Let’s do a list of programs that will let you spend for status instead of earning it the hard way…
Airlines
Southwest companion pass (110k spend on Chase Southwest, partial credit to A-List)
Jetblue Mosaic (50k spend on Barclays card)
United (spend up mid-tier on UA lounge card) Also, match Mariott Plat to UA Silver
Delta (Co-branded Amex cards for MQMs and MQD waiver. First 3 tiers require $25k spend, top tier now requires $250k spend for waiver) Minor elite benefits for SPG Plats
American (limited EQM from spend from various cards)
Alaska (none)
Hotels
Mariott Plat (75k points on Chase RC card, Match to SPG until programs merge)
SPG Plat (limited nights/stays toward status from spend / Match from Mariott status)
Hyatt (limited nights/stays toward status from spend, accelerated top tier qualification for q4 2017)
Hilton Diamond (40k spend on Amex surpass)
Choice (unknown)
IHG (Chase CoBranded card awards Platinum Elite status, spend earns towards Spire status)
Intercontinental Ambassador - Paid elite program $200/year. Guaranteed room upgrades and one free second weekend night per year.
Carlton (Club Carlson grants Gold status with being a cardholder (USBank))
Wyndham (Wyndham grants Platinum status for being a cardholder (Barclay))