Sapphire Reserve cardholders can apply for Marriott Bonvoy Gold membership

There is good news for Chase Sapphire Reserve® Cardholders: Chase and Marriott have launched new status challenges similar to the one the major banking and hotel chains launched a year ago.

As of July 1, people with Chase Sapphire Reserve can register for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status. It looks like this offer is available to all cardholders. Note that this status is free but temporary unless you complete three qualifying paid nights with Marriott.

Here’s what you need to know about this card member offer, its benefits, and how to keep it for the next 18 months.

Sapphire Reserve cardholders can apply to become Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members.

Chase quietly added this cardmember benefit on July 1. You can access it in the cardmember benefits section of Chase’s website.

Under the terms, you must sign up before September 30 to get three months free. Gold Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy. This status level includes perks like 25% bonus points on paid stays, late check-outs (where available), non-suite room upgrades based on availability at most hotels, and a welcome gift of bonus points upon check-in.

You can enter your Marriott Bonvoy number from the benefits details page and claim your complimentary status. This status will only last for three months unless you complete the status challenge.

Related: How valuable is the Marriott Bonvoy membership card?

Extend your status until February 2026

If you want to keep your Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy, you must complete at least three paid nights within the three free status months. If you do, you will keep your Gold status until February 2026.

Any three nights will do, but it must be a paid stay — a stay using points or free night prize not counted. Additionally, these nights must be booked directly with Marriott to qualify. Using a third-party platform (including Chase Travel℠ Portal) will not be counted.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to complete additional stays to earn higher status. The only option is to stay for the three paid nights and then retain Gold status. And if you currently have Gold status (or higher), you’re not eligible.

Make sure you time your application carefully as the three month eligibility period begins when your request is processed. You will want to make sure you do this well in advance of your qualifying stay but not too early.

Finally, it’s worth noting that there are other ways to unlock free Marriott Gold status. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card This status is available to all cardholders and it is also a privilege for both The Platinum Card® from American Express And American Express Business Platinum Card® (requires registration). If you have one of those cards, you can get the same status without having to stay.

Related: Guide to Marriott and Hilton Memberships with the American Express Platinum and Business Platinum Cards

Last line

Gold status is the second lowest level within Marriott Bonvoy. It does not offer suite upgrades or guaranteed free breakfast. However, this can result in an upgrade to a preferred room, larger room, or room with a better view at most Marriott Bonvoy-branded properties. I stayed at the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro a few years ago as a Marriott Gold member and was upgraded to a larger room with a stunning view of Copacabana Beach.

Getting elite status for free is always a great perk. Just staying three paid nights to maintain it for another year and a half is pretty simple, as long as it fits into your travel plans.