In general, having a hotel-branded credit card allows you to receive elevated earnings at that hotel chain, perks during your stay, and some associated useful or money-saving benefits.
The same premise applies to Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, so if you’re a die-hard Marriott loyalist, you’ve probably considered applying for one of these cards. However, if you haven’t yet made the leap, you’ll find the information in today’s article of interest.
While it may seem logical that the best credit cards for Marriott loyalists are Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, there are additional travel rewards cards that offer Marriott-related benefits plus more flexible earning and redemption options. You’ll even find a few that offer luxury travel benefits.
Each card in the collection we’re going to discuss today could be a potential consideration for a Marriott fan, but depending on your spending mix, travel profile, and benefit preferences, you may also find a combination of cards that creates an ideal match for your situation.
Let’s get started with our take on the best cards for those travelers who make Marriott Bonvoy their brand of choice.
The Best Personal Marriott Bonvoy-Branded Cards for Marriott Loyalists
Although both Chase and American Express issue Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, there is consistency throughout the collection when it comes to earnings and Marriott-related benefits.
If the card has an annual fee, it will offer a complimentary hotel night certificate and have the same elevated earnings at Marriott properties.
Also, regardless of the card you select, you’ll enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
Let’s take a look at the Marriott Bonvoy-branded personal cards and all they have to offer the Marriott loyalist.
| CREDIT CARD | CARD INFO |
|---|
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Learn More (at Amex's secure site) | - Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $200 in Statement Credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Restaurants within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
- Annual Fee: $450
- Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here.
$525 |
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is a premium rewards card packed with perks that can make your travel more comfortable, save you money with statement credits, and make it easy to enjoy free hotel nights faster.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
There’s something special about the Marriott Boundless card. Perhaps it’s the fact that it comes with a lower annual fee yet still packs the same earning power as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. Add in a free hotel night at each card anniversary and you may find good value in having the card.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- 15 elite nights credited toward Marriott Bonvoy Elite status each calendar year
- Qualify for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 on the card in a calendar year
- Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary year, worth up to 35,000 points
- Free premium Wi-Fi at Marriott properties
- Baggage delay, trip delay, and purchase protection
- No foreign transaction fees
For more information on this popular card, check out these great benefits of the Marriott Boundless card.
| CREDIT CARD | CARD INFO |
|---|
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Learn More (at Chase's secure site) | - Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn up to 14x total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
- 2x Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains).
- 1x point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn unlimited Marriott Bonvoy points and get Free Night Stays faster.
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
- Annual Fee: $0
$210 |
If you stay frequently at Marriott properties, want a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card, but absolutely do not want to pay an annual fee, the Marriott Bold card may be a fit.
This no-annual-fee card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status which gives you complimentary internet, late checkout, 10% bonus points, and a dedicated elite reservation line.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- 3x earnings at Marriott
- 2x earnings on travel
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status (via 15 elite nights credited each calendar year)
- Trip delay insurance
- Lost and delayed luggage coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
Note that our list of benefits for the Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards is not all-inclusive and we have abbreviated the descriptions. You’ll want to access each card’s guide to benefits for further details and benefit terms and conditions.
Bottom Line: Each Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card comes with a level of complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Elite status and 15 qualifying elite night credits. There is a limit of 30 qualifying elite nights credited to your account each anniversary year, 15 elite qualifying nights for having either personal card, and an additional 15 nights for having the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express Card.
Additional Personal Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists To Consider
Ultimate Rewards points and Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy where you can book luxury properties such as Atlantis. Image Credit: MarriottThe Amex Platinum card is the ultimate card for frequent travelers. Marriott loyalists, in particular, will enjoy a complete benefits package that includes complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, points that can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program, and luxury perks that support a travel lifestyle.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
Hot Tip: Learn more about how to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points and the best ways to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for hotels and air vacation packages in our related articles.
| Credit Card | Benefits & Info |
|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Learn More (at Chase's secure site) | - Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service. Activate by March 31, 2022.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more.
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
- Annual Fee: $95
$1,200
Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, see our thoughts on its benefits and travel insurance coverage, which includes primary car rental insurance. Take a look at our full review to see why it’s one of our favorite cards. |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is our pick for a solid travel rewards card. The card earns flexible rewards points that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel.
You’ll also find the card packed with great benefits and travel insurance protections.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card transfer easily to the Marriott Bonvoy program
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel purchases
- Redeem points for 1.25 cents each towards travel
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription (activate by March 31, 2022)
- Enroll in complimentary Spot Club Platinum status at The Parking Spot for 2 years and receive 20% off of your first reservation and points for 1 free day of parking
- Trip cancellation/interruption/delay coverage
- Primary car rental insurance coverage
Check out our ideas for getting the maximum value for your Ultimate Rewards points and how to use your points for purchasing travel.
No matter your destination, chances are you’ll find a suitable Marriott property, like St. Regis Florence. Image Credit: MarriottThe Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel rewards card loaded with perks and benefits. You’ll enjoy worldwide airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and some of the best travel insurance and shopping protections.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with worldwide access to over 1,300 lounges
- 3x earnings on travel and at restaurants
- $300 statement credit for travel purchases each card anniversary
- Redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents each towards travel
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription and membership with Grubhub+/Seamless+ (via Lyft Pink perk)
- Enroll in complimentary Spot Club Platinum status at The Parking Spot for 2 years and receive 20% off of your first reservation and points for 1 free day of parking
- Primary car rental insurance
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
The Amex Gold card functions as a travel rewards card disguised as an everyday spending card. First, the card earns valuable Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel. Additionally, you can earn points in bonus spending categories that include everyday expenses.
The additional earnings on everyday spending serve to grow point balances quickly. Plus, the card comes with several travel benefits.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- 4x earnings at restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 per calendar year (1x thereafter)
- 3x earnings on flights booked with the airlines or Amex Travel
- Up to $120 in dining credits each year
- Secondary car rental insurance
- Baggage insurance plan
- No foreign transaction fees
While you won’t receive any Marriott-related benefits with the Amex Gold card, Marriott loyalists will have the flexibility to transfer Membership Rewards into Marriott Bonvoy to use for reward hotel nights.
Hot Tip: If you choose to transfer Ultimate Rewards points or Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy and the need to transfer is not urgent, watch for promotions that allow transfer bonuses that can add 20% to 40% additional points when doing so.
Use your Marriott Bonvoy points for luxury properties such as this Ritz Carlton property in Maui. Image Credit: MarriottSummary: The Best Personal Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
We’ve covered a lot of information, so let’s recap the core features and benefits of the cards we’ve mentioned as they relate to Marriott loyalists.
| Card | Earnings | Marriott Bonvoy Benefits |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card | - 6x points at Marriott
- 3x points flights booked with airlines
- 3x points at U.S. restaurants
- 2x points for all other purchases
| - Complimentary Gold Elite status
- Spend $75,000 on the card for Platinum Elite status
- 15 elite qualifying nights each year
- Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary worth up to 50,000 points
- $300 Marriott statement credit
- Free premium internet at Marriott properties
|
| Marriott Boundless card | - 6x points at Marriott
- 2x points for all other purchases
| - Complimentary Silver Elite status
- Spend $35,000 on the card for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- 15 elite qualifying nights each year
- Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary worth up to 35,000 points
- Free premium internet at Marriott properties
|
| Marriott Bold card | - 3x points at Marriott
- 2x points on travel
- 1x points for all other purchases
| - 15 elite qualifying nights each year which results in Silver Elite status
|
| Amex Platinum card | - 5x points on flights purchased directly from airlines and via Amex Travel
- 1x points for all other purchases
| - Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment
|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred card | - 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining
- 2x points on all other travel
| - Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve card | - 5x points on air travel and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on all other travel and dinning
- 1x points for all other purchases
| - Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
|
| Amex Gold card | - 4x points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants
- 2x points travel
| - Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
|
Bottom Line: When thinking of securing any hotel-branded credit card, consider pairing it with a travel rewards card. Together, you can ensure your highest spending categories earn maximum rewards and you’ll be receiving all the benefits that are a priority to you.
The Best Business Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
If you’re traveling for business and frequent Marriott Bonvoy-branded properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card can ensure you’ll be receiving the perks you deserve during your journey.
The card also makes it easier to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points just for paying your business expenses. Earning complimentary hotel nights can offset your business travel expenses or provide free lodging for a personal vacation.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Spend your way to Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year
- 15 elite nights credited toward Marriott Bonvoy Elite status each calendar year
- Complimentary hotel night certificate each card anniversary year, worth up to 35,000 points
- Additional complimentary hotel night certificate after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
- Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline frequent flyer programs
- Baggage insurance plan
- Secondary car rental insurance
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
If you hold both a business Marriott Bonvoy-branded card and a personal version, you can receive a total of 30 elite night credits each year — a nice jumpstart to higher elite status.
Like the personal version of the card, the Amex Business Platinum card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Elite status upon enrollment and is loaded with premium travel benefits.
If you travel frequently for business, you’re sure to enjoy the value of worldwide lounge access and elevated earnings on your travel purchases — 2 key benefits of having the card.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
- Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
- Worldwide lounge access to over 1,300 lounges including Centurion Lounges
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment
- 35% rebate on points redeemed for premium flights via Amex Travel
- Up to $200 airline incidental fee statement credit
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee statement credit
- Up to $179 statement credit for CLEAR membership
- Secondary car rental coverage
- Trip interruption/cancellation coverage
- Purchase protection, extended warranty
| Credit Card | Key Benefits & Info |
|---|
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Learn More (at Chase's secure site) | - Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year
- Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases—with no limit to the amount you can earn
- 25% more value when redeeming points through Ultimate Rewards® travel
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
- Annual Fee: $95
$2,000
Must Reads: For more info on the Ink Business Preferred, see our guides on its benefits, 7 things to do as a new cardholder, and our full review. This is our favorite Chase business credit card. |
The Ink Business Preferred card is a powerhouse when it comes to earning on your business purchases. And when it’s redemption time, you’ll find that your points are flexible and valuable.
With a lower annual fee and premier travel/shopping benefits, it’s a travel rewards card deserving consideration for even small business owners.
Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists
Bottom Line: If your business involves travel and you stay frequently at Marriott properties, it makes sense to have a Marriott Bonvoy-branded business or personal credit card. However, to ensure all of your business purchases earn rewards, you might consider pairing it with a business travel rewards card.
Points add up quickly when you’re earning rewards on all your business purchases. St. Regis Mallorca. Image Credit: MarriottSummary: The Best Business Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
If you’re a business owner, even if it’s a small business, you’ll want to be earning rewards on every dollar you spend. Let’s recap how these business cards earn rewards and how the cards deliver value to Marriott loyalists.
| Card | Earnings | Marriott Benefits |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business card | - 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points at U.S. gas stations, U.S. wireless providers, U.S. shipping, U.S. restaurants
- 2x points for all other purchases
| - Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Spend $35,000 on the card in a calendar year for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- 15 elite qualifying elite night credits each calendar year
- Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary worth up to 50,000 points
|
| Amex Business Platinum card | - 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel
- 1.5x points on purchases $5,000 or more (maxed at up to 1 million additional points per year)
- 1x points for all other purchases
| - Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment
- Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy 1:1
|
| Ink Business Preferred card | - 3x points earned for travel purchases, internet/cable/phone, shipping, and advertising purchased through social media and search engines (maximum $150,000 in purchases per year)
- 1x points for all other purchases
| - Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy 1:1
|
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
All of the Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards and Amex Platinum cards come with a level of Marriott Bonvoy elite status. You might now be wondering what type of benefits you can expect to receive, so let’s take a look.
Here’s an overview of Marriott Bonvoy benefits for each elite status level.
| Benefits | Silver Elite
10-24 Nights/Year | Gold Elite
25-49 Nights/Year | Platinum Elite
50-74 Nights/Year | Titanium Elite
75-99 Nights/Year | Ambassador Elite
99 or more Nights/Year + $14,000 in Qualifying Spend/Year (for 2021) |
| Complimentary In-Room Wi-Fi | X | X | Enhanced fastest internet | Enhanced fastest internet | Enhanced fastest internet |
| Bonus Points | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 75% |
| Late Checkout | Priority Late Checkout | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 4 p.m. |
| Elite Reservation Line | X | X | X | X | + Personal Ambassador service |
| Welcome Gift | | 250 to 500 points depending on property | Choice of points, breakfast, or amenity | Choice of points, breakfast, or amenity | Choice of points, breakfast, or amenity |
| Room Upgrade — Based on Availability | | | Select suites when available | Select suites expanded to include Ritz-Carlton properties | Select suites expanded to include Ritz-Carlton properties |
| Lounge Access | | | X | X | X |
| Annual Choice Benefit | | | X | Annual Choice Benefit + additional Choice Benefit | Annual Choice Benefit + additional Choice Benefit |
In addition to the benefits above, all Marriott Bonvoy elite members receive access to the Cash + Points redemption option, PointSavers for savings on reward nights, and Member Exclusive room rates.
Note that our list of benefits here is not all-inclusive, just the highlights. For more in-depth information on how to achieve Marriott Bonvoy elite status and the benefits of elite status you’ll want to review our comprehensive articles.
Bottom Line: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy status that comes with Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards and Amex Platinum cards can offer benefits at Marriott properties such as late checkout, bonus points for your stay, complimentary Wi-Fi, a dedicated reservation line, access to special hotel rates, and expanded redemption options.
Final Thoughts
If you stay frequently at Marriott properties, having one of the Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards could improve your experience, increase your earnings, and save you money.
If you stay at other hotel chains, fly frequently, and enjoy premium travel perks, a travel rewards card might be a better fit or an appropriate supplement to a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card. This strategy may also ensure your largest expenditures, not within the bonus categories of Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, receive maximum earnings.
Finally, we mention in this article that Ultimate Rewards points and Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program. While this is true, the ratio of transferring is normally 1:1 and may not be a good value for your points, unless you need to top off your Marriott Bonvoy account for a specific redemption.
Watch for promotions offered by these rewards programs, however, when the transfer ratio can increase up to 1 reward point equaling as much as 1.4 Marriott Bonvoy points, a much better value than the 1:1 normal transfer ratio.
Always check the value you’re receiving before you transfer points. Most flexible points have the potential to receive the best value when transferred to airline partners, but not always.
For more on the relative value of points and miles, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
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