Samsung Card has launched a premium hotel partnership card aimed at both vacationers enjoying hotel stays and business travelers seeking leisure during trips.
On October 22, Samsung Card held a press conference to introduce the "Marriott Bonvoy The Prestige Samsung Card."
The card's standout feature is the ease and speed with which users can achieve Platinum status.
To upgrade to Platinum Elite status, cardholders must spend over 12 million won in the first year and over 24 million won in the following years.
Kim Dae-soon, head of Samsung Card's marketing division, noted, "In Japan, one must spend 45 million won annually to reach the Platinum tier. We have made it easier to access top-tier services."
Platinum Elite members enjoy benefits such as 50% bonus Marriott points, complimentary breakfast for two, room upgrades, lounge access, and late checkout until 4 PM.
Additionally, the card offers up to two free night stay gifts annually. If users spend over 12 million won in the first year or over 24 million won in subsequent years, they receive a gift equivalent to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Spending over 50 million won annually grants an additional gift worth 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Moreover, cardholders earn two Marriott Bonvoy points for every 1,500 won spent at all domestic and international merchants. When using Marriott-affiliated hotels and overseas merchants, they can earn an additional four points, totaling up to six points per 1,500 won spent.
Samsung Card's introduction of this premium product responds to the growing demand for unique experiences. As the economy has slowed, more consumers are opting for hotel stays and staycations. There is a noticeable trend of seeking premium hotel experiences that include gourmet dining, wellness, and cultural programs. According to Yanolja Research, revenue per available room at five-star hotels increased by 32.2% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year, marking the highest growth rate among accommodation types.
John Toomey, Vice President of Marriott International's Asia Pacific Commercial Division, stated, "Among Korean travelers, 57% accumulate hotel points through affiliated credit card usage, and 60% utilize those points for room upgrades. Through point bidding, they can participate in unique experiences in sports, dining, culture, arts, and entertainment."
The launch of this product also aims to solidify Samsung Card's position as the top revenue-generating card issuer. In the first half of this year, Samsung Card reported a net profit of 310.5 billion won, surpassing Shinhan Card. By attracting quality customers and increasing card usage, Samsung Card aims to maintain its profitability leadership for the second consecutive year.
"Marriott Bonvoy The Prestige Samsung Card" is issued as an international card (VISA) with an annual fee of 1 million won.
A Samsung Card representative stated, "We launched this product to provide customers who frequently use Marriott hotels with differentiated premium benefits not only for hotel stays but also for overall travel experiences. We plan to continue introducing products tailored to various consumer patterns."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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