With over 9,000 properties across more than 30 brand names, Marriott offers a hotel for every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly family vacation, the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program provides significant value. The easiest way to elevate your stays and earn rewards faster is by using a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
Choosing the right card can feel overwhelming. With six different options available from Chase and American Express, each with its own set of perks, fees, and welcome offers, how do you decide which one deserves a spot in your wallet?
This guide will break down the entire lineup of Marriott Bonvoy credit cards to help you find the perfect match for your travel style and spending habits. We’ll compare their features, benefits, and current offers, making it easier for you to maximize your rewards and unlock premium travel experiences.
A Guide to Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Marriott partners with both Chase and American Express to offer a range of credit cards, from a no-annual-fee entry-level card to a premium option packed with luxury perks.
Understanding the key features of each will help you select the card that best aligns with your goals.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
- Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious travelers.
- Issuer: Chase
- Annual Fee: $0
- Key Perks: This card is the perfect entry point into the Bonvoy ecosystem. It offers automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits annually, helping you climb the status ladder without paying an annual fee. It also comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international travel.
- Earning Rates: Earn 3 points per dollar at Marriott hotels, 2 points on travel purchases, and 1 point on all other spending.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Best for: Casual travelers who want solid perks for a low annual fee.
- Issuer: Chase
- Annual Fee: $95
- Key Perks: The Boundless card significantly steps up the benefits. It includes automatic Silver Elite status and an annual Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points. This free night alone can easily offset the annual fee. You also receive 15 elite night credits each year.
- Earning Rates: Earn 6 points per dollar at Marriott properties, 3 points on the first $6,000 spent each year on gas, groceries, and dining, and 2 points on everything else.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Best for: Business owners and frequent travelers.
- Issuer: American Express
- Annual Fee: $125
- Key Perks: This is Marriott’s only business card. It grants automatic Gold Elite status, which offers valuable perks like enhanced room upgrades and late checkout. Cardholders receive an annual Free Night Award (up to 35,000 points) and can earn a second one after spending $60,000 in a calendar year. A unique benefit is that you can stack the 15 elite night credits from this card with those from a personal Bonvoy card, accelerating your path to higher status tiers.
- Earning Rates: Earn 6 points per dollar at Marriott hotels, 4 points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. shipping, and on wireless telephone services, and 2 points on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card
- Best for: High spenders who can meet the threshold for the free night award.
- Issuer: Chase
- Annual Fee: $250
- Key Perks: The Bountiful card comes with automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits. However, to earn the annual Free Night Award (worth up to 50,000 points), you must spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year. This makes it less straightforward than cards that offer the free night automatically.
- Earning Rates: Earn 6 points per dollar at Marriott, 4 points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases annually), and 2 points on other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
- Best for: Amex loyalists who want Gold status.
- Issuer: American Express
- Annual Fee: $250
- Key Perks: The Bevy card mirrors the Bountiful in many ways. It provides automatic Gold Elite status and also requires a $15,000 annual spend to unlock the Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points). Its earning structure is slightly different, focusing on restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- Earning Rates: Earn 6 points per dollar at Marriott, 4 points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases annually), and 2 points on other spending.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Best for: Luxury travelers seeking premium benefits.
- Issuer: American Express
- Annual Fee: $650
- Key Perks: As the top-tier card, the Brilliant delivers a suite of luxury benefits. It grants automatic Platinum Elite status, which includes complimentary breakfast, lounge access, and significant room upgrades. The card features a valuable annual Free Night Award (worth up to 85,000 points) and up to $300 in annual dining credits (up to $25 per month). It also provides a Priority Pass lounge access membership and 25 elite night credits.
- Earning Rates: Earn 6 points per dollar at Marriott hotels, 3 points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2 points on all other purchases.
How to Choose the Right Marriott Card
With six cards to consider, the best choice depends entirely on your travel habits and financial goals. Here are some key factors to help you decide.
Evaluate the Annual Fee vs. Benefits
For many, the decision starts with the annual fee. The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® is an excellent choice if you want to avoid annual fees while still earning points and gaining elite status.
For a modest $95 fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® offers an annual free night that can provide value far beyond the cost of the card.
If you’re willing to pay for more substantial perks, the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® stands out. While its $650 annual fee is high, the combination of the annual 85,000-point free night, $300 dining credit, and automatic Platinum Elite status can deliver immense value for frequent Marriott guests.
Consider Your Elite Status Goals
If achieving a higher elite status is your priority, some cards offer a clear advantage. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® gives you Platinum Elite status right out of the gate, unlocking some of the most valuable perks in the program.
For those looking to earn status through stays and spending, holding both a personal card (like the Boundless) and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® card is a powerful strategy.
This combination grants you a total of 30 elite night credits annually, placing you just 20 nights away from Platinum Elite status before you even complete a single stay.
Look at Your Spending Habits
Your everyday spending can help you rack up points quickly if you choose the right card. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® card is a strong contender with 4x points on several key business categories. For personal spending, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® offers a solid 3x on gas, groceries, and dining.
A Smarter Way to Travel!
Selecting the right Marriott Bonvoy credit card can transform your travel experiences, unlocking valuable perks like free nights, room upgrades, and elite status.
By aligning a card’s benefits and annual fee with your personal travel style and spending habits, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of every dollar you spend.
Whether you’re a casual vacationer or a seasoned road warrior, there’s a Marriott card designed to make your stays more rewarding!