Maximizing your stays at Marriott hotels can be more rewarding with the right credit card in your wallet. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional guest, there’s a Marriott credit card designed to enhance your travel experience and earn you points faster.
The three best Marriott credit cards are:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (review): Best option for most people with a reasonable annual fee.
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review): Best option for frequent Marriott travelers.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review): Best option for small businesses.
1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Best Overall
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (review) offers valuable rewards for Marriott stays plus an annual free night certificate valid at properties costing up to 35,000 points. While the card provides good baseline benefits for Marriott guests, its true strength lies in helping you achieve higher elite status tiers through its 15 annual elite night credits. Welcome Bonus:6x points at Marriott Hotels; 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants; 2x points on all other purchases. Earning Rewards: 6x points at Marriott Hotels; 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants; 2x points on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Free annual hotel night after each account anniversary (up to 35,000 points), Marriott Silver elite status, 15 elite night credits, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip delay, baggage delay, and lost luggage), and purchase protection.
2. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Best Business Marriott Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review) provides solid value through its annual free night award and automatic Gold Elite status benefits like room upgrades and late checkout. Though its bonus categories could be more rewarding, this card serves as an excellent complement to a personal Marriott card for stacking elite night credits. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Points: 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®; 4x points at restaurants, US gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers, and US shipping; 2 Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card points per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Benefits: Anniversary free night (up to 35,000 points), additional free night (up to 35,000 points) after spending $60,000 in purchases in a calendar year, 7% discount off standard rates, Marriott Gold elite status, 15 elite night credits, baggage insurance plan, secondary rental car insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Best Premium Marriott Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review) offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status and valuable perks like an annual free night certificate that can be used at many premium Marriott properties. The card includes generous monthly restaurant credits and provides elite nights toward status each year, making it a strong choice for Marriott travelers. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Points: 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points on restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines; and 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases. Benefits: Marriott Platinum elite status, 25 elite night credits, $300 dining credit (up to $25 per month) at restaurants worldwide, free anniversary free night award (up to 85,000 points), Priority Pass™ airport lounge access, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit, cell phone protection, travel insurance (trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage insurance, and secondary rental car), and return protection.
4. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Best for No Annual Fee
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (review) serves as Marriott’s entry-level credit card option with bonus points on hotel stays and travel purchases. While it provides useful benefits like Silver Elite status and travel protections, you’ll find more limited earning potential compared to Marriott’s premium card options.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning Points: 3x points for purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 2x points on other travel purchases (including flights, rental cars, cruises, etc.); 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits: Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status, 15 elite night credits (ending 7/11/2024), no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip delay, baggage delay, and lost luggage), and purchase protection.
5. Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™
The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ offers automatic Gold Elite status and strong rewards at Marriott properties, restaurants, and grocery stores. While it requires $15,000 in spending to earn a free night certificate, this mid-tier card falls short of delivering premium benefits that justify its price point.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 85,000 Bonus Points After Spending $4,000 in Purchases in the First Three Months.
Earning Points: 6x points for purchases at Marriott hotels; 4x points at grocery stores and dining, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year; 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits: Marriott Gold elite status, 1,000 bonus points per eligible paid stay, free night up to 50,000 points when you spend $15,000 in eligible purchases during a cardmember year, 15 elite night credits, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay insurance, secondary rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees.
6. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (review) provides automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status and rewards generously for Marriott stays. While it includes 15 elite night credits annually, you’ll need to spend $15,000 in a calendar year to earn a free night certificate worth up to 50,000 points. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy; 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the US) and at US supermarkets up to $15,000 in combined purchases, then 2x points; and 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: 1,000 Bonus points per stay on stays booked directly with Marriott, free night award up to 50,000 points when spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year, Marriott Gold elite status, 15 elite night credits, secondary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
What is Marriott Bonvoy?
Marriott Bonvoy is a comprehensive hotel loyalty program that encompasses many benefits and rewards for travelers. Introduced by Marriott International, it represents the unification of the Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs, offering its members access to a vast portfolio of hotels and unique experiences around the globe.
Members of Marriott Bonvoy can earn points by staying at any of the 7,000+ participating hotels across 30 brands, including luxury names like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and JW Marriott, as well as more budget-friendly options such as Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn. These points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, flights, and more, providing a flexible and valuable currency for frequent travelers.
The program is structured with multiple membership tiers, each offering a progressively richer set of benefits. As members ascend from basic membership to Silver, Gold, and Platinum Elite statuses, they enjoy perks such as complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, bonus points on stays, and access to exclusive member rates. The highest tiers, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite, grant the most luxurious benefits, including dedicated ambassador service and Your24, allowing flexible 24-hour check-in and check-out times.
In addition to hotel-related rewards, Marriott Bonvoy offers experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, allowing members to use their points to bid on or purchase once-in-a-lifetime experiences like sports events, culinary workshops, and cultural outings.
With a focus on providing a wide array of options for earning and redeeming points, Marriott Bonvoy aims to cater to a diverse set of travel needs, making it a popular choice among both leisure and business travelers.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy points offer versatile redemption options, with hotel stays typically providing the best value. We value Marriott points at 0.82 cents per point based on our data study, but you can get the best value at luxury properties or during peak seasons. The program’s dynamic pricing model means rates fluctuate, so flexibility in your travel dates can help maximize value. A standout feature is the fifth night free on award stays, effectively giving you a 20% discount on longer bookings. This benefit applies to consecutive award nights and can significantly stretch your points. Marriott also offers Cash + Points options, allowing you to combine cash and points for more flexibility. Transferring Bonvoy points to airline partners is another valuable option. With a 3:1 transfer ratio for most airlines and a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred, this can be an excellent way to top up airline accounts or access niche programs. However, transfer times vary, so plan accordingly. For unique experiences, consider Marriott Bonvoy Moments. These exclusive events and activities, often unavailable for cash purchase, can provide memorable opportunities for point redemptions. While Marriott allows point redemptions for flights, car rentals, and cruises, these typically offer lower value compared to hotel stays or airline transfers. Unless you have a specific need or excess points, it’s generally best to avoid these options.
Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer Partners
Marriott points transfer at a rate of 3 Marriott points to 1 airline mile with a transfer bonus of 5,000 airline miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points.
Aegean Miles+Bonus
Aer Lingus AerClub
Aeromexico ClubPremier
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air China PhoenixMiles
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Air New Zealand [200 to 1 Ratio]
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
American Airlines AAdvantage*
ANA Mileage Club
Asiana Airlines
Avianca Lifemiles*
British Airways Executive Club
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
China Southern Airlines
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles
Delta SkyMiles*
Emirates Skywards
Etihad Guest
Frontier Miles
Hainan Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
Iberia Plus
InterMiles
Japan Airlines
Korean Air*
LATAM Airlines
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Saudia Alfursan
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Southwest Rapid Rewards
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
United MileagePlus®
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Australia
* Transfer Bonus Does Not Apply
How to Choose a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
When selecting a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you choose the card that best suits your travel needs and financial situation. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Assess Your Travel Frequency: Frequent guests at Marriott hotels will benefit more from a card with higher rewards and benefits, even if it comes with an annual fee. Infrequent travelers might prefer a card with no annual fee, even if it offers fewer perks.
Analyze the Rewards Structure: Look at the points earning rate for hotel stays and everyday purchases. A card that offers more points per dollar spent at Marriott properties might be more beneficial if you stay at Marriott hotels often.
Consider the Annual Fee: Evaluate whether the benefits and rewards you will receive from the card outweigh the cost of the annual fee. Some cards offer enough value in annual free night awards or elite status benefits to justify the fee.
Examine Sign-Up Bonuses: Many cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be a significant boost to your points balance. Make sure you can meet the spending requirements to earn the bonus without stretching your budget.
Understand the Perks: Each card comes with its own set of perks, such as complimentary elite status, annual free night awards, or statement credits. Consider which perks align with your travel habits and preferences.
Review Elite Status Benefits: If elite status is important to you, look for a card that offers automatic elite status or the ability to earn status through spending.
Consider Your Spending Habits: Some cards offer additional points on categories beyond hotel stays, like dining or flights. Choose a card that rewards you for your most common spending categories.
Look at the Long-Term Value: Consider not only the immediate benefits but also how the card will serve you in the long run. A card that aligns with your long-term travel and spending patterns is likely a better choice.
By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can select a Marriott Bonvoy credit card that complements your lifestyle, maximizes your rewards, and enhances your travel experiences.
How To Apply for a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
Applying for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the application process:
Research Your Options: Before applying, review the different Marriott Bonvoy credit cards available to find the one that best suits your travel habits and financial situation. Consider the rewards, benefits, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses.
Check Your Credit Score: Credit card issuers typically require a good to excellent credit score for travel rewards cards. Ensure your credit score is within the range needed for the card you’re interested in.
Gather Personal Information: You’ll need to provide personal details such as your full name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and financial information like your annual income and employment status.
Apply Online: The most convenient way to apply for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card is via our links above (which also supports our website).
Submit Your Application: Once you have filled out the form and reviewed all the information, submit your application. You will typically receive an instant decision; however, in some cases, the issuer may need additional time to review your application.
Wait for a Response: If you’re not instantly approved, the credit card issuer will usually provide a decision within a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, they may contact you for additional information.
Follow Up If Necessary: If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, you can call the issuer’s customer service line to check on the status of your application.
Understand the Outcome: If approved, you will receive your new Marriott Bonvoy credit card in the mail and information about your credit limit and how to activate the card. If your application is denied, you can request a letter explaining the decision and consider ways to improve your credit for future applications.
By following these steps, you can apply for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card and enjoy the benefits and rewards of being a cardholder.
For the rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For the rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
