If you like Sapphire Lounge access...

Doctor of Credit posted last month about the Chase Sapphire Reserve increasing it’s annual fee from $550 to a whopping $795.

While the rumored credits could make sense for some - for many that’s a high annual fee if you just want access to the bougie and elevated Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Currently you get unlimited access + 2 free guests to the lounges with CSR in the following airports:

• JFK

• LGA

• PHL

• SAN

• BOS

• PHX

• HKG

With plans to open more in LAS and LAX

So are you really going to have to cough up a large annual fee to get into the lounges? Or worse - pay for the pass each time?

NO WAY

Here’s what you should do NOW to set yourself up for future travel

1. Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful credit card - currently it has the all-time high bonus of 5 free nights for only a $95 annual fee

2. After one year, product change it to the Ritz Carlton card 

Rationale for the Ritz Carlton Card:

The Ritz Carlton card is no longer open to applications, but is a S-tier keeper card for the following reasons.

• Annual Fee: $450

• Credits: $300 travel credit + Global Entry

• You get a free night award for any Marriott hotel up to 85,000 points (with the ability to top off 15,000 points more)

• 3 certificates per year for upgrades to club-level room sat Ritz Carlton properties

And more importantly…

CHASE SAPPHIRE LOUNGE AND PRIORITY PASS LOUNGE ACCESS WITH UNLIMITED GUESTS

But wait, there’s more!

You know about those pesky waitlist times at some lounges during peak hours? The Ritz Carlton card puts you above CSR holders in Chase Lounge waitlist, so you can get in faster.

But wait, there’s even more!

You can add FREE authorized users that also get lounge access. Now that the Venture X has cut this option, the Ritz Carlton card might be the move.

If you just travel at least once a year from/through an airport with a Sapphire Lounge and stay at a Marriot property, the card is well worth it. But since you need to wait a year to product change, you gotta get the card now with it’s all-time high bonus.

What if the CSR doesn’t increase it’s annual fee or I still find it useful to keep?

If you don’t need the Ritz Carlton card, then no worries. Just product change your Bountiful card to the no annual fee Marriot Bold card. Boom, no cost to you.

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WuhooPoints focuses on the credit card consultation side of Wuhoo Group. We help you unlock the power of your credits cards for free luxury travel.