What is the Best Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card?

Maximize your travel with the Marriott Bonvoy credit card. Our comparison cuts through the complexity to help you identify which card offers the best value for free stays, Elite perks, and beyond, ensuring your next adventure is both memorable and rewarding.

I’ve been using Marriott credit cards for many years, and have uncovered many benefits of using it to multiply my points. Today’s article shares with you the many benefits and shares how I personally use this card to maximize my Bonvoy points.

Marriott Credit Card Benefits

• Marriott Bonvoy credit cards come in various tiers, offering benefits from Silver Elite status with basic cards to complimentary Platinum Elite status and annual statement credits with high-end options like the Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.
• Cardholders can accumulate points through everyday purchases and special spending categories, with opportunities to earn Free Night Awards, achieve Elite status faster, and transfer points to a selection of airline partners.
• Understanding the costs associated with each card, including annual fees ranging from $0 to $650 and variable APR rates, is essential for selecting the best Marriott Bonvoy credit card for your financial situation and travel needs.

Exploring the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Embrace choice with four distinct Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, each designed to cater to your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you seek a basic card or a high-end one with a $650 annual fee, Marriott Bonvoy credit cards have got you covered. Thanks to Chase and American Express, the two issuers of these cards, you can enjoy the freedom of selecting the card that suits you best.

If you’re keen on making your next trip happen soon, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card for rapid point accumulation.

The Essential Marriott Bonvoy Card

Imagine being rewarded just for being a cardholder. With the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card, you’re automatically elevated to Silver Elite status. This means you get to enjoy a host of benefits, including priority late check-out, dedicated customer service line, and an extra 10% bonus on Marriott Bonvoy points earned during stays.

Advancing with the Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

Step into a world of luxury with the Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. It offers:

• Complimentary Platinum Elite status
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year to propel you towards higher levels of Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
• Every year after card renewal, a Free Night Award
• Up to $300 in statement credits for dining expenses at restaurants worldwide.

Indulge in a bit of luxury with a $100 property credit when booking at selected luxury hotels participating, such as St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton.

Business Travel Enhanced: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express

For the business traveler, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a game-changer. Earn 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy properties and 4X points on select business expenditures, including restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. shipping and wireless telecommunications purchases.

You’ll also enjoy the following benefits with the Marriott Bonvoy card:

• Complimentary in-room premium internet at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
• Annual Free Night Awards
• Upgradable after $60K spend within a year
• 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next elite status

These benefits make this card a perfect business travel companion.

Unpacking the Benefits: Why Choose a Marriott Bonvoy Card?

Reap the rewards of loyalty with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase. Experience a rewards program that includes:

• A welcome bonus for new cardholders
• The convenience of no annual fee
• Additional Free Night Awards by reaching specific spending thresholds, which can add significant value, especially for frequent travelers
• The ability to use these Free Night Awards across a broad spectrum of brands in the Marriott Bonvoy program’s global network.

Being a Marriott Bonvoy credit cardholder means enjoying exclusive benefits that enhance your travel experience and reward brand loyalty, especially at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. With a Marriott credit card and a Marriott Bonvoy member account, you can make the most of your stays at participating hotels.

Accumulating Marriott Points

Accumulating Marriott points is as simple as making everyday purchases. Here are some ways to earn more points:

• Use your Marriott Bonvoy credit card to enjoy higher points yield on specific bonus categories such as dining and transportation.
• Use your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card at over 7,000 participating hotels and earn up to 17X total points.
• Make direct bookings with Marriott to ensure extra points for each stay.
• Look out for possible bonuses, such as 1,000 bonus points per eligible stay with certain cards.
• Earn one night for every $5,000 you spend.
• Combine with Marriott’s Eat Around Town program to earn even MORE miles.

What’s more, Marriott points offer versatility. Transfer them to a selection of airline partners, usually at a 3:1 ratio, and get a bonus of 5,000 airline miles for every 60,000 points transferred.

Elite Status and Its Advantages

As a Marriott Bonvoy credit cardholder, you’ll be fast-tracked to Elite status. With complimentary Gold Elite status, you can enjoy a 25% points bonus, enhanced room upgrades, and 2 p.m. late checkout after 25 nights per year. Platinum Elite status offers a 50% points bonus, better room upgrades, and welcome gift choices after 50 nights per year. The more you travel, the higher your status.

Titanium Elite offers a 75% points bonus, even better room upgrades, and more welcome gift options after 75 nights per year. The highest tier, Ambassador Elite status, requires 100 nights and $23,000+ USD spend per year and offers personalized service, Your24 flexibility, and a 75% points bonus on eligible purchases. And the best part? Your Marriott Bonvoy credit card contributes to your Elite status advancement by offering 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year. For the go-getters, you can earn additional Elite Night Credits, propelling you faster towards the next Elite status level.

Silver Elite status, which comes with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, includes a 10% points bonus on eligible hotel purchases and priority late checkout.

I created this page to outline Marriott Status levels which delves into the possible perks every step of the way.

Weighing the Costs: Understanding Fees and Rates

Each credit card has its own cost structure. With Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, understanding these costs, including fees and rates, can greatly influence card selection and financial planning. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card has a variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99% on purchases. This is a significant factor in cost for those who carry a balance.

Balance transfer fees on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. This needs to be taken into account when moving debt between cards. For the globetrotters, Marriott Bonvoy cards enhance their value with no foreign transaction fees on international travels.

Annual Commitment

When selecting a credit card, it’s vital to consider the annual fees. Here are the annual fees for different Marriott Bonvoy credit cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: $95
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase: $95
• Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $125
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card: $250
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card from Chase: No annual fee

These fees, including those related to account opening, may be a consideration for those looking for personal credit cards.

Though the $650 annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card might appear high, it offers luxury experiences, appealing to frequent travelers who seek premium services. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card provides a welcome bonus of 5 Free Night Awards after spending $5,000 in the first three months and offers complimentary Silver Elite status, with a pathway to Gold Elite after $35,000 in annual spending.

For those seeking value at different price points, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card from Chase, with no annual fee, and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card, with a $250 annual fee, are worth considering.

Additional Charges to Consider

In addition to annual fees, other charges, such as penalty APRs and mandatory resort fees, are important to consider when evaluating the costs of Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. The card’s variable APR rate for purchases is currently set at 20.99%. A costly penalty APR of up to 29.99% may be applied based on the cardholder’s creditworthiness and other factors.

When using Free Night Awards, cardholders might face additional mandatory resort fees at certain properties, but they can also enjoy an additional free night award as a special perk.

Maximizing Your Marriott Experience

The right card and strategy can help you make the most of your Marriott experience. Here are some tips to enhance the value received from the card:

1. Use the Plan It feature to split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments, enabling easier budget management without forfeiting reward earnings on those purchases.
2. Use the annual free night award at hotels with a redemption level at or under the specified Marriott Bonvoy points.
3. Consider using Free Night Awards during peak travel seasons or at high-category properties.
4. Combine a Free Night Award with up to 15,000 points to access properties with higher redemption levels, potentially increasing the value of your stay.

Make the most out of longer vacations by leveraging the fifth-night-free benefit. For instance, you can get two free nights when booking a ten-night stay. Beyond just hotel stays, you can bid on or redeem points for unique experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. These could be concerts, culinary events, or VIP event access, significantly enhancing your Marriott experience.

Bonus Categories Breakdown

Numerous bonus categories make earning points with Marriott Bonvoy credit cards a breeze. All reviewed cards offer:

• 6X points on eligible hotel stays at properties participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
• The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card offers 4X points on dining at restaurants worldwide.
• The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide.
• For all other eligible purchases, Marriott Bonvoy credit cards generally offer a base rate of 2X points per dollar spent.

When comparing cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card both offer 6 points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy hotel purchases. However, they diverge in personal spending categories like dining and purchases on flights booked directly with airlines.

Free Night Awards and How to Use Them

Utilizing Free Night Awards is an excellent strategy to optimize the benefits of your Marriott Bonvoy credit card. Here are the details for each card:

1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: You receive an annual Free Night Award after your account anniversary, usable for a stay at properties with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: You receive a higher value annual free night, redeemable at hotels with a redemption level up to 85,000 points after card renewal month.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy and Bonvoy Business American Express Cards: You can earn extra free night awards by reaching specific spending thresholds within a calendar year.

Free night awards start from 7,500 points, and cardholders can top up with up to 15,000 additional points for higher-priced hotel stays. Plus, utilizing Free Night Awards also counts toward achieving higher elite status levels in the Marriott Bonvoy program, making it easier to earn a bonus free night award.

Personal Tales from a Marriott Bonvoy Cardholder

Many Marriott Bonvoy cardholders are eager to share their unique experiences. One cardholder attended the Wimbledon Tennis Championships’ opening day, had a private lunch with a tennis legend, and enjoyed a tour of the Tower of London. Cardholders appreciate the exceptional service provided by the Marriott Bonvoy Moments team, especially the friendly staff and well-organized events with open bars and appetizers.

These personal tales serve as testimonials to the unparalleled experiences that come with being a Marriott Bonvoy cardholder.

Navigating the Application Process

The application process for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card is quite simple. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Decide which card issuer you prefer, American Express or Chase.
2. Ensure you meet the credit cards’ requirements, particularly as the recommended credit score is generally between 690 and 850.
3. Visit the official Marriott webpage.
4. Select a card.
5. Provide necessary details such as income and employment during the application process.
6. The application includes a credit check that may offer an immediate approval status.

Once approved, new cardholders will be issued their Marriott Bonvoy credit card and should be mindful of any spending thresholds to attain welcome offers like bonus points or free night awards within the initial months. However, applicants with lower credit scores have noted issues with perceived approval likelihood.

Special Perks for the Frequent Traveler

Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer a range of special perks for frequent travelers. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card grants cardholders Priority Pass Select membership with complimentary airport lounge access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, upon enrollment. Cardholders can also receive reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four to 4.5 years, depending on the program.

Travel insurance coverage with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card includes protection for:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Trip delay
• Baggage
• Car rental loss and damage

This coverage is conditional upon booking the trip with the card.

Comparing Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards Side by Side

With so many options available, selecting the right Marriott Bonvoy credit card can be daunting. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card are two prominent offerings catered to Marriott loyalists. These cards from Chase and American Express differ in their annual fees, earning rates, and perks, influencing the overall value proposition of each card.

While the Boundless card is a mid-tier option, the Brilliant card is designated as a premium card reflecting their positioning in the Marriott Bonvoy credit card lineup. The Boundless is ideal for average spenders, while the Brilliant caters to those seeking luxury travel perks.

Summary

Navigating the world of credit cards can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and perspective, you can find the perfect card to match your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or a frequent flyer, participating in Marriott Bonvoy with their credit card offers a diverse range of benefits, from reward points on everyday expenditures to exclusive perks for the luxury traveler. So why wait? Start your journey with Marriott Bonvoy today and unlock a world of rich experiences and rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit card has Marriott membership?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers Marriott membership benefits, including earning points at Marriott hotels and complimentary Platinum Elite status.

Is there a fee for Marriott Credit card?

Yes, there is an annual fee of $95 for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card.

What benefits do I get with the Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?

With a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you can enjoy benefits such as reward points, complimentary elite status, free night awards, exclusive perks, and travel insurance coverage. These perks can add significant value to your travel experience.

How do I earn Marriott points?

You can earn Marriott points on everyday spending, especially in bonus categories like dining and transportation, and by booking directly with Marriott.

How can I compare different Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?

To compare different Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, consider factors such as annual fees, earning rates, perks, and your own spending habits and travel frequency. This will help you determine the best card for your needs.