The Best Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Comparing Benefits and Perks

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: November 2, 2020

1. Credit Cards  / 
2. Strategies & Guides

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

Fortunately, as a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist, you’ll have several cards from which to select, all of which deliver generous levels of Marriott Bonvoy-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.

Chase Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site)

Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. A Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary. Automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year. Path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year. Earn 6X per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and earn 2x on all other purchases. Annual Fee: $95

With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, accelerated earnings, and an annual free night certificate, the Marriott Boundless card can be a staple for the Marriott Bonvoy traveler.

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

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists

• Earn 6x points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels
• Annual free night certificate (up to 35,000 points)
• Complimentary 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

Additional Card Benefits

• Lower annual fee
• 2x points on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

If you’re looking for a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card that offers elevated earnings at Marriott properties but you are reluctant to pay an annual fee, the Marriott Bold card could be a match.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists

• Earn 3x points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels
• 15 elite night credits per year, enough for Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status

Additional Card Benefits

• No annual fee
• Earn 2x points per dollar spent on travel
• 1x point per dollar on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Bottom Line: Chase currently offers 2 Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Choose between the Marriott Boundless card with a $95 annual fee that comes with a free annual hotel night certificate and 6x earnings at Marriott hotels or the Marriott Bold card with no annual fee and 3x earnings at Marriott hotels. 

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Card	Hotel Rewards	Sample Benefits/Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)	6 Marriott Rewards Points/$1 spent at marticipating Marriott Bonvoy hotels $300 statement credit for purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels	Gold Elite status, Priority Pass Select Membership, complimentary anniversary night, premium internet access Annual fee: $450 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, click here.

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 delivers elevated earnings, worldwide airport lounge access, free hotel nights, 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 the Card for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists

• Earns 6x points per dollar spent at Marriott properties
• $300 statement credit each year for Marriott purchases
• Annual free hotel night certificate worth 50,000 points
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
• Achieve Platinum elite status by spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year
• 15 elite night credits each year towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status
• $100 property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
• Free premium Wi-Fi

Additional Card Benefits

• 3x points at restaurants and on flights purchased directly with the airline
• 2x points on all other purchases
• Priority Pass lounge membership
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application/renewal fee statement credit
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)	Earn 100,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Free Night Award after your account anniversary each year Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status $125 Annual Fee Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business card, click here.

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

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists

• 6x points per dollar spent at the Marriott properties
• Silver elite status
• Spend your way ($35,000) to Gold elite status
• Annual free night 35,000 point certificate
• Additional free hotel night at $60,000 spent on the card
• 15 elite qualifying night credits each year

Additional Card Benefits

• 4x points per dollar spent on typical business expenses such as dining out, wireless phone service, shipping, and gas
• 2x points on all other purchases

Marriott Bonvoy-Branded Cards — Summary

Bottom Line: There are 4 Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards from which to select. Each offers its own package of earning, redemption, and stay benefits.

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 level of spending and spending mix versus 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. You’ll not only earn 6x points on Marriott purchases and 2x points on everyday purchases, but 4x points on business bonus-earning categories.

Bottom Line: When we compare earnings, all of the Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards with annual fees are created equal with 6x points earning at Marriott properties and 2x points per dollar on all other purchases. If you’re a business owner, however, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card with a collection of 4x earning categories for typical business purchases offers the greatest additional earning potential. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may also find value in the additional earnings of 3x points on dining and flight purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. 

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 qualifying night credits towards elite status each calendar year.

These 15 nights are enough to automatically earn you Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status, or be well on your way to the next higher levels of Gold, Platinum, or even Titanium 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 in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. 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
• Late checkout at 2 p.m.
• Free internet
• Earn 10% bonus points on qualifying hotel purchases
• Welcome bonus points

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

Once you reach Platinum Elite status, you’ll receive benefits such as complimentary executive hotel lounge access, free breakfast, room upgrades including suites (when available), an annual Choice Benefit, and more.

Titanium Elite status grants you higher bonus earnings and a Choice Benefit selection of a free night certificate, suite upgrades, and more.

To learn more about how to achieve Marriott Bonvoy elite status and the benefits of elite status, we’ve provided the details in our informative articles.

Bottom Line: Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status with any of these Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards. The Marriott Bold card grants Silver Elite status because of the 15 elite qualifying night credits awarded. All other Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards come with 15 elite qualifying nights, in addition to complimentary elite status, to use toward higher status. 

Annual Free Night Certificate

One of the most valuable benefits of Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards is the annual free night certificate. It is granted after you pay your renewal and once added to your Marriott Bonvoy account, it can be used throughout the world at one of over 7,300 properties.

The free night certificate normally expires 1 year from the issue date and is good for a free hotel night up to a specified point limit in value.

The following Marriott Bonvoy cards offer free night certificates:

Bottom Line: The annual free night certificate can offer tremendous value and alone can be worth the annual fee on the Marriott Bonvoy-branded card. 

Marriott Bonvoy-Branded Cards — Value Comparison

Should you splurge and get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card or does the Marriott Boundless card make more sense? And if you have a small business, should you just go for the Marriott Bonvoy Business card?

All Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards that charge an annual fee earn 6x rewards points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels and 2x points on all other non-bonus category purchases.

Let’s take a look beyond those base earnings at the benefits and extra value each card offers compared to its annual fee.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card has the highest annual fee. It does, however, come with a $300 statement credit for Marriott purchases. So, there is really only $150 more value to realize to potentially offset that fee.

If the worldwide Priority Pass Select lounge access membership and Marriott Gold Elite status deliver enough additional value for you, you’ve more than covered the annual fee.

You may also find value in the 50,000-point free night certificate which might secure you a hotel room worth significantly more than the 35,000-point certificate of the other, lower fee, Marriott Bonvoy cards.

Only you can decide which card is a match for you depending on your spending mix, your tolerance for paying an annual fee, and whether you will utilize the benefits offered on a specific card.

Also, remember that each card comes with a generous welcome bonus after card approval and meeting initial spending requirements. This welcome bonus alone could deliver value enough to offset the first year annual fee.

Bottom Line: Higher annual fees typically result in additional valuable benefits. If you are comfortable paying the fee and will make use of all the associated benefits, the added value can make the card worth it. 

What Can You Do With Marriott Bonvoy Points?

Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards allow you to accelerate rewards earning. With sign up 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, with peak and off-peak pricing
• Standard awards — with additional Peak and Off-Peak pricing (see chart below)
• Cash and Points — use a combination of cash and award points, also with peak and off-peak pricing
• 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 to 14 days before your stay

Properties under the Marriott Bonvoy collection of properties total over 7,300 worldwide. 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 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 and there are dozens of airline partners choices. Miles generally transfer at the ratio of 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 airline mile. Plus for every 60,000 points you transfer, you’ll receive a 5,000-mile bonus.

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

For more on how to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline transfer partners, we’ve put together this easy guide.

Other Redemption Options

When it comes time to redeem your points it’s good to have options. Here are some additional ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points:

• Marriott Hotel + Air Travel Packages — from 255,000 points for a 7-night hotel and 50,000 airline miles package
• TSA PreCheck — 25,000 points for an $85 certificate
• Gift cards — for example, redeem 5,000 points for a $10 retail gift card or 10,000 points for a $25 Uber 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, hotel/air packages, and transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners.

Hot Tip: There’s always an option to receive good value for your Marriott Bonvoy points. For our take on the best ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for award stays and flights, check out our comprehensive guides for inspiration. 

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. You can refuse the rental agency’s coverage and have the peace of mind that you’ll be covered should the car be damaged or stolen.

Chase’s coverage is superior because it is primary coverage versus 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.

We’ve provided just an overview of the additional benefits and protections. The actual limits, terms, and conditions are expressly spelled out in the benefits guide that comes with each card.

Shopping Protections and Benefits

• Purchase protection covers qualifying items on both cards for damage up to 120 days (90 days for New York residents) from the purchase date. Chase offers $500 per claim, up to $50,000 per year. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card coverage is $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per year, and the Marriott Bonvoy Business card is $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
• Extended warranty offers extended coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty for qualifying items. American Express cards offer up to 2 additional years on warranties 5 years or less or matches the warranty if the manufacturer’s warranty is less than 2 years. Chase offers an additional year extension on warranties 3 years or less.
• Return protection covers $300 per item for American Express cards. There is no return protection provided on the Marriott Boundless card or Marriott Bold card.

For full shopping benefits and protections, be sure to access the actual terms and conditions 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. 

Final Thoughts

There is value to be found in this foursome of Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards for the traveler who prefers Marriott Bonvoy as their brand of choice.

Cards offering annual free night certificates deliver value that alone could offset an annual fee and complimentary elite benefits could make that free stay even more comfortable.

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.

In addition to Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, other travel rewards cards can also benefit Marriott Bonvoy fans. To learn more about the best overall credit cards for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, we’ve put together our suggestions.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.