Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card series is designed for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties, offering a way to earn and redeem points within the extensive Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. These cards, issued by Chase and American Express, cater to different spending habits and travel needs, providing valuable perks like free nights, elite status, and more. Whether you're a casual traveler or a loyal Marriott guest, there’s likely a Marriott Bonvoy credit card that fits your needs.


Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95.
• Bonus: Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earning Rate: 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels, 3 points per dollar on dining, gas stations, and groceries (up to $6,000 annually), and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
• Travel Perks: Free Night Award (up to 35,000 points) every year after your account anniversary. Automatic Silver Elite Status, with a path to Gold Elite Status if you spend $35,000 in a year.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: None.
• Bonus: Earn 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earning Rate: 3 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels, 2 points per dollar on travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Travel Perks: Automatic Silver Elite Status.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Annual Fee: $650.
• Bonus: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earning Rate: 6 points per dollar at Marriott hotels, 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Perks:
• Free Night Award (up to 85,000 points) every year after your account anniversary.
• $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit each year (for eligible purchases at Marriott hotels).
• Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access.
• 25 Elite Night Credits towards higher elite status.
• Automatic Platinum Elite Status.

Key Benefits and Features

1. Sign-Up Bonus:

• Depending on the card, new cardholders can earn between 30,000 and 100,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points after meeting a specified spending requirement in the first 3 months.

2. Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points:

• All cards offer elevated points earnings at Marriott properties, with additional points on select categories like dining, travel, and everyday purchases. This makes it easy to accumulate points quickly for free nights and other rewards.

3. Free Night Awards:

• Many of the Marriott Bonvoy cards offer a free night certificate each year on your account anniversary, which can be redeemed at Marriott properties up to a specified points value.

4. Elite Status:

• Cardholders enjoy automatic Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status (ranging from Silver to Platinum, depending on the card) with the ability to earn higher status through spending and additional Elite Night Credits.

5. Travel Credits:

• The Bonvoy Brilliant card offers a $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy statement credit, which can be used towards eligible purchases at Marriott properties.

6. Airport Lounge Access:

• The Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with Priority Pass Select membership, providing access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.

7. 15 Elite Night Credits:

• Most cards offer 15 Elite Night Credits annually, making it easier to achieve higher status within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

8. No Foreign Transaction Fees:

• All Marriott Bonvoy cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

- **Generous Sign-Up Bonuses**: Earn a large number of points upfront, which can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and more.
- **Free Night Awards**: Annual free night certificates add significant value, potentially offsetting the annual fee.
- **Elite Status**: Automatic Elite Status and the ability to earn more through spending and Elite Night Credits.
- **No Foreign Transaction Fees**: Perfect for international travelers who want to avoid extra charges on purchases abroad.
- **Travel Credits and Lounge Access**: Higher-end cards offer valuable perks like travel credits, airport lounge access, and additional Elite Night Credits.

Cons:

- **Annual Fees**: The higher-end cards, especially the Bonvoy Brilliant card, come with substantial annual fees that might not be justified for infrequent Marriott guests.
- **Complex Rewards Structure**: The variety of cards and benefits can be confusing, requiring careful consideration to choose the best fit for your needs.
- **Limited Redemption Options**: Points are best redeemed within the Marriott Bonvoy program, which might limit flexibility compared to cards with transferable points.

Who Should Get the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card?

- **Frequent Marriott Guests**: If you often stay at Marriott properties, these cards can help you earn points quickly and enjoy valuable perks like free nights and elite status.
- **Loyal Marriott Customers**: Those who are loyal to Marriott and want to maximize their benefits within the Bonvoy program will find these cards particularly valuable.
- **International Travelers**: With no foreign transaction fees and travel-focused benefits, these cards are a good choice for those who travel abroad regularly.
- **Travelers Seeking Elite Status**: The Elite Night Credits and status boosts offered by these cards make them ideal for travelers seeking higher status within Marriott Bonvoy.

Conclusion

The Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card lineup offers a range of options tailored to different types of travelers, from casual guests to loyal Marriott customers. With generous sign-up bonuses, valuable travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees, these cards provide substantial benefits, especially for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties. However, the higher annual fees on some cards require careful consideration to ensure you’re getting the most value based on your travel habits.