The Best Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Comparing Benefits & Perks [2024]

When it comes to earning rewards, free nights, travel benefits, and perks that make your hotel stay more comfortable, nothing beats a hotel-branded credit card.

And if you’re a fan of Marriott’s Bonvoy program, you’ll have several cards from which to select, all of which deliver generous levels of Marriott-centric benefits.

While both Chase and American Express issue Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, there are several consistent earning and benefit offerings.

All Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards that charge an annual fee offer accelerated earnings at Marriott properties, complimentary elite status, annual free hotel night certificates, and plenty of flexible redemption options for your points.

However, one of the Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards may be a better fit for you than the others. Let’s take a look at what each of these cards has to offer by comparing earning power, benefits, and overall value.

There are 6 Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards from which to select. Each offers its own package of earning rates, redemption options, and stay benefits — let’s take a look at the highlights.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

If you’re looking for a premium Marriott Bonvoy-branded card with equally premium benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card checks those boxes. The card comes with statement credits for Marriott purchases, worldwide airport lounge access, a valuable Free Night Award, Marriott Bonvoy elite status, and much more.

Let’s look at what you can expect from this card designed specifically for the traveler who stays frequently at Marriott properties.

Why We Like This Card

• 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Annual up to 85,000-point Free Night Award
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status
• $100 property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
• $25 monthly dining credit (enrollment required)
• Free premium Wi-Fi

Additional Card Benefits

• 3x points at restaurants worldwide, takeout/delivery in the U.S., and on flights purchased directly with the airline
• 2x points on all other purchases
• Priority Pass lounge membership upon enrollment
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application/renewal fee statement credit
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The new American Express-issued Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card slots in between some of the lower-end options and the premium (and very expensive) Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It provides an easy way to get elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, given that cardholders receive complimentary Gold Elite status as a perk of the card.

Why We Like This Card

• 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Automatic Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year

Additional Card Benefits

• 4x points on dining and at U.S. grocery stores
• 2x points on all other purchases
• 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bountiful card offers automatic elite status and helps you earn more points on every purchase.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card

The Marriott Bountiful card offers automatic elite status and helps you earn more points on every purchase.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

85,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

21.49%–28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card can help enhance your Marriott stays by offering automatic elite status, bonus points on paid stays, and Elite Night Credits, and it helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your day-to-day purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 18.5x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a combined $15,000 in purchases)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits
• 1,000 bonus points per paid Marriott stay
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• $250 annual fee
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
• Earn up to 18.5X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®
• 1,000 Bonus Points per each stay at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®
• Earn 4X points per $1 on the first $15,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores and dining
• Earn 2X points per $1 spent on other travel purchases
• Earn 2X points per $1 spent on all
  other purchases
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year and automatic Gold Elite status each account anniversary year as a cardmember
• Enjoy a Free Night Award every calendar year, after $15,000 in spend, valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The also-new Marriott Bountiful card offers essentially the same suite of perks as the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, but it is issued by Chase. Like its Amex-issued counterpart, it also offers cardholders complimentary Gold Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Why We Like This Card

• Up to 18.5x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Automatic Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year

Additional Card Benefits

• 4x points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a combined $15,000 in purchases)
• 2x points on all other purchases
• 1,000 bonus points per paid Marriott stay
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases - our best points offer!
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, accelerated earnings, and an annual Free Night Award, the Marriott Boundless card can be a staple for the Marriott Bonvoy traveler.

The card has a lower annual fee and offers good value, even if you stay at a Marriott just a few times per year.

Why We Like This Card

• Up to 17x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Annual 35,000-point Free Night Award
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
• Spend $35,000 on the card in a calendar year to receive Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits towards elite status each year, plus earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend on the card

Additional Card Benefits

• 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• 2x points for all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

If you’re looking for a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card that offers elevated earnings at Marriott properties but you’d rather avoid paying an annual fee, the Marriott Bold card could be a match.

Why We Like This Card

• Up to 14x points per dollar spent at hotels participant in Marriott Bonvoy
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• Receive 5 Elite Night credits every year toward the next level of elite status

Additional Card Benefits

• No annual fee
• 2x points at:
  • Grocery stores
  • Rideshare & select food delivery
  • Select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone service purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 3 Free Night Awards, valued up to 50k points each for a total value of 150k points, after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

3 Free Night Awards

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$125

APR

20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Business travelers who opt for Marriott as their hotel chain of choice will definitely want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card. The card offers great benefits to cardholders like a complimentary hotel night once a year, complimentary Gold Elite status, and multiple point redemption options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy^® program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Moderate annual fee of $125 (rates and fees)
• No premium perks like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
• Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy^® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy^® program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card.
• Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

If you have a business, regardless of size, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card might be just the ticket for earning free hotel nights to offset business expenses or for a personal vacation. Having the card is also a way to enjoy Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy during all your travels.

Why We Like This Card

• 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Complimentary Gold Elite status
• Annual 35,000-point Free Night Award
• Additional free night after spending $60,000 on the card
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year

Additional Card Benefits

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
• 2x points on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Hot Tip: You’ll be able to triple dip on points earned when using your Marriott-branded card to pay for your stay. Earn up to 6x points for each dollar spent on your card, 10x points per dollar spent on the property during your Marriott stay, plus up to 75% bonus points for having Marriott Bonvoy elite status. 

Earning Power Comparison

Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards offer accelerated earnings when used for purchases at the affiliated hotel properties. Here’s a breakdown of the additional earning potential for each card.

Finding a balance between earnings that match your spending profile and paying an annual fee with which you’re comfortable could be a primary decision when selecting a Marriott Bonvoy-branded personal card.

If you have a small business and Marriott Bonvoy is your hotel brand of choice, it may be prudent to consider the additional earnings on the Marriott Bonvoy Business card.

Bottom Line: For bonus earnings on everyday purchases (up to $6,000 in purchases each year), the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card may be a good choice. If you’re a business owner, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card with a collection of 4x earning categories for typical business purchases offers the greatest additional earning potential. And, for the frequent traveler who values lounge access, a generous statement credit for Marriott purchases, and Platinum Elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card could be the right match. 

A Faster Path to Elite Status

While most Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards come with complimentary elite status, all Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards come with 15 Elite Night Credits towards elite status each calendar year.

These 15 nights are enough to automatically earn you Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and can get you well on your way to the next levels of status.

Here is a list of the annual qualifications for achieving each level of Marriott Bonvoy elite status:

The following Marriott Bonvoy credit cards come with complimentary elite status. Select cards also offer an option to spend your way to higher elite status.

Silver Elite status comes with:

• Member-only hotel rates
• Fifth consecutive reward night free
• 2 p.m. late checkout
• Free internet
• Earn 10% bonus points on qualifying hotel purchases
• Welcome bonus points

Gold Elite status receives all Silver Elite benefits plus room upgrades, 25% bonus points on qualifying purchases, and a 4 p.m. late checkout.

Once you reach Platinum Elite status, you’ll receive all of the above and additional perks like complimentary executive lounge access, free breakfast, room upgrades including suites (when available), 75% bonus points, and an annual Choice Benefit.

Titanium Elite status grants you all of the above and additional perks like 75% bonus points and a Choice Benefit selection of a Free Night Award, suite upgrades, and more.

Hot Tip: If you hold both a Marriott-branded personal card and a Marriott-branded business card, you’ll receive a total of 30 Elite Night Credits that count toward elite status. This benefit translates into only needing 20 additional nights stayed at Marriott properties in a calendar year to achieve Platinum Elite status.

Annual Free Night Award

One of the most valuable benefits of Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards is the annual Free Night Award. It is granted after you pay your annual fee each year, and once added to your Marriott Bonvoy account, it can be used throughout the world at any one of Marriott’s 7,000+ properties.

The Free Night Award normally expires 1 year from the issue date and is good for a free hotel night up to a specified point limit in value. One exciting new feature introduced by Marriott Bonvoy is the ability to add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to your certificate to cover the cost of a higher-priced room.

The following Marriott Bonvoy cards offer Free Night Award:

Bottom Line: The annual Free Night Award can offer tremendous value and alone can be worth the annual fee on the Marriott Bonvoy-branded card. 

Travel Benefits and Protections

In addition to benefits such as elite status, lounge access, statement credits, and earning rewards, you’ll find Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards offer additional travel benefits and protections.

The car rental collision and damage insurance waiver can save you plenty when you rent a vehicle. Pay for the entire rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW insurance, and have coverage if the rental car is damaged or stolen.

Chase’s coverage is superior because it is primary coverage outside the U.S., not secondary. This means that you do not first have to file a claim with your own insurance company before coverage kicks in, as you would with secondary coverage. However, you will have the option with Amex to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period. Prices range from $12.95 to $24.95.

The actual limits, terms, and conditions of these additional benefits are expressly spelled out in the benefits guide that comes with each card.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

For full shopping benefits and protections, be sure to access the Guide to Benefits for the specific card.

Bottom Line: While you wouldn’t select a credit card based on shopping protections and benefits alone, it’s good to know which coverages are offered on which cards to utilize these benefits, should the situation arise. 

What Can You Do With Marriott Bonvoy Points?

Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards allow you to accelerate rewards earning. With generous welcome bonuses, elevated earnings at the Marriott family of properties, and every purchase you make earning points, rewards add up fast.

Fortunately, the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program offers several options for redeeming your points for hotel nights, transferring your points to airline partners, and more.

Let’s take a look at what you can do with your Marriott Bonvoy points.

Free and Discounted Hotel Nights

There are several ways to redeem your points for free hotel nights:

• PointSavers — Discounted award stays, based on availability
• Free Hotel Nights — Reward redemptions based on dynamic pricing
• Cash and Points — Use a combination of cash and award points
• Fifth Night Free — Book 5 consecutive award nights and pay for 4
• Points Advance — If you don’t have enough points to book your stay you can “borrow” from Marriott Bonvoy and pay them back up within 60 days of booking
• Top Off Your Free Night Award — If you have a Free Night Award, you can add up to 15,000 points to secure a more expensive or higher category room

Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience, a single night at an airport hotel, or a convenient venue to conduct business, you’ll be able to use your rewards points to book a room.

Transfer to Travel Partners

When it comes to redeeming points, it’s best to have options. In addition to using them for free hotel nights, Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to airline partners and subsequently used to purchase award tickets.

It’s easy to turn Marriott Bonvoy points into miles — there are dozens of airline partners to choose from. Points generally transfer at the ratio of 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 airline mile. Plus for every 60,000 points you transfer to most partners, you’ll receive a 5,000-mile bonus (the exceptions are American Airlines, Avianca Airlines, and Delta Air Lines).

• For example: transfer 60,000 miles to partner Alaska Airlines and receive 25,000 miles (60,000 points = 20,000 miles + 5,000-mile bonus)

Other Redemption Options

Here are some additional ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points:

• TSA PreCheck — 25,000 points for a $78 certificate
• Gift Cards — A common redemption value would be 5,000 points for a $10 retail gift card or 10,000 points for a $25 gift card
• Merchandise — Redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for retail merchandise (generally not a good value)
• Marriott Bonvoy Moments such as concerts, festivals, sporting events
• Flights and Rental Cars (generally not a good value)
• Donate your points to charity

Some redemption options provide far less value than others. Generally, the best redemption options for your points are hotel stays, and transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners.

Final Thoughts

There is value to be found in this group of Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards for the traveler who is loyal to Marriott.

While you’ll have to pay an annual fee with most of these cards, you’ll find plenty of perks and benefits that can help offset that cost, including things like statement credits, lounge access, complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status, generous welcome bonuses, and Free Night Award that can deliver enough value on their own to make the fee more than worth it.

And remember, you could qualify for more than 1 Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card — a personal card and a business card.

If you frequent Marriott properties, you’ll want to be a cardholder to earn free nights, enjoy the benefits of elite status, and take advantage of all the other perks that come with Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, and Marriott Bonvoy Business card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, and Marriott Bonvoy Business card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, and Marriott Bonvoy Business card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, and Marriott Bonvoy Business card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, and Marriott Bonvoy Business card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.