Best Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024There are multiple options across multiple issuers, and their rewards and benefits tend to increase in step with the annual fee you pay.
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Marriott Bonvoy has an array of branded cards from two different issuers, Chase and American Express. Options range from a basic $0-annual-fee card to a luxury version loaded with perks for $650 a year. The higher the fee, the more benefits and perks you can expect from the card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travel, followed by a guide to choosing the right Marriott Bonvoy credit card for you.
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Marriott Bonvoy has an array of branded cards from two different issuers, Chase and American Express. Options range from a basic $0-annual-fee card to a luxury version loaded with perks for $650 a year. The higher the fee, the more benefits and perks you can expect from the card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travel, followed by a guide to choosing the right Marriott Bonvoy credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Marriott Bonvoy has an array of branded cards from two different issuers, Chase and American Express. Options range from a basic $0-annual-fee card to a luxury version loaded with perks for $650 a year. The higher the fee, the more benefits and perks you can expect from the card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travel, followed by a guide to choosing the right Marriott Bonvoy credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Marriott Bonvoy has an array of branded cards from two different issuers, Chase and American Express. Options range from a basic $0-annual-fee card to a luxury version loaded with perks for $650 a year. The higher the fee, the more benefits and perks you can expect from the card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travel, followed by a guide to choosing the right Marriott Bonvoy credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards of December 2024
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Premier benefits
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Best for Elevated rewards for frequent guests
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Best for No annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Point transfers and flexibility
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best for Business travelers
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Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
No annual fee
With automatic elite status, a decent sign-up bonus and a $0 annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card can be a good fit for casual travelers.
Our Take
This card earns sold rewards on Marriott stays and other spending categories. The bonus offer is pretty good considering you're not paying anything for the card, and you even get the same elite status as you would with a Marriott card that costs nearly $100 a year.
It's light on perks, as expected for a no-fee card. For instance, you won't get a free annual hotel night certificate, a hallmark of other hotel credit cards.
With automatic elite status, a decent sign-up bonus and a $0 annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card can be a good fit for casual travelers.
Business travelers
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card can be a practical companion for business travelers who stay at Marriott properties, with benefits that easily overcome its $125 annual fee. Terms apply. (For other options, see our list of the best hotel cards for small business.)
Product Details
- WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
- Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
- 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 Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
- Terms apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You’ll earn a rich welcome bonus, a discount on Marriott standard rates for bookings, automatic Gold Elite status, and a complimentary annual night certificate. In addition, the card earns generous rewards: 6 points per $1 spent at Marriott; 4 points per $1 spent on purchases at restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless phone services and shipping purchases; plus 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Terms apply.
The $125 annual fee is a bit higher than on the consumer version. Annual free night certificates are worth up to 35,000 points per night, but it can be challenging to redeem at this level for many hotels in peak season. Terms apply.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card can be a practical companion for business travelers who stay at Marriott properties, with benefits that easily overcome its $125 annual fee. Terms apply. (For other options, see our list of the best hotel cards for small business.)
Elevated rewards for frequent guests
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card comes at a higher cost than the baseline Bonvoy cards, but if you book a lot of stays with Marriott, you'll be rewarded handsomely. You'll also enjoy excellent rewards on everyday spending. Terms apply. (Note that this card is largely identical to the Bonvoy Bountiful card, which is issued by Chase.)
Product Details
- Earn 85,000 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 with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy 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 Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
- 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.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
With this card, every qualifying Marriott stay earns 1,000 bonus points, which come on top of the points earned for each dollar spent on that stay. You get 6X points per dollar spent on eligible Marriott purchases; 4X points per dollar on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at grocery stores and restaurants; and 2X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. You also get Gold Elite status automatically. Terms apply.
The $250 annual fee is on the high side, so it's not a good fit for those who travel only occasionally. The card offers a path to a free night each year (worth up to 50,000 points), but you have to spend $15,000 to get it. Terms apply. Some hotel credit cards offer an automatic free night for a smaller annual fee.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card comes at a higher cost than the baseline Bonvoy cards, but if you book a lot of stays with Marriott, you'll be rewarded handsomely. You'll also enjoy excellent rewards on everyday spending. Terms apply. (Note that this card is largely identical to the Bonvoy Bountiful card, which is issued by Chase.)
Premier benefits
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the VIP entry in the lineup, with a big welcome offer, solid rewards, multiple statement credits, elite status, lounge access and more — but it has a price tag to match. Terms apply.
Product Details
- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® 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®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- 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 a Brilliant 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 ($120) 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.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits 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.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The complimentary annual night certificate, worth up to 85,000 points, combined with up to $300 a year in statement credits for dining (up to $25 per month), can offset the hefty annual fee. Plus, you’ll get 25 elite night credits per calendar year, automatic Platinum Elite status, Priority Pass lounge access, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and loads of travel protections. Terms apply.
Although this $650-a-year card offers a slew of perks that its cheaper cousins don’t, its earnings aren't significantly better: 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels, plus 3X points per $1 on dining (no cap), 3 points per $1 on flights, and 2X points per $1 on all other purchases. The dining credit is doled out only in $25 monthly increments. Terms apply.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the VIP entry in the lineup, with a big welcome offer, solid rewards, multiple statement credits, elite status, lounge access and more — but it has a price tag to match. Terms apply.
Point transfers and flexibility
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't a Marriott-branded card, but the points you earn are super-flexible. Among your options: transferring points directly to Marriott — meaning that if you use this card right, you could earn 5 Marriott points per dollar spent even at other hotels.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
You'll earn solid rewards that are extremely flexible: 5 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Chase; 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart); 2 points per $1 on other travel; and 1 point per $1 everywhere else. Points can be transferred to Marriott or other eligible airline and hotel partners, or you can use them to book travel through Chase at a rate of 1.25 cents apiece. In addition, there's a stellar sign-up bonus and a slew of other perks.
Because this is a general-purpose travel card rather than a branded card, it won't qualify you for any hotel-specific perks, like automatic elite status. It doesn't offer a free annual hotel night certificate as some co-branded Marriott cards do.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't a Marriott-branded card, but the points you earn are super-flexible. Among your options: transferring points directly to Marriott — meaning that if you use this card right, you could earn 5 Marriott points per dollar spent even at other hotels.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST MARRIOTT BONVOY CREDIT CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on issuer's website:
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Our pick for: Most Marriott loyalists
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a worthwhile card whose benefits — especially a free night every year — can easily make up for its annual fee. Not only does Marriott have a wide selection of locations, both economy and upscale, but the card doesn't limit you to using points only for hotel stays. Read our review.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Rewards
6 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
3 points per dollar at grocery stores, at gas stations and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year; 2 points per dollar thereafter).
2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
(Note: Rewards earned by using the credit card are in addition to points you earn from booking stays as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. For example, Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating hotels, regardless of how they pay. Paying with this card earns you 6 points per dollar on top of those 10. Further, this card gives you Silver Elite status, which adds another 1 point per dollar, for a total of 17 when you use the card.)
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Notable perks
Free night award every year on your account anniversary (maximum redemption value: 35,000 points).
Automatic Silver Elite status, which includes:
10% bonus on base points earned for being a Bonvoy member (that is, points earned from hotel stays rather from using the card).
Priority late checkout, based on availability.
A boost toward higher elite status levels:
15 elite night credits automatically each calendar year.
1 additional elite night credit for each $5,000 spent on the card.
Automatic Gold Elite status if you spend $35,000 on the card in a year.
(Note: Earning Silver Elite status typically requires staying 10 nights in a year; Gold Elite typically requires staying 25 nights. See our guide to Marriott elite status for more information.)
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Bonus offer
Our best points offer! Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
. . .
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Our pick for: Premier benefits
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the VIP entry in Marriott's credit card lineup, with a big welcome offer, solid rewards, multiple statement credits, elite status, lounge access and more — but it has a hefty price tag to match. Terms apply. Read our review.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Rewards
6X points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
3X points per dollar at restaurants worldwide.
3X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.
2X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
(Note: Rewards earned by using the credit card are in addition to points you earn from booking stays as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. For example, Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating hotels, regardless of how they pay. Paying with this card earns you 6 points per dollar on top of those 10. Further, this card gives you Platinum Elite status, which adds another 5 points per dollar, for a total of 21 when you use the card. Terms apply.)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Notable perks
Free night award every year on your account anniversary (maximum redemption value: 85,000 points).
$300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
Application fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
Priority Pass Select lounge membership (enrollment required).
Up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve or St. Regis brands when you book direct using a special rate for a 2+ night stay.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Automatic Platinum Elite status, which includes:
50% bonus on base points earned for being a Bonvoy member (that is, points earned from hotel stays rather from using the card).
Priority 4 p.m. late checkout, based on availability.
Room upgrades and welcome amenities.
Free high-speed in-room WiFi.
A boost toward higher elite status levels:
25 elite night credits automatically each calendar year.
Terms apply.
(Note: Earning Platinum Elite typically requires staying 50 nights a year. The next level up, Titanium Elite, requires 25 nights. See our guide to Marriott elite status for more information. Terms apply.)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Bonus offer
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
. . .
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
Our picks for: Elevated rewards for frequent guests
Note that these two cards offer nearly identical benefits, but they come from different issuers
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card costs more than the baseline Bonvoy cards, but if you're spending a lot of nights in Marriott hotels, you'll be rewarded handsomely. You get 1,000 bonus points for each qualifying stay, on top of the points you earn for each dollar spent, as well as elite status and a path to a free night each year. Terms apply. Read our review.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Rewards
6X points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
4X points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year; 2 points per dollar thereafter).
2X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
(Note: Rewards earned by using the credit card are in addition to points you earn from booking stays as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. For example, Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating hotels, regardless of how they pay. Paying with this card earns you 6 points per dollar on top of those 10. Further, this card gives you Gold Elite status, which adds another 2.5 points per dollar, for a total of 18.5 when you use the card. Terms apply.)
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Notable perks
1,000 bonus points for each qualifying stay.
Free night award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year (maximum redemption value: 50,000 points).
Automatic Gold Elite status, which includes:
25% bonus on base points earned for being a Bonvoy member (that is, points earned from hotel stays rather from using the card).
Priority 2 p.m. late checkout, based on availability.
Enhanced room upgrades when available.
Free high-speed in-room WiFi.
A boost toward higher elite status levels:
15 elite night credits automatically each calendar year.
Terms apply.
(Note: Earning Gold Elite typically requires staying 25 nights a year. The next level up, Platinum Elite, requires 50 nights. See our guide to Marriott elite status for more information. Terms apply.)
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Bonus offer
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Card: Rewards
6 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
4 points per dollar at grocery stores and on dining (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year; 2 points per dollar thereafter).
2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
(Note: Rewards earned by using the credit card are in addition to points you earn from booking stays as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. For example, Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating hotels, regardless of how they pay. Paying with this card earns you 6 points per dollar on top of those 10. Further, this card gives you Gold Elite status, which adds another 2.5 points per dollar, for a total of 18.5 when you use the card.)
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Card: Notable perks
1,000 bonus points for each qualifying stay.
Free night award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year (maximum redemption value: 50,000 points).
Automatic Gold Elite status, which includes:
25% bonus on base points earned for being a Bonvoy member (that is, points earned from hotel stays rather from using the card).
Priority 2 p.m. late checkout, based on availability.
Enhanced room upgrades when available.
Free high-speed in-room WiFi.
A boost toward higher elite status levels:
15 elite night credits automatically each calendar year.
(Note: Earning Gold Elite typically requires staying 25 nights a year. The next level up, Platinum Elite, requires 50 nights. See our guide to Marriott elite status for more information.)
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Card: Bonus offer
Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card from Chase costs more than the baseline Bonvoy cards, but if you're spending a lot of nights in Marriott hotels, you'll be rewarded handsomely. You get 1,000 bonus points for each qualifying stay, on top of the points you earn for each dollar spent, as well as elite status and a path to a free night each year. Read our review.
. . .
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Our pick for: No annual fee
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers bonus rewards not only on purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, but also on other useful spending categories. Plus, you'll earn automatic Silver status and the valuable perks that come with it. Read our review.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Rewards
3 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
2 points per dollar spent on grocery store purchases, rideshare purchases, select food delivery.
2 points per dollar spent on select streaming, internet, cable and phone services. 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
(Note: Rewards earned by using the credit card are in addition to points you earn from booking stays as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. For example, Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating hotels, regardless of how they pay. Paying with this card earns you 3 points per dollar on top of those 10. Further, this card gives you Silver Elite status, which adds another 1 point per dollar, for a total of 14 when you use the card.)
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Notable perks
Automatic Silver Elite status, which includes:
10% bonus on base points earned for being a Bonvoy member (that is, points earned from hotel stays rather from using the card).
Priority late checkout, based on availability.
(Note: Earning Silver Elite status typically requires staying 10 nights in a year; the next level, Gold Elite, typically requires staying 25 nights. See our guide to Marriott elite status for more information.)
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Bonus offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
. . .
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Point transfers and flexibility
For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Rewards
5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase.
5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025).
3 points per dollar on dining.
3 points per dollar on select streaming services.
3 points per dollar on online grocery orders (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through Chase.
1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Notable perks
Redeem points for travel booked through Chase at a value of 1.25 cents apiece.
Transfer points to Marriott or a dozen other airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
$50 in statement credit every anniversary year for hotel stays booked through Chase. (Note: You won't receive rewards points for the $50 in spending that gets reimbursed via this credit.)
10% annual points bonus: Each anniversary, earn points equal to 10% of your spending in the past year. Spend $10,000, for example, get 1,000 bonus points.
Trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance.
Primary rental car insurance.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Bonus offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
How to earn 5X Marriott points at other hotels: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 5 points per dollar when you purchase travel through Chase. That includes flights, hotel stays, car rentals and more. So you could use the card to book a stay at any hotel through Chase, earn the 5X points, then swap those points for Marriott pointd.
. . .
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Our pick for: Business travelers
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card can pay for itself just with the automatic Free Night Award every year. Add in the included elite status, generous rewards, a dandy welcome offer and more, and it's hard to go wrong. Terms apply. Learn more and apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Rewards
6 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide.
4 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations.
4 points per dollar on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.
4 points per dollar on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
(Note: Rewards earned by using the credit card are in addition to points you earn from booking stays as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. For example, Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating hotels, regardless of how they pay. Paying with this card earns you 6 points per dollar on top of those 10. Further, this card gives you Gold Elite status, which adds another 2.5 points per dollar, for a total of 18.5 when you use the card.)
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Notable perks
Free night award every year on your account anniversary (maximum redemption value: 35,000 points).
Earn another free night award by spending $60,000 in a calendar year (maximum redemption value: 35,000 points).
7% discount on reservations of standard guest rooms when you book directly at participating hotels.
Automatic Gold Elite status, which includes:
25% bonus on base points earned for being a Bonvoy member (that is, points earned from hotel stays rather from using the card).
Priority 2 p.m. late checkout, based on availability.
Enhanced room upgrades when available.
Free high-speed in-room WiFi.
A boost toward higher elite status levels:
15 elite night credits automatically each calendar year.
(Note: Earning Gold Elite typically requires staying 25 nights a year. The next level up, Platinum Elite, requires 50 nights. See our guide to Marriott elite status for more information. Terms apply.)
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Bonus offer
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
• • •
WHICH MARRIOTT CREDIT CARD SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Marriott enthusiasts have a wide range of choices for a branded credit card, starting with a basic version with no annual fee and going all the way up to a perks-laden $650-a-year card. Marriott's card lineup was revamped in 2019 when the hotel company introduced its Bonvoy loyalty program after its merger with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, and again in 2022 with the launch of two new cards and a refresh of another.
Card choices for consumers are:
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card ($0 annual fee).
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card ($150 annual fee).
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card ($250 annual fee).
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card ($250 annual fee).
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee).
The pricier cards come with richer benefits and rewards than the basic card. So should you pay more to get more?
Marriott credit cards, compared
Marriott's credit cards work with the hotel company's loyalty program, Bonvoy. Note that some cards are issued by Chase and others by American Express. This is a legacy of the Marriott-Starwood merger. At the time of the merger, Marriott had cards issued by Chase, while Starwood cards were issued by AmEx.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (from Chase, $0 annual fee) |
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (from Chase, $95 annual fee) |
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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card ($250 annual fee) |
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Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card (from Chase, $250 annual fee) |
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee) |
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NerdWallet values Marriott points at 0.9 cent each. This is a baseline value, drawn from real-world data, not a maximized value. In other words, you should aim for award redemptions that offer 0.9 cent or more in value from your Marriott points.
Cheat sheet for choosing a Marriott card
If you want that anniversary night: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
This will be the right choice for many Marriott loyalists. The card more than pays for itself if you use the free night each year. That’s because a night at a Marriott property typically costs more than the annual fee of $95.
Also key: If you're looking for a card to use beyond Marriott booking, this one offers 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations and dining, as well as 2 points per dollar spent everywhere else. That's competitive with cash-back rewards cards.
If you want to try a Bonvoy card for free: Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
The allure here is the annual fee of $0. That makes it a no-risk way to earn perks and points in the Bonvoy program or generally to test the hotel loyalty waters. It's the card for those who refuse to pay annual fees, but it has less potential for outsized value than other Marriott cards.
If you want more Marriott rewards on everyday spending: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
These similarly named cards are all but identical, offering the same rewards for the same price; the only difference is in the issuer. You'll earn 4X Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, making it a rewarding card for those looking to ramp up their Bonvoy points balances. The card also comes with automatic Gold status, and earns an extra 1,000 points for every qualifying Marriott stay on top of the regular earnings from status and the card.
If you want luxury benefits: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The annual fee of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card might be hard to swallow, but it starts making sense when you break it down. If you can use the $300 dining credit every year (up to $25 per month), that effectively drops the fee to $350. And if you can book swankier hotels with your anniversary night (worth up to 85,000 points), it can be worth the remaining $350. Plus, it comes with automatic Platinum elite status, which can give meaningful value for Marriott loyalists in the form of room upgrades (including suites), free breakfast, lounge access, extra late check-out and more. In addition to perks in the comparison chart, this card offers a $100 Marriott property credit on two-night stays at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels. The credit is good for expenses such as room service and spa treatments. Terms apply.
Other Marriott cards
Marriott also has legacy cards that predate the launch of the Bonvoy program. They are closed to new applications. For reference, they are:
Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card.
Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card.
The Ritz-Carlton Card.
A current Bonvoy card for small business is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
• • •
NerdWallet's Gregory Karp contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, see this page.
Information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Last updated on November 18, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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