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Offers for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card are not available through this site. Some offers may have expired. Please see our card marketplace for available offers
I've used some mix of Marriott Bonvoy® credit cards for over a decade to maximize my stays with the brand, saving thousands of dollars over that time by way of free nights, upgrades, and even free breakfast. Marriott's co-branded credit card options are varied and prolific. You'll currently find seven in total across two credit card issuers. However, it's not easy to decipher the application rules for this combined card lineup. And it can be confusing to determine which card (or cards) is best for you. You're forgiven if you're confused by all the credit cards that start with the letter B.
In this post, we'll look at the Marriott Bonvoy credit card options, including their benefits and how they could fit into your travel strategy.
Page Contents
- No-Annual-Fee Marriott Credit Card
- Mid-Tier Marriott Credit Cards
- Premium Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
- Business Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Card Strategy
- Bottom Line
- Marriott Credit Cards FAQ
- What credit cards give you Marriott status?
- Are there any Marriott credit cards with Titanium status?
- What is the best credit card for Marriott status?
- Do Marriott credit cards have an annual fee?
- Do Marriott credit cards offer free nights?
- What credit score is needed for a Marriott credit card?
- Can I have more than one Marriott credit card at the same time?
- Is having a Marriott co-branded credit card worth it?
No-Annual-Fee Marriott Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is the only co-branded Marriott credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee. Cardmembers receive automatic Marriott elite status at the Silver Elite tier courtesy of the 5 elite night credits issued with the card, plus you'll get 60,000 bonus points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of account opening (Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees).
- 3X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains)
- 1X point on all other purchases
The major consideration for folks looking to apply for the Bonvoy Bold is that it can lock you out from getting more valuable Marriott cards, thanks to the Chase 5/24 rule.
The Bonvoy Bold is perfect if you want the 5 elite night credits to help you reach a higher elite status tier. The 60,000 bonus points + 1 Free Night Award-point bonus is also decent for a no-annual-fee hotel card. But there are more valuable Marriott Bonvoy cards to consider that also include this benefit. And it's worth pointing out that changes are coming to this card in July, liking reducing the value proposition.
Related: Bonvoy Bold Card Review
Mid-Tier Marriott Credit Cards
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The $95-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card delivers top benefits for a mid-tier hotel card. For starters, you'll earn up to 17x points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy-participating hotels. In recent AwardWallet redemptions, users have received 0.94¢ per point in valuation from Marriott points. That means you can earn 16 cents per dollar back in value as Marriott points.
- Earn 6X Bonvoy points per $1 spent participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining, and 2X points per $1 on all other purchases
- Earn 3 Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores, and dining
- Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
The annual fee for the Marriott Boundless is $95, and the card provides an annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points — as well as Marriott allowing you to add up to 15,000 Bonvoy points to each free night award for higher-value bookings. That will take you far at some of the top hotels for using Marriott free night awards, and it's easy to redeem the annual free night for more than the cost of the annual fee.
Related: Marriott Boundless Card Review
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card is the first American Express co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card on this list. The Bonvoy Bevy comes with a $250 annual fee (Rates & Fees) and a current welcome offer of up to 135,000 – 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
- Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your 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.
- 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 Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 4X points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
With this card, you can earn up to 18.5x points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy-participating hotels: 6x from the card and 12.5x from your Marriott Gold Elite status earned from the card. Note that the card doesn't provide a free night automatically on your cardmember anniversary. To get a free night worth up to 50,000 points, you'll need to spend $15,000 in a calendar year on purchases with your card, which is a big negative of this card. However, it does provide 1,000 bonus points on each paid stay you make with Marriott Bonvoy.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card Review
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
The Marriott Bountiful certainly feels premium with its $250 annual fee. However, the card doesn't come with an annual free night like some of Marriott's other premium co-branded credit cards. The sign-up bonus, however, is pretty nice. Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in the first three months.
- 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 4X points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
With both the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card from Amex and the Marriott Bountiful from Chase, you'll only earn a free night after you spend $15,000 on the card every calendar year. The free night is worth up to 50,000 points. You'll also receive automatic Gold Elite status while holding either of these cards and earn 1,000 bonus points on each paid stay.
Related: Hotel Credit Cards That Provide Free Annual Night Certificates
Premium Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is Marriott's premium co-branded card. It provides the highest level of perks available to Marriott Bonvoy members, including automatic Platinum Elite status. The welcome offer is currently up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points – 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
- Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your 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 the stay is booked with a Qualifying Rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in.
- 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 Brilliant 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.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
This card has a compelling welcome offer and plenty of high-value perks and benefits, but the underwhelming earning rates and higher annual fee since 2022 make the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card less attractive to me than it was in the past. I think that the The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card, which is unfortunately no longer open to new applicants, is a more effective premium Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, you'll also receive an annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points on each cardmember anniversary, which you can top off with up to 15,000 Bonvoy points to redeem for hotels up to 100,000 points. The card also provides up to $300 annually in dining credits (available as up to $25 per month) and a Priority Pass lounge membership. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Review
The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card
The The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card is no longer offered to new applicants, but you can product change to the card if you jump through a few hoops. If you do so, you'll receive a bevy of benefits, including 18.5x Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar spent at Marriotts, automatic Gold Elite status, and a free night award worth up to 85,000 points per night on each cardmember anniversary. This can also be topped off with 15,000 Bonvoy points to redeem for award stays up to 100,000 points. You'll also get a Priority Pass lounge membership with this card.
Business Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
American Express has emerged from the two banks as the lone holder of the Bonvoy co-branded business card. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card has a $125 annual fee (Rates & Fees). The welcome offer is 3 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each) after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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. Award 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.
- Rates & Fees
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible 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 Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
This card is a better fit for everyday spending than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card or Marriott Boundless, thanks to a more competitive 4x earning on categories such as restaurants worldwide and U.S. wireless telephone services. Cardholders also receive complimentary Gold Elite status with this card.
Plus, if you hold both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, you'll receive a total of 40 Marriott elite night credits each year (the maximum elite night credits from each card). That means you'll only be 10 nights away from Marriott Platinum Elite status with this strategy. This doesn't apply to holding two personal Marriott cards and is a massive incentive to get the Marriott business card.
Remember that you get automatic Platinum Elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, so those free Elite Night Credits could put you closer to earning Titanium Elite status (which requires 75 nights annually).
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Business Card Review
Marriott Bonvoy Card Strategy
Marriott co-branded cards offer a lot of perks, from Marriott Bonvoy status to free night certificates on card anniversaries. However, before applying, consider these three important points:
- First, if you're considering other credit card offers in the future, know your Chase 5/24 status. This doesn't mean you have to apply for a Chase credit card first, but know that the number of credit cards you open in the next 24 months may affect your ability to apply for the Chase-issued Marriott credit cards detailed in this post.
- Next, consider your credit card history, and make sure you're aware of Marriott card application rules to check your welcome offer eligibility.
- Finally, consider your future stays with Marriott. By doing so, you'll understand what status you're hoping to attain and can help maximize benefits and rewards on your next stay. The right hotel elite status can really elevate your next stay.
Related: Last-Minute Strategies To Reach Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
Bottom Line
As you can see, a variety of cards earn Marriott points. Take your time to choose the right card for your needs and credit card strategy. Hopefully, this breakdown of benefits has informed your next strategic move within the Marriott Bonvoy program and will help you maximize your next hotel stay.
Marriott Credit Cards FAQ
What credit cards give you Marriott status?
There are seven credit cards that give cardholders Marriott Bonvoy status. The no-annual-fee Marriott Boundless grants Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card, Marriott Bountiful, Ritz-Carlton Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Business Card offer Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is the only credit card to offer Marriott Bonvoy's Platinum Elite status.
Are there any Marriott credit cards with Titanium status?
Unfortunately, there are no Marriott credit cards offering Marriott Titanium Elite status. However, Marriott co-branded cards do offer a quicker path to Titanium, as several offer automatic elite nights that help cardholders reach the 75-night threshold for Titanium status.
What is the best credit card for Marriott status?
The best credit card for Marriott status is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card. The card offers Marriott Platinum Elite status for as long as you hold the card. No Marriott credit card offers Titanium or Ambassador status, meaning this is the highest level of status you can receive automatically.
Do Marriott credit cards have an annual fee?
All Marriott co-branded credit cards have an annual fee, except for the Bonvoy Bold. However, this card offers the most pared down slate of benefits. If you're looking to maximize your experience with the Marriott Bonvoy elite program with a co-branded credit card, one with an annual fee will offer more benefits.
Do Marriott credit cards offer free nights?
Yes, several Marriott credit cards offer free nights as a yearly account anniversary benefit and for spending on the card. There are free night certificates for 35,000 points, 50,000 points, and 85,000 points, which can all be topped off with 15,000 extra Marriott Bonvoy points from your account.
What credit score is needed for a Marriott credit card?
While there are many factors that go into a successful credit card application, very good to excellent credit is recommended before applying for a Marriott credit card.
Can I have more than one Marriott credit card at the same time?
Yes! However, you'll want to make sure you're aware of Marriott credit card application rules to ensure you qualify for the welcome bonus. Marriott even rewards those with both a personal and business Marriott co-branded card by granting them up to 40 elite nights towards status each year.
Is having a Marriott co-branded credit card worth it?
If you stay at Marriott properties frequently throughout the year, a Marriott co-branded card can be completely worth it. However, understanding your stay patterns and weighing that against annual fees and other credit card options is important before making any decision on your next credit card.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), and Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)
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