Earning Marriott Bonvoy points can unlock incredible travel experiences, from luxurious hotel stays to unforgettable adventures. Choosing the right Marriott credit card is crucial to maximizing your rewards and accelerating your path to free nights. This guide explores the best Marriott credit cards available in 2024, providing a detailed comparison to help you select the perfect card for your spending habits and travel goals.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Comparison
| Credit Card | Key Benefits | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Automatic Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy benefits like enhanced room upgrades, guaranteed late checkout, and bonus points on stays. $300 Statement Credit: Each year you can earn up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. Free Night Award: Receive one Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month, redeemable for a one-night stay at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel with a redemption level of up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Priority Pass Select Membership: Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. | $650 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card | 4X Marriott Bonvoy Points: Earn 4X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and restaurants worldwide. 1,000 Bonus Points and 1 Elite Night Credit: Earn 1,000 bonus points and 1 Elite Night Credit for each qualifying stay. Free Night Award: Earn one Free Night Award every year after spending $15,000 on purchases. Redeemable for a one-night stay at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel with a redemption level of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. | $250 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | 6X Marriott Bonvoy Points: Earn 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Automatic Silver Elite Status: Enjoy benefits like priority late checkout and bonus points on stays. 15 Elite Night Credits: Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each year, helping you reach a higher Elite status faster. Free Night Award: Receive one Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month, redeemable for a one-night stay at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel with a redemption level of up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. | $95 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card | 3X Marriott Bonvoy Points: Earn 3X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Automatic Silver Elite Status: Enjoy benefits like priority late checkout and bonus points on stays. 15 Elite Night Credits: Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each year, helping you reach a higher Elite status faster. | $0 |
Detailed Explanations
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the premium option, offering a wealth of benefits for frequent travelers. The most significant perk is the automatic Platinum Elite status, which provides valuable benefits like room upgrades, guaranteed late checkout, and bonus points on stays. The card also offers a $300 statement credit annually for eligible restaurant purchases and a Free Night Award each year after renewal. Additionally, the card comes with a Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to airport lounges worldwide. This card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties and value premium benefits.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card offers a strong balance of rewards and benefits. Cardholders earn 4X Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and restaurants worldwide, making it a great option for those who dine out often. It also provides 1,000 bonus points and 1 Elite Night Credit for each qualifying stay. Furthermore, you can earn a Free Night Award each year after spending $15,000 on purchases. This card is suitable for travelers who want to earn bonus points on Marriott stays and dining, and who are willing to meet the spending requirement for the annual free night.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a mid-tier option that provides excellent value for its annual fee. Cardholders earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. It also grants Automatic Silver Elite Status, which offers benefits like priority late checkout and bonus points on stays. The card provides 15 Elite Night Credits each year, accelerating your path to higher Elite status. A notable perk is the Free Night Award received each year after renewal. This card is a great choice for those who want to earn bonus points on Marriott stays and enjoy some elite benefits without a high annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option that allows you to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday spending. Cardholders earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Similar to the Boundless card, it provides Automatic Silver Elite Status and 15 Elite Night Credits each year. While it doesn't offer a free night award, it's a solid option for those who are new to the Marriott Bonvoy program or who prefer to avoid annual fees.
Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Points
Understanding Redemption Options: Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels worldwide, as well as for experiences, flights, and merchandise. The value of your points can vary depending on how you redeem them, with hotel stays generally offering the best value.
Point Transfer Partners: Marriott Bonvoy partners with numerous airline programs, allowing you to transfer your points to airline miles. This can be a valuable option if you're looking to book award flights.
Elite Status Benefits: Elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program offers a range of benefits, including bonus points, room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast. Consider your travel frequency and spending habits to determine which level of elite status is most beneficial for you.
Earning Bonus Points: Take advantage of promotions and bonus offers to accelerate your point earning. Marriott frequently offers bonus points for stays, dining, and other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Marriott credit card is best for frequent travelers? The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is generally considered the best for frequent travelers due to its automatic Platinum Elite status, free night award, and Priority Pass Select membership.
Which Marriott credit card has no annual fee? The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card has no annual fee, making it a good entry-level option for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
How many Marriott Bonvoy points are needed for a free night? The number of points required for a free night varies depending on the hotel category and time of year, ranging from 7,500 to 100,000 points per night.
Can I transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airlines? Yes, Marriott Bonvoy partners with many airlines, allowing you to transfer points to airline miles.
How do I earn elite night credits with a Marriott credit card? The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® and Bold® cards provide 15 Elite Night Credits each year, helping you reach a higher Elite status faster.
What is the best way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points? Generally, redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays offers the best value, especially at higher-end properties.
Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire? Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity in your account. You can maintain activity by earning or redeeming points.
Can I combine Marriott Bonvoy points from multiple accounts? Yes, you can transfer points between Marriott Bonvoy accounts if they are in good standing.
How can I check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance? You can check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by logging into your account on the Marriott website or app.
Are there any restrictions on using the free night awards? Yes, free night awards typically have expiration dates and may be subject to availability at specific properties. Check the terms and conditions of your free night award for details.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Marriott Bonvoy credit card depends on your individual spending habits, travel frequency, and desired benefits. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the top choice for frequent travelers seeking premium benefits, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers excellent value for its annual fee. The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card provides a no-annual-fee option for earning points, and the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card balances rewards with a mid-tier annual fee. Carefully consider your needs and preferences to select the card that will help you maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points and unlock unforgettable travel experiences.