Recreation

I believe the free room is for categories 1-4 the first year and categories 1-5 subsequent years.

GenevaFlyer

That is correct.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

LoganFlyer

The $20 annual fee increase is unfortunate, but I save more than that in the foreign fees I don't pay when I use the card internationally.

Brendan

I just phoned Chase CS regarding the annual fee & was told that existing cardmembers will be charged $85 starting Sep. 15. My annual fee bills every year on May 1, so I intend to let my 15 night credits & Cat. 5 freebie arrive ~ March 7/ 2012, then cancel in spring.
I will still have Hyatt or Chase Sapphire to enjoy the lack of forex fees!

SecondCity

I don't recall getting a notice from Chase regarding this increase, but on my last statement it said my annual fee of $65 would be charged on 9/1/11. Looks like I am getting lucky!

Even at $85, I think it is still a great deal. The Cat 1-5 is worth at least $85 alone in my view.

precchia

Exactly. There is such a backlash from this increase - I wish I didn't have to pay the $20 extra, but the card is still EASILY worth that. One free night in a cat. 5 is worth $85. I see the backlash stemming from those who try to churn credit cards anyway...so it doesn't matter to them anyway.

If it keeps the card around, then I'm happy to pay the extra $20 (do I get points on the $20 fee?)

bitachu

not sure if this is posted anywhere else..but i saw on SD a 30k offer +2 free nights...

http://www.mychasecreditcards.com/marriottrewards/30#

philemer

If you are a "repeat customer" I'd apply for the 50K offer because churners tend to NOT get the initial free night(s) bonus.

kymbakitty

I just received my increase notice in the mail yesterday. Not sure why so many people get so incensed over $20. (Chase elected to waive transaction fees this year!) My electric bill was over $300 last month, we will be on meters before too long, so water will likely double (some say triple), and I notice an increase in various items everytime I grocery shop!

If the card no longer works for you--cancel it. Don't make a hasty decision and cut off your nose to spite your face. Every year we've used the category 5 certificate somewhere out of the country and added to a 5 night stay and saved 100's, literally.

Also, if wasn't for the 15 nights a year toward status (and the 1 night for every $3k charged), I would never have maintained Platinum.

As far as the interest rate, is that really an issue? I mean, no one really keeps balances on credit cards anymore anyways. We've all learned those lessons years ago. I don't know a single person that doesn't pay their balance off every month...unless they are really young and haven't learned that you either have the money or you can't afford it. If you need money for an unexpected event, you don't use these types of cards and carry a balance!

Anyway, do what works for you.

Majuki

I got the notice in the mail today too. I think the 15 elite nights and annual certificate are definitely worth it. Why even have the standard card anymore?

jgottlieb

While that may be ideal, you can't assume that people aren't carrying balances. Things happen.

Head

I could not find it in this thread, so I apologize if it is in here and I missed it.

Im not a "churner", and not looking to have more cards than I have slots in my wallet.... I am just a business traveler who's wife loves the perks of multiple free vacations each year.

With that said, I currently have the standard Marriott Rewards Visa card, and it has been very nice to me over the years. Has anyone had any luck upgrading that to the Marriott Premier Card, and getting the points bonus?

Thanks for the feedback!

edwkim

Did you get your bonus again?