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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 their hotel brand of choice.
The 9 Best Personal Cards for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists — Overview
Before we get into the details, here’s a look at the best personal cards to choose from, along with their core features and benefits as they relate to the Marriott Bonvoy program:
4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year) and restaurants
3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel
Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
The 5 Best Personal Marriott Bonvoy-branded Cards for Marriott Loyalists
Although both Chase and American Express issue Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, there’s consistency throughout the collection when it comes to earnings and Marriott-related benefits.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
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.
Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months.
Two 85K Free Night Awards
$1,190
$650
20.99%-29.99% Variable
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.
Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 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®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Brilliant 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 an 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access 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.
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 This Card for Marriott Loyalists
6x points at Marriott hotels
3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
25 Elite Night Credits toward Marriott Bonvoy elite status each calendar year
Free Night Award each card anniversary year, worth up to 85,000 points
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
125,000 points
$875
$250
20.99%-29.99% Variable
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)
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
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
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
15 Elite Night Credits per year
1,000 bonus points per paid stay
1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Earn 125,000 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.
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 Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
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.
A new entry in the portfolio of Marriott co-branded credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card slots into the middle of the range of options. With a $250 annual fee, the card offers a number of perks and elevated earnings for Marriott stays. If you’re not comfortable shelling out top dollar for the ultra-premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, this option is worth considering.
Why We Like This Card for Marriott Loyalists
6x points at Marriott hotels
4x points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets
2x points on all other purchases
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
15 Elite Night Credits toward Marriott Bonvoy elite status each year
Earn 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
Earn 1 Free Night Award (valid at properties costing up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
The Marriott Bountiful card offers automatic elite status and helps you earn more points on every purchase.
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
$595
$250
21.49%–28.49% Variable
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)
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
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
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.
Another newcomer, the Chase-issued Marriott Bountiful card offers largely the same benefits and perks as the Amex-issued Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card and comes with the same $250 annual fee.
Why We Like This Card for Marriott Loyalists
Up to 18.5x points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4x points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a combined $15,000 in purchases)
2x points on all other purchases
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
15 Elite Night Credits toward Marriott Bonvoy elite status each year
1,000 bonus points per paid Marriott stay
1 Free Night Award (valid at properties costing up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
No foreign transaction fees
Baggage delay, trip delay, and purchase protection
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
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.
Earn 3 Free Nights after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases (each night valued up to 50,000 points) within the first 3 months from account opening.
Up to 3 Free Nights
$1,050
$95
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)
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
Earn big when you use your card at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
New benefit to earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
Automatic Silver Elite Status
1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
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.
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 that it’s the perfect card for you.
Why We Like This Card for Marriott Loyalists
Up to 17x points at Marriott hotels
3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining, up to $6,000 in purchases each year
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status (qualify for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 on the card in a calendar year)
15 Elite NightCredits toward Marriott Bonvoy elite status each calendar year, plus earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards elite status for every $5,000 you spend.
Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary year, worth up to 35,000 points
Complimentary premium Wi-Fi at Marriott properties
Baggage delay, trip delay, and purchase protection
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
30,000 points
$210
$0
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)
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
Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
2x points per $1 on travel purchases
15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
No foreign transaction fees
No annual fee
Cons
Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
2X 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.
If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and want a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card, but 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 that gives you complimentary internet, late checkout, a 10% points bonus, and a dedicated elite reservation line.
Why We Like This Card for Marriott Loyalists
Up to 14x points at Marriott hotels
2x points on travel
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status (via 15 Elite Night Credits 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 certain level of complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status and 15 qualifying Elite Night Credits.
4 Non-Marriott-branded Personal Card Options To Consider
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
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)
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros
The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges,Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
The 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
5x points on prepaid hotels and flights from Amex Travel, flights purchased directly from the airlines (up to $500,000 on these purchases), and premium flights booked with the International Airline Program
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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 fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
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®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
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)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cardson the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros
5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
5x points on select Peloton purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
2x points on all other travel worldwide
$50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
Excellent travel and car rental insurance
10% annual bonus points
No foreign transaction fees
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
Complimentary Spot Club Platinum status with The Parking Spot for 2 years, 20% off of your first reservation, and points for 1 free day of parking (enroll by October 26, 2023)
Cons
$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
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 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 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.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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 top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
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.
Excellent (740-850)
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.
The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.
Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!
Pros
10x points on car rentals, hotels, and dining booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
5x points on airfare booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit
Priority Pass airport lounge access
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
Rental car elite status with National and Avis
Cons
$550 annual fee
Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
This is the go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
This is the go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
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.
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points atU.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are a number of other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
Pros
4x points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
3x points per $1 on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
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.
4x points at restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 per calendar year (1x thereafter)
3x points on flights booked with the airlines or Amex Travel
2x points on travel booked through Amex Travel
Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program plus additional airline and hotel partners
Up to $120 per year in dining statement credits (up to $10 per month) at participating restaurants, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required)
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.
The 3 Best Business Cards for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists — Overview
Before we get into the details, here’s a look at the best business cards to choose from, along with their core features and benefits as they relate to the Marriott Bonvoy program:
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
Silver Elite status and 15 Elite Night Credits
Spend your way ($35,000) to Gold Elite status
Annual 35,000-point Free Night Award
Additional free hotel night at $60,000 spent on the card
5x points on prepaid hotels and flights booked via Amex Travel
1.5x points on eligible business purchases, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment
Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
Access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (upon enrollment), Plaza Premium Lounges, and more
NEW OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual fee of $95
3x points on travel purchases, internet/cable/phone, shipping, and advertising purchased through social media and search engines (maximum $150,000 in purchases per year)
Points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
The Best Business Marriott Bonvoy-branded Card for Marriott Loyalists
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
125,000 points
$875
$125
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
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)
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
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
15 Elite Night Credits
1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly through Marriott. Terms and Conditions Apply.
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 Card.
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 This Card for Marriott Loyalists
6x points at Marriott hotels
4x points 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
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold 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 NightCredits toward Marriott Bonvoy elite status each calendar year
Complimentary Free Night Award each card anniversary year, worth up to 35,000 points
Additional Free Night Award after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
Hot Tip: If you hold both a business Marriott Bonvoy-branded card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, you can receive a total of 40 Elite Night Credits each year — a great jumpstart to higher elite status.
2 Non-Marriott-branded Business Card Options To Consider
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
120,000 points
$2,640
$695
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
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.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
Statement credits on select purchases with your card
35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
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 This Card for Marriott Loyalists
5x points on prepaid hotels and flights booked via Amex Travel
1.5x points on eligible business purchases, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per year.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment
Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program plus additional airline and hotel partners
Worldwide lounge access to over 1,400 lounges, including Centurion Lounges
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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 Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash-back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
100,000 points
$2,000
$95
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)
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.
Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.
Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.
Pros
3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
Cell phone protection
Purchase protection
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Rental car insurance
Extended warranty coverage
Cons
No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
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 This Card for Marriott Loyalists
3x points on travel purchases, internet/cable/phone, shipping, and advertising purchased through social media and search engines (maximum $150,000 in purchases per year)
Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card transfer easily to the Marriott Bonvoy program and other airline and hotel partners
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.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
The Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, Amex Platinum card, and Amex Business Platinum card all 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 to 24 Nights per Year
Gold Elite 25 to 49 Nights per Year
Platinum Elite 50 to 74 Nights per Year
Titanium Elite 75 to 99 Nights per Year
Ambassador Elite 100 or more Nights per Year + $20,000 in Qualifying Spend per Year
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 the 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.
Bottom Line: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status that comes with Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, the Amex Platinum card, and the Amex Business Platinum card 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 the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® 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 purchase protection benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® 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 car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, 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 benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express, 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 Platinum Card® from American Express, 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 car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express® Gold 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 baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express® Gold 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 car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express 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 baggage insurance plan benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express 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 car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, 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 benefits of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, 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 extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Marriott
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Marriott Bonvoy credit card for you will be the one that matches your spending mix, has an annual fee that you’re comfortable paying, and that provides benefits you personally find valuable.
The Marriott Bonvoy-branded card that has the best collection of benefits for the Marriott loyalist is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but this card also has the highest annual fee. The value you receive from any card should simply outweigh any expense of having the card.
If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, you may want to select a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card that’s a fit and supplement it with a general travel rewards card that is also a fit. This combination can ensure that you’re earning maximum rewards and receiving all the benefits you feel are relevant to your travel lifestyle.
However, it is not always good value to transfer your points to airlines. The transfer ratio is 3:1, meaning that it takes 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to equal 1 frequent flyer mile. There are a few exceptions to this ratio.
There are also transfer bonuses. In most cases, when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you receive an additional 5,000-mile bonus.
The bottom line is that the best value for your Marriott Bonvoy points is to use them for free hotel rooms, but you may find some instances where good value could be realized if you found an inexpensive premium award flight.
Each calendar year, cardholders will receive 15 Elite Night Credits to their Marriott Bonvoy account. The nights are not free hotel nights, they are just night credits that count toward elite status.
For example, you need 25 nights in a calendar year to earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. The 15 nights count toward the 25 so you would only need to stay 10 more nights to qualify.
If you hold both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card and a business Marriott Bonvoy-branded card, you can receive up to 40 total Elite Night Credits each year.
As long as you have points activity such as earning or redeeming points in your account, your points will not expire.
It there is inactivity for 24 months, the points will expire at that time.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
2 comments
Mike Manger
May 10, 2022
If I have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless CC and I know I will have an upcoming expense of $8000 Is it a good deal to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card and get the 100k points? And could I then transfer the points from one to the other for maximum benefits?
If you’re looking to earn some more Marriott points, then yes that would be a great strategy! You won’t need to transfer the points though, both cards will be linked to your Marriott account, so the points from each will flow into your one account.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
2 comments
Mike Manger
May 10, 2022
If I have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless CC and I know I will have an upcoming expense of $8000 Is it a good deal to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card and get the 100k points? And could I then transfer the points from one to the other for maximum benefits?
Jarrod West
May 10, 2022
Hi Mike,
If you’re looking to earn some more Marriott points, then yes that would be a great strategy! You won’t need to transfer the points though, both cards will be linked to your Marriott account, so the points from each will flow into your one account.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
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