It's back: Sapphire Reserve cardholders can sign up for Marriott Bonvoy Gold status

Great news for Chase Sapphire Reserve® holders: Chase and Marriott have reintroduced a status challenge, reminiscent of last year's offer between the bank and the hotel giant.

Starting July 1, holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve can register for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. This offer appears to be open to all cardholders, but while the status is complimentary, it is only temporary unless you complete three qualifying paid nights with Marriott.

Here’s what you should know about this cardmember opportunity, the benefits of this status, and how to retain it for the next 18 months.

Sapphire Reserve holders can register for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

Chase discreetly introduced this cardmember benefit on July 1. You can find it in your cardmember perks on Chase's website.

As per the terms, you need to enroll by September 30 to receive three months of complimentary Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. This level offers benefits such as a 25% bonus on points for paid stays, late checkout (when available), room upgrades (non-suite) based on availability at most hotels, and a welcome gift of bonus points upon check-in.

You can input your Marriott Bonvoy number from the benefits details page to claim your complimentary status. This status will only be valid for three months unless you complete the status challenge.

You can extend your status until February 2026.

To maintain your Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy, you'll need to complete at least three paid nights within the three months of your complimentary status. Successfully doing so will allow you to keep your Gold status until February 2026.

Any three paid nights will work, but they must be actual paid stays—stays booked with points or free night awards do not qualify. Additionally, these nights must be booked directly through Marriott; reservations made via third-party sites (including the Chase Travel℠ portal) will not count.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to earn a higher status through additional stays. Your only option is to complete three paid nights to keep your Gold status. If you already have Gold (or a higher tier), you're not eligible for this offer.

Make sure to time your registration wisely, as the three-month qualification period begins once your request is processed. You'll want to register before your qualifying stay(s), but not too far in advance.

It's also important to mention that there are other avenues to gain complimentary Marriott Gold status. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card automatically grants this status to all its holders, and it’s also available as a benefit with both The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is necessary). If you possess one of these cards, you can enjoy the same status without needing to complete any stays.

In summary

Gold status is the second-lowest tier within Marriott Bonvoy. While it doesn’t provide suite upgrades or guarantee free breakfast, it may lead to enhancements such as upgrades to preferred rooms, larger accommodations, or those with better views at most Marriott Bonvoy properties. I experienced this firsthand when I stayed at the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro as a Gold member and received an upgrade to a larger room with a stunning view of Copacabana Beach.

Getting elite status for free is always a great advantage. Retaining this status for another year and a half by simply staying three paid nights is quite manageable, provided it fits your travel itinerary.