Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card Tweaks Rewards, Benefits

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is making some changes to its rewards structure, as well as adding some features.

The makeover includes a heftier sign-up offer for new cardholders, more points earned on some everyday purchases, changes to how you earn status, and an interest-free financing option.

The card will retain its $0 annual fee.

Here’s a breakdown of the card’s latest features.

» MORE: The guide to Marriott Bonvoy

What's changing

Bigger sign-up bonus

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card now features the following welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points and one Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the account.

That's a significant improvement over the card's previous offer: 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the account. 

» MORE: Best hotel credit cards for free nights

More points for some everyday purchases — but less back on 'other' travel

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card will offer the following ongoing rewards:

• 3 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. (No change.)

• 2 points per $1 spent at grocery stores and on services that include rideshares, food deliveries, select streaming, internet, cable and phone. (Previously, these categories earned 1 point per $1 spent.)

• 1 point per $1 on everything else, including "other" travel purchases such as airfare, taxis and trains. (Previously, those forms of travel earned 2 points per $1 spent.)

Different approach to status

Previously, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offered 15 Elite Night credits per calendar year, which would qualify you for Silver Elite status (and put you 10 elite nights away from Gold Elite status).

Now, you'll receive automatic Silver Elite status, but only get five elite qualifying nights toward your next status tier (leaving you 20 elite nights away from Gold Elite status).

Silver Elite status comes with perks like priority late checkout (if available), 10% bonus points on qualifying hotel purchases and complimentary Wi-Fi. Terms apply. 

An interest-free financing option

If you can qualify for it, the Travel Now, Pay Later option allows you to break up eligible travel purchases ranging between $100 and $5,000 into equal monthly payments without interest charges or fees. Purchases must be made directly with an airline or hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy to qualify.