Ritz-Carlton Card’s Unlimited Priority Pass Guest Benefit: Finally Confirmed?

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The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card is one of the best-kept secrets in travel rewards, and for good reason—you can no longer apply for it. This exclusivity dates back to 2018, during the “great sorting” of Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards between American Express and Chase. At that time, American Express took over the “luxury” card market with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (formerly the SPG Luxury Card), while Chase retained its portfolio, including the Ritz-Carlton Card.

Originally tied to the now-defunct Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty program, the card remained after the program merged into Marriott Bonvoy. However, it became unavailable to new applicants. The only way to acquire this card now is through a product change from one of Chase’s Marriott Bonvoy personal cards: the Marriott Bonvoy Bold, Boundless, or Bountiful.

Despite the difficulty in obtaining it, the Ritz-Carlton Card stands out with benefits that rival—and sometimes surpass—more widely available premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Why the Ritz-Carlton Card Stands Out

The Ritz-Carlton Card has a unique suite of perks tailored to luxury travelers, including a $300 annual travel credit, an 85,000-point free night certificate, and premium travel protections. The free night certificate alone can be redeemed at top-tier Marriott properties, offering incredible value for a single benefit.

Yet, one feature consistently draws the most attention: Priority Pass Select membership.

While most premium cards offering Priority Pass Select limit complimentary lounge access to the cardholder and two guests, the Ritz-Carlton Card takes it a step further by allowing unlimited guests to accompany the cardholder—an almost unheard-of perk in the travel rewards space.

The Mystery of Unlimited Guests

The unlimited guesting policy has been a point of speculation for years, emblematic of a card that’s notoriously difficult to get information about. Chase doesn’t make it easy; you must visit Chase’s dedicated benefits page to confirm its inclusion. The membership letter, for example, vaguely states:

“You and your accompanying guests may visit participating lounges as often as you wish during your membership term.”

For years, this left cardholders debating whether “accompanying guests” meant two, five, or even unlimited companions. Anecdotal reports suggested the possibility of unlimited guests, but concrete evidence was hard to come by—until now.

Accidental Confirmation from Chase?

Can we finally say that the speculation has been resolved? Clarification didn’t come from the Ritz-Carlton Card website but rather from  Chase’s Sapphire Lounge FAQ. The website explicitly confirms:

“Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card primary cardmembers and authorized users have lounge access with their complimentary Priority Pass™ membership.

Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardmembers may bring up to two guests per visit for free, and additional guests for $27. There’s no additional charge for children under two. Ritz-Carlton cardmembers may bring unlimited guests at no charge.”

This confirmation solidifies the Ritz-Carlton Card’s unique position among travel credit cards. While the unlimited guesting benefit is specifically mentioned for Sapphire Lounges, it’s reasonable to assume that this rule applies across all Priority Pass lounges globally, making it an incredibly valuable feature for families and groups.

The Hidden Costs of Exclusivity

While the Ritz-Carlton Card’s perks are undoubtedly valuable, its exclusivity comes at a cost. Not only is it challenging to obtain, but the card’s benefits also remain shrouded in mystery. Chase provides little visibility into its full features, leaving cardholders to piece together information from forums, FAQs, and anecdotal reports.

The Verdict: Worth the Effort?

For those who already hold a Chase Marriott Bonvoy card, the Ritz-Carlton Card offers a rare opportunity to access unparalleled travel perks—if you’re willing to product change and take the time to understand its features. The unlimited guesting policy for Priority Pass lounges alone makes it a standout option for frequent travelers, particularly those who travel with family or larger groups.

While it may be one of the harder cards to obtain and understand, the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card remains a shining example of how exclusivity can translate into unmatched value in the world of travel rewards.