving just $1k (or whatever minimum they allow there). And then ask for a retention offer as well with the intention of keeping the card for the second year with lower CL.

Is this being too greedy?

If not, I wonder how to time it.

I wouldn't push it.
What I'd do is lower the CL and wait to see if the AF is refunded. Give it one statement cycle. If it doesn't get refunded then call and try to get a retention offer. Or move some credit limit back.

I'm in year one and lowered the limit to $1500 and got the card fee refunded.

If the fee stays off my account in year two ill just let it fly under the radar. If it does get charged I'll reassess then if I want to keep the card

When you lower your CL to avoid the AF, are you still getting the annual $300 travel credit?

Yes. And if you can manage to spend 10K, you still get Gold. The benefits don't change, just the CL.

Yes. I used up the credit right when I got the card. The CL reduction request was the following month.

Love this card. Just booked 2 nights for 2 rooms using certificates at $239/night for Club Lounge level rooms that listed for $489/night. So, I am getting $1,000 benefit from the card on the trip.

Agree completely. At most places you can nearly recoup the annual fee in just one night.

Just applied for the Ritz after getting denied for the Citi Premier card about a week ago.

Next day approval for a 5k limit. The Club Lounge Level and two free nights are gonna come in handy for my summer trip to Barcelona.

Just be aware that you can't use the Club Lounge upgrades in conjunction with the free nights :td:

Also keep in mind that in order to use the Club Lounge upgrade you have to call and book. You can check availability with rate code Z38.

Interestingly enough, sometimes that is LOWER than the otherwise-lowest price.

For example, 8/22-8/23 is 535/nt (regular rate), but only 425/nt with Z38.