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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card — Full Review [2024]

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Jarrod West
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Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

437 Published Articles, 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 21U.S. States Visited: 24

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
Edited by: Stella Shon
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Stella Shon

News Managing Editor

77 Published Articles, 545 Edited Articles

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With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
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Kellie Jez

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Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
4.25
  • Earn 5 Free Night Awards

  • $95

  • Good to Excellent (670-850)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

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

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
4.25

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.

Card Snapshot

Welcome Bonus & Info

  • Limited time offer! Earn 5 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.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Customer Service Number

800-627-7468

Pros

  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
  • One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

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

Great Card If

  • You’re a Marriott loyalist
  • You want a fast track to Marriott Bonvoy elite status
  • You see value in the annual free night certificate
  • You want to earn on Bonvoy points on everyday purchases

Don’t Get If

  • You’re not a fan of Marriott-branded hotels, or don’t travel much
  • You prefer a card with more elite benefits like airport lounge access
  • You want a card with no annual fee

Marriott Boundless Card — Is It Worth It?

The Marriott Boundless card is a great option for those who are frequent travelers, prefer staying with Marriott-branded hotels, and can easily take advantage of the card’s best benefits.

For starters, you’ll earn up to 17x spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy3x spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining, and 2x on all other purchases.

If you’re looking to earn Marriott Bonvoy elite status, this card could be the perfect companion as it offers automatic Silver Elite status, and you’ll receive 15 Elite Night Credits each year to give you a head start toward higher status tiers. Now, you’ll also earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.

Beyond that, you’ll also enjoy a free night certificate each year to help offset the annual fee, and you receive travel protections like trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, and lost luggage insurance.

Marriott Boundless Card – Top Benefits

Anniversary Free Night Certificate

The annual free night certificate is easily one of the most valuable benefits of this card, and can easily make up for the card’s annual fee. Each year, on your account anniversary, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 35,000 points.

You have 12 months from the date that your free night was issued to use it before it expires, so don’t forget about it. It’s not uncommon for 35,000 point Marriott properties to be priced anywhere from $200 to $300 a night, so paying the $95 annual fee in exchange for a free night in one of these hotels can get you exceptional value. 

You can also add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to the value of your certificate in order to redeem it at a more expensive property.

Silver Elite Status

While Silver Elite status may be the lowest status level in the Marriott Bonvoy program, it can still be a valuable perk if you didn’t have status with the chain otherwise. Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite comes with perks like:

  • Priority late checkout, based on availability
  • 10% bonus Marriott Bonvoy-point earnings on Marriott stays
  • Access to exclusive phone lines for booking reservations
  • Compensation if Marriott Bonvoy can’t honor your reservation

The most notable benefit here is the extra 10% in point earnings on your Marriott stays. It’s worth noting that this applies only to points earned through the hotel stay itself, not through the credit card.

This bonus amounts to a total of 17 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 when you use your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

The Marriott Boundless card also offers a fast track to Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 or more on the card each account anniversary year. Marriott Gold Elite status offers enhanced perks like a 25% point bonus, 2 p.m. late checkout (based on availability), and room upgrades.

15 Elite Night Credits

Speaking of elite status, Marriott Boundless cardholders automatically receive 15 nights of elite credit each year. Not to be confused with free night certificates, you cannot redeem these credits for award nights — they exclusively count towards your status. With that said, a 15-night jump towards the next status tier can be extremely beneficial.

Keep in mind that you’ll also earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.

For example, Gold Elite status and Platinum Elite status require 25 nights and 50 nights a year, respectively. That means, with your automatic 15 Elite Night Credits, you will only actually need to stay 10 nights each year to earn Gold Elite status, and 35 nights each year to earn Platinum Elite status.

How To Earn and Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points

If you thought the only way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is by staying at Marriott hotels, or through spending on your Marriott Boundless card, you’d be wrong. In fact, there are tons of great ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points.

Along with earning points, you might think that your only redemption option is to use your points for Marriott hotel stays — that isn’t true either!

Marriott offers over 40 different airline transfer partners through which you can turn your Marriott Bonvoy points into airline miles at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.

This makes the Marriott Bonvoy program a great option when it comes to award flight redemptions, too!

Alternatives to the Marriott Boundless Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you’re looking for a great all-around rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a fantastic option.

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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 cards on 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 Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (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 Travel 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

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, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other 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.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on dining and travel, no foreign transaction fees, and flexible redemption options (including transfer partners).

For a modest annual fee, you’ll be able to start earning Chase Ultimate Reward points, one of the most valuable loyalty currencies available. Chase Ultimate Reward points can be redeemed for incredible value through the Chase transfer partners.

Read more about how these 2 cards match up in our head-to-head comparison of the Marriott Boundless card vs. the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

For those looking for a competitor hotel-branded card, the World of Hyatt card makes a lot of sense. The World of Hyatt program is arguably one of the best hotel loyalty programs, with great elite benefits and a fantastic award chart.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

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

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. Offer ends 3/6/2024.
Up to 65,000 points
$975
$95
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 World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros

  • Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays: 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
  • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (Category 1 to 4)
  • A second Free Night Award when you spend $15,000 on the card
  • Hyatt Discoverist status
  • 5 automatic elite night credits each year
  • 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card
  • DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Purchase protection
  • Trip cancellation/interruption and luggage insurance

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
  • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
  • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
  • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

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

Card Categories

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

The World of Hyatt card earns members 4x World of Hyatt points for Hyatt stays, plus 2x points at restaurants and on airline tickets, local transit, and fitness clubs. Cardholders get automatic Discoverist status, a free night each year, and 2 Elite Night Credits for every $5,000 spent on the card.

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 World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marriott Boundless card worth it?

It depends! If you’re someone who frequents Marriott hotels, values elite status with the program, and can take advantage of the annual free night, then the card is certainly worth considering.

Is the Marriott Boundless card metal?

The card is plastic, not metal.

Does the Marriott Boundless card charge foreign transaction fees?

This card does not charge foreign transaction fees. You can use it anywhere in the world that accepts Visa without any extra fees.

Does the Marriott Boundless card have an annual fee?

Yes, the card charges a $95 annual fee.

Can you transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points?

Yes, Marriott Bonvoy has 40+ airline transfer partners to which you can transfer your points.

Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?

Your Marriott Bonvoy points will expire after 24 months of no account activity. To keep them alive, you just need to do a qualifying activity, like earning or redeeming points.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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