Totally did not see this coming: Marriott really did launch a co-branded credit card in South Korea on March 30. We had previously thought that post on PTT was probably unreliable, but apparently we were wrong. That also makes a China credit card launch in Q3 look much more plausible now. HT: WeChat reader dylan

Overview of the South Korea co-branded card

Card design/details link:

If you can’t read Korean, remember to use Chrome’s translation feature.

Features

  • This card is issued by Shinhan Card in South Korea. The Visa version is a Signature card, and the welcome bonus is unknown.
  • Cardholders receive Marriott Gold status automatically. With annual card spending of 60 million KRW (about $52,800), you get Marriott Platinum status.
  • Each year, if you spend or finance 10 million KRW (about $8,820), you receive 5,000 Marriott points. After another 10 million KRW (about $8,820), you receive an additional 10,000 Marriott points.
  • 10 elite night credits each year (combined with the 30 nights from holding two U.S. cards, this seems pretty powerful, bringing the total to 40 nights)
  • One free night certificate each year, redeemable for an award night costing up to 35,000 points, valid for 12 months
  • At Marriott hotels, earn 5x Marriott points per 1,000 KRW spent ($0.88). For spending outside South Korea, at selected Korean airlines (Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju, Jin Air), and at selected Korean coffee shops (including Starbucks), earn 3x Marriott points per 1,000 KRW spent ($0.88). For other spending within South Korea, earn 1x Marriott points per 1,000 KRW spent ($0.88).
  • At Marriott hotels in South Korea, enjoy a 50,000 KRW discount twice per year [it appears spending or installment thresholds may apply]
  • 4 airport lounge visits per year (provided by The Lounge Member), with 1 guest allowed each time [it appears spending or installment thresholds may apply]
  • Visa Signature benefits

Annual fee

The annual fee is a bit expensive. The Visa version is about $235.

Summary

This card feels a bit like a hybrid of the Boundless and Brilliant.

The biggest highlight is that with just $53,000 in spending, you can get Marriott Platinum status. It also gives 10 elite night credits per year, which seem stackable with the 30 nights from U.S. consumer and business cards.

The downside is the somewhat pricey annual fee. Other than those two advantages, the rest of the benefits are fairly average. And finally, if you do not live in South Korea, getting approved may be difficult.

Will a China credit card really launch in Q3 2021? Based on this move, it now seems much more likely. Let’s wait and see.