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You'll currently find six co-branded Marriott credit card options issued by Chase and American Express. 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.
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
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit CardAnnual Fee$0Welcome Bonus
Earn 30,000 Marriott bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
- 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
- 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 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 15 elite night credits issued with the card, plus you'll get 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
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 15 elite night credits to help you reach a higher elite status tier. The 30,000-point bonus is also decent for a no-annual-fee hotel card. But there are more valuable Marriott Bonvoy cards to consider.
Related: Should You Get the No-Annual-Fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card?
Mid-Tier Marriott Credit Cards
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardAnnual Fee$95Welcome Bonus
Earn three bonus Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Earn 6X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 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
- Earn 6X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 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 $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.
The annual fee for the Bonvoy 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
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® CardAnnual Fee$250Welcome Bonus
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 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.
- 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 Gold Elites 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. 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 Gold Elites 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. 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.
- 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
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 85,000 after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership..
With this card, you can earn up to 18.5x points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy-participating hotels. 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.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ CardAnnual Fee$250Welcome Bonus
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
- 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
The Marriott Bountiful meets the requirement for a premium credit card thanks to its $250 annual fee. However, the card doesn't come with an annual free night like 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.
With both the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card 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.
Related: Hotel Credit Cards That Provide Free Annual Night Certificates
Premium Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardAnnual Fee$650Welcome 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.
- 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®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access 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.
- 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
- 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®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access 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.
- 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
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 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. .
This card has a compelling welcome offer and plenty of high-value perks and benefits, but the underwhelming earning rates make the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card less attractive than I had hoped when it was refreshed in 2022. 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.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Review
Business Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® CardAnnual Fee$125Welcome Bonus Earn three Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Welcome Offer: Earn three Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly through Marriott. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 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.
- 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
- Welcome Offer: Earn three Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly through Marriott. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 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.
- 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
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 Earn three Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
This card is more compelling to me than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card or Marriott Boundless, thanks to a more competitive 4x earning on useful spending categories, such as restaurants and wireless telephone services. Unlike the three Chase Marriott cards, 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 (max elite night credits from each card). 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: How To Get a Business Credit Card in 3 Steps
Marriott Bonvoy Card Strategy
There are a lot of perks to be had with the co-branded Marriott credit card options — from free night certificates worth 85,000 points to automatic Platinum Elite status. But there are three points you need to consider before picking a Marriott Bonvoy credit card strategy:
- First, consider your Chase 5/24 status. This doesn’t obligate you to apply for Chase cards first. It means you need to know how further card openings will affect what you are eligible for down the road.
- Next, look at which cards you hold or have recently held and review the list of Marriott card application rules to check your welcome offer eligibility.
- Finally, consider your future stay plans with Marriott. This will allow you to look ahead, thinking about which on-property benefits you want and are offered with each co-branded card. The right hotel elite status can really elevate a hotel stay.
Related: Last-Minute Strategies To Reach Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
Bottom Line
A variety of cards earn Marriott points. So, take your time to choose the right card for your needs and credit card strategy. With an informed decision, you shouldn't be disappointed.
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)
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Hi, please help shed some light. I have SPG $95 AE bonvoy now (since 2010). I would like to apply for Chase brilliant 250K points. I’ve did the research and it’s either 30 days never have had the card (which I qualify) or 30 days cancellation period on the existing spg card. Any thoughts? Thanks!
We get much more into the nitty-gritty of Marriott card eligibility in this post: https://awardwallet.com/blog/marriott-card-application-rules/
Are you referring to the Chase Bonvoy Boundless card’s 5 night certificates (each worth up to 50k) offer? If so, it does look like you’d need to cancel (or potentially product change?) your existing card and then wait 30 days.
“Eligibility for the new cardmember bonus: The bonus is not available to you if you (1) are a current cardmember, or were a previous cardmember within the last 30 days, of Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card (also known as The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express)”
Nice to able to earn points on the Bonvoy card even though they are devalued; however getting Marriott status (Gold elite) has not gotten us a single room upgrade over 21 stays Jan to Apr 2019. Don’t expect it. Book other rooms than Marriott and get what you want instead of anticipating an upgrade.
Thank you for the detailed post. Much appreciated.
Too bad the Bonvoy cards earn 33% less points on regular purchases compared to SPG
The Bonvoy Brilliant annual $300 statement credit offsets the $450 annual fee pretty nicely. Even so, agree that point accrual and gold status vs platinum could be better. Still may consider in the future..Thanks for the great insight!
One problem I have run into in the past with Marriott Rewards (now Bonvoy) is that free night certificates are only good for a certain level of hotel, and very often in big cities such as Washington DC, and london, there are no hotels at that level. So, you end up having to stay far away or not use the certificate.
AMEX and Chase scramble to divide up the strangely renamed Marriott affinity credit card pie:
Badly Branded Bonvoy Boundless/ Brilliant Battles Belie Bad Bank Business Breakup
Great info to read. Can’t believe they debuted Bonvoy commercials during the Oscars telecast!
The Amex luxury card is pretty disappointing, comparing to all other high annual fee cards. Wonder if it’s due to dual-issuer agreement which makes Amex less compelled to give very competitive features.
Awesome! Thank you for clarifying this
Between the two, I personally like the Amex cards. Customer service is above all.
I need to wait a few more months until I’m eligible again to apply, but am bookmarking the application rules post. Thanks!
Quite the tangled web of cards. Thanks for making some sense of it.
Is there a way to convert AAdvantage miles to Marriott points?
Love Marriott brand hotels, especially now they are even bigger with SPG hotels. Would def consider getting the co-brand new cards.
I’ve had the Chase Marriott cars for years and recently upgraded it. Would there be good reason to apply for the AmEx Marriott card to take advantage of their sign on bonus points, or would I be ineligible for it?
Eligibility depends on the exact card you hold, when you applied for it, and the last time you received a bonus on it. Check out the bullet points next to the card you want to apply for in our updated Marriott card application rules post.
Rich
Thanks for the though breakdown of the new types of credit cards.
Thanks for the breakdown. It is helpful as I am debating whether to go with Hilton or Marriott for my travel and will get a CC to enhance earnings.
The 2x points on all non Marriott spending isn’t enough to make me jump for the new card.
Thanks for this article, it helps a lot. I still can’t get over the name Bonvoy though!
Amex wouldn’t allow the Bonvoy Business if you have Chase Marriott Personal
Sure do miss earning the 3x SPG points on the old SPG card…
I need a new Marriott card!
be careful if you have had the bonus from Amex before (for SPG) then you may not be eligible for the new AMEX bonvoy cards. There are some specific rules around this. search other blogs for more detailed info about it.
Statement credits for the Luxury card have the potential to completely negate the annual fee if you spend on certain things.
I don’t like how bonus points are limited to US locations but that’s across the board with Amex.
Love Marriott experience every time I stayed. Great to be part of the program.
Wow what amazing deals – wish we had something similar in the UK! Still have the SPG Amex at a fairly poor earning rate (with minimal benefits for annual fee) and a Marriott MasterCard which is closed to new applicants!
thank for the information. very helpful
I’m still sorting through the Marriott Bonvoy program overall now that it has consolidated, but this is a great summary of the different cards I’ll have a choice of with the new program when I decide if the fees will be worth it. Very helpful, thanks.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the UK, where the SPG card is still available.
Great layout to best understand what you get where. I’m waiting for the no AF card from Chase. I wonder when they might put that out. I don’t use Marriott enough to justify the cards with the AF right now.
Just wish one was available in Australia.
with this new bonvoy launch, the credit card offerings have gotten pretty messed up. The new AmEx bonvoy business card didn’t provide any additional benefits but they still increased the annual fee. That on top of the loss of 1/3 rd of the earning rate. I”m likely going to cancel the card.
It is really a wonderful gift to us that you are able to analyze this amount of data and clearly explain it to the rest of us. Thank you!
making it more confusing everyday so you either squander your points, never use them or never earn them… I miss the old days
Can the 100,000 AE points be transferred to United Airlines or Marriott? Previously to transfer AE points to either program one had to transfer AE to Marriott then from Marriott to UA. There wasn’t a direct transfer from AE to UA. It’s been a while since I did this so I may be mistaken. The basic question …can I transfer the business AE 100,000 points to either Marriott or UA?
Regards,
Nick
Still no direct transfer between Membership Rewards and United. You can transfer Membership Rewards to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio but it’s not a recommended use of your points as Amex points are much more valuable than Marriott Points.
Helpful info. as these restrictions/qualifications are continually getting more complicated and requiring more careful consideration.
I do think Bonvoy is the worst name of any loyalty program.
This is a huge help in understanding the nuances of the cards. I find these explanations extremely helpful. Thanks! I think I know which direction I’m heading towards finally!
Thanks for the breakdown. 4x points at gas stations, the extra night and auto status on the business card is a worthwhile consideration for me.
Thanks for sharing the breakdown. Very helpful!
Looking to mortgage shop around September so I will have to miss out on any credit card sign ups until after all of that is complete.
It’s very confusing, they should have stuck with either Chase or Amex.
Too many rules to even get a card.
Thanks for this, much appreciated.
Great info. Want this deal.
Thank you for pointing out the most valuable card for us.
strange the UK SPG Amex is still available for new sign-ups.
I’m still really not sure which marketing agency thought bonvoy was a good name?! But putting that aside, I’ve found the integration betweeen Marriott and SPG fairly smooth, and I’m enjoying being able to book some top end former spg properties using points advance.
Imagine them announcing it at the airports for people are apart of that status.
Wow! This lays it out all out nicely compared to other posts I’ve seen about these changes. Thank you! And thank you for the Marriott card eligibility link – super helpful as I strategize which cards to get in what order!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I don’t understand why the Bonvoy business card is any better, especially with the increased fee since there is no increase in benefit with the increase in fee. Unless you are spend significantly in the bonus categories (which by the way are bonus categories for other cards as well and provides better value there), its much better to just get the personal chase version.
Ability to get a second free night, the higher bonus categories and currently higher welcome bonus put it above the personal version IMO
Thank you for the clarity. Heavily invested in SPG / Marriot and looking toward getting new program card.
Thanks for reminding me of the AMEX ‘Welcome Tool’ to ascertain eligibility (since Chase is out (5/24).
Business card it is! Needed a cooling couple months before my next chase business card
The Automatic Silver Elite status is good.
Will have to think about what to do next!
Wow, I’m actually impressed by the premium card… elite status, $300 Marriott credit, and annual free night cert is pretty compelling.
I have both the Bonvoy Brilliant card and the business card and will probably keep them. With the 300 dollar credit, the luxury card annual fee is reasonable. I wish it had a better earn rate at their hotels — the same earn rate as the other cards is disappointing. I agree that the business card has the best for category earnings. It will be my gas card when there are no quarterly gas bonuses.
A very confusing line up of cards compared to other chains. Thanks for the rundown on the latest changes.
I have no idea what I’m going to do with my remaining cards. I previously dropped the business versions of my SPG and Marriott cards.
Too bad Amex isn’t an option for entry level – partner doesn’t like Chase due to banking scandals
Don’t think business card is better one. Bonus categories may be better but how many readers here are using only one card?
With effectively $150 fee for Brilliant, $125 for business is really high.
Anyway, we will still keep two Lux, 1 Amex biz, 2 Chase Biz for a while.
Some useful information here, thanks.
Being burdened with Chase 5/24 I do not have to worry about any new Chase cards at this time.
I very much appreciate your spinning of a “burden” into “no worry for me here.” Turning such a negative on its head is probably a tool that serves you well in life. And, I need to take a lesson from you!
Thanks for the info. This seems to be the clearest explanation I’ve seen, so far.
you’re welcome!
Seems to me the luxury card gets the most bang for the buck.
Well that makes sense!
The “Cross over” rules (see Marriott card eligibility resource.) are really a PITA. I suddenly have an Amex Bonvoy card and my husband has a Chase Bonvoy card. I was the lucky one – I got approved for the new Amex Bonvoy Business card; my husband was the unlucky one. He upgraded his Chase Marriott card i November and got points AND he hasn’t had the card for 24 months yet.
Couldn’t agree more. Basically an act of collusion. Not saying it’s illegal or anything like that, but to see companies start to partner in this way is concerning.
The $95 is justified with the card. I wish it was a little higher or offered more points, but it’s worth it and justified for sure.
The free night is worth it. I wish it was a little more value/higher levels, but it’s still good enough to justify.
I hope they clarify the posting times of when the free night cert will hit out accounts
I’m really sad Amex is not issuing the basic consumer card anymore.
Yea, its difficult to pick up cards with Chase if youve been in the space a while