The 10+ Best Credit Cards for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists [2021]

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: May 7, 2021

1. Credit Cards

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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-branded cards, so if you’re a die-hard Marriott loyalist, you’ve probably considered applying for one of these cards. If you haven’t yet made the leap, however, 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-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 Marriott loyalists 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-Branded Cards for Marriott Loyalists

Although both Chase and American Express issue Marriott-branded credit cards, there is consistency throughout the collection when it comes to earnings and 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-branded personal cards and all they have to offer the Marriott loyalist.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

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.

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 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels Up to $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.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists

• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• Achieve Platinum Elite status by spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year
• Worldwide lounge access to over 1,300 properties via a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• 15 elite nights credited toward Marriott Bonvoy Elite status each calendar year
• Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary year, worth up to 50,000 points
• $300 statement credit for Marriott purchases each card anniversary year
• $100 property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
• $20 back per month at U.S. restaurants (through December 31, 2021; enroll through Amex Offers)
• Earn an extra 7,500 points after spending $7,500 (up to 10x) through December 31, 2021
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Free premium internet at Marriott properties
• Secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

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.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

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

Earn 100,000 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 up to 17X per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and earn 2x on all other purchases. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $95

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, check out these great benefits of the Marriott Boundless card.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

If you stay frequently at Marriott properties, want a Marriott-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 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-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/conditions.

Bottom Line: Each Marriott-branded credit card comes with a level of complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Elite status and 15 qualifying elite nights. 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 card. 

Additional Personal Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists to Consider

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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.

Amex Card

Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 60,000 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn 10x points on eligible purchases, in your first 6 months of Card Membership, on your new Card at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases). Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) plus earn 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Access 1,300+ airport lounges across 140 countries, including the amazing Centurion lounges. (This is our favorite lounge access card.) Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually. Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $550. Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here. Bonus Valuation*: $1,650 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on its benefits & perks, travel insurance coverage, and unbeatable airport lounge access. Take a look here for our full review. If you're a business owner, see our review of The Business Platinum Card from American Express.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists

• Centurion Lounge access plus worldwide access to over 1,300 additional lounges including the Priority Pass network
• Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy program plus additional airline and hotel partners
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Gold Hilton Honors Elite status
• 5x earnings on flights purchased directly from the airlines or on prepaid hotels/flights from Amex Travel and premium flights booked with the International Airline Program
• Up to $200 airline fee incidentals statement credit, and up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit
• Up to $30 monthly PayPal statement credit through June 30, 2021
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Travel insurance protections including secondary car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage insurance

Hot Tip: Learn more about how to earn lots of Marriott points, and the best ways to redeem Marriott points for hotels and air vacation packages in our related articles. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site)

Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening. Bonus Valuation*: $1,600 Earn 2x points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel. 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 12/31/21. Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $95 Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, see our thoughts on its benefits, travel insurance coverage, and credit score requirements. Take a look at our full review to see why it's one of our favorite Chase credit cards.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists

• Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card transfer easily to the Marriott Bonvoy program
• Earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining
• Redeem points for 1.25 cents each towards travel
• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
• $60 Peloton Digital and All Access Membership statement credit (through December 31, 2021)
• $50 statement credit for grocery store purchases made within the first year after opening your account
• 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
• Enroll to receive 10% back on Groupon deals every month for 12 months (up to $50), rewarded as Groupon Bucks
• 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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

The 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 and shopping protections.

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Apply Now (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. Bonus Valuation*: $1,200 $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through 12/31/21, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out & 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 Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Excellent Credit Recommended (740-850) Annual Fee: $550 Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists

• Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to 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 (including gas and grocery purchases through December 31, 2021)
• Redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents each towards travel
• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription and membership with Grubhub+/Seamless+ (via Lyft Pink perk)
• $120 Peloton Digital and All Access Membership statement credit (through December 31, 2021)
• 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
• Enroll to receive 10% back on Groupon deals every month for 12 months (up to $50), rewarded as Groupon Bucks
• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

American Express® Gold Card

The Amex Gold card functions as a travel rewards card disguised as an everyday spending card. First, the card earns valuable Membership Rewards points (on travel purchases) that can also 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.

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer American Express® Gold Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 35,000 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months. Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, plus, earn 4X points for Uber Eats purchases too. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US 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. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840) Annual Fee: $250 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. Bonus Valuation*: $1,320 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Gold Card, see our guides on its benefits and perks, as well as our full review.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists

• 4x earnings at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, maximum $25,000 per calendar year
• 3x earnings on flights booked with the airlines or Amex Travel
• $10 per month dining credit
• 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 points to use for free 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 which can add 20-30% additional points when doing so. 

Summary: 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.

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.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

All of the Marriott-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.

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 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. 

The Best Business Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express Card

If you’re traveling for business and frequent Marriott-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 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.

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

Limited Time Offer Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible purchases made on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/12/21. Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Earn 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. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Annual fee: $125. Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, click here.

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
• $15 back per month on U.S. wireless services (through December 31, 2021; enroll through Amex Offers)
• Earn an extra 7,500 points after spending $7,500 (up to 10x) through December 31, 2021
• Transfer Marriott points to airline frequent flyer programs
• Baggage insurance plan
• Secondary car rental insurance
• No foreign transaction fees

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Like the personal version of the card, the Amex Business Platinum card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Elite status 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.

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

New Welcome Offer: Earn 85,000 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Access more than 1,300 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, including the amazing Centurion lounges. $200 Airline Fee Credit. Get up to $200 in statement credits annually by getting up to $100 semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $595 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here. Bonus Valuation*: $2,200 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Business Platinum, see our insights on its benefits, top card FAQ's and the best airport lounges you can access. Go here for our full review. This is one of several business credit cards from Amex.

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
• 5x earnings on flights and prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
• 1.5x earnings on purchases $5,000 or more
• 35% rebate on points redeemed for premium flights via Amex Travel
• $200 airlines incidental fee statement credit
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee statement credit
• Up to $200 Dell statement credit
• Secondary car rental coverage
• Trip interruption/cancellation coverage
• Purchase protection, extended warranty

Ink Business Preferred® 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.

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site)

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Bonus Valuation*: $2,000 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 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.

Why We Like the Card for Marriott Loyalists

• Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy
• 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)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases
• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip interruption/cancellation/delay
• Cell phone protection

Bottom Line: If your business involves travel and you stay frequently at Marriott properties, it makes sense to have a Marriott-branded business or personal credit card. To ensure all of your business purchases earn rewards, however, you might consider pairing it with a business travel rewards card. 

Summary: 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.

Final Thoughts

If you stay frequently at Marriott properties, having one of the Marriott-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-branded card. This strategy may also ensure your largest expenditures, not within the bonus categories of Marriott-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.

Always check the value you’re receiving before you transfer points. Most flexible points have the potential to receive the most 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.

The information about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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.