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In general, having a hotel-branded credit card allows you to receive elevated earnings at that hotel chain, perks during your stay, and some associated useful or money-saving benefits.
The same premise applies to Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, so if you’re a die-hard Marriott loyalist, you’ve probably considered applying for one of these cards. However, if you haven’t yet made the leap, you’ll find the information in today’s article of interest.
While it may seem logical that the best credit cards for Marriott loyalists are Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, there are additional travel rewards cards that offer Marriott-related benefits, plus more flexible earning and redemption options. You’ll even find a few that offer luxury travel benefits.
Each card in the collection we’re going to discuss today could be a potential consideration for a Marriott fan, but depending on your spending mix, travel profile, and benefit preferences, you may also find a combination of cards that creates an ideal match for your situation.
Let’s get started with our take on the best cards for those travelers who make Marriott their hotel brand of choice.
Before we get into the details, here’s a look at the best personal cards to choose from, along with their core features and benefits as they relate to the Marriott Bonvoy program:
| Card | Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee | Earnings and Marriott Bonvoy Benefits |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card |
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Although both Chase and American Express issue Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, there’s consistency throughout the collection when it comes to earnings and Marriott-related benefits.
If the card has an annual fee, it will offer a complimentary hotel night certificate and have the same elevated earnings at Marriott properties.
Also, regardless of the card you select, you’ll enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Let’s take a look at the Marriott Bonvoy-branded personal cards and all they have to offer the Marriott loyalist.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is a premium rewards card packed with perks that can make your travel more comfortable, save you money with statement credits, and make it easy to enjoy free hotel nights faster.
A new entry in the portfolio of Marriott co-branded credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card slots into the middle of the range of options. With a $250 annual fee, the card offers a number of perks and elevated earnings for Marriott stays. If you’re not comfortable shelling out top dollar for the ultra-premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, this option is worth considering.
Another newcomer, the Chase-issued Marriott Bountiful card offers largely the same benefits and perks as the Amex-issued Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card and comes with the same $250 annual fee.
There’s something special about the Marriott Boundless card. Perhaps it’s the fact that it comes with a lower annual fee yet still packs the same earning power as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. Add in a free hotel night at each card anniversary and you may find that it’s the perfect card for you.
For more information on this popular card, check out the great benefits of the Marriott Boundless card.
If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and want a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card, but do not want to pay an annual fee, the Marriott Bold card may be a fit.
This no-annual-fee card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status that gives you complimentary internet, late checkout, a 10% points bonus, and a dedicated elite reservation line.
Note that our list of benefits for the Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards is not all-inclusive and we have abbreviated the descriptions. You’ll want to access each card’s guide to benefits for further details and benefit terms and conditions.
Bottom Line: Each Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card comes with a certain level of complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status and 15 qualifying Elite Night Credits.
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
The Amex Platinum card is the ultimate card for frequent travelers. Marriott loyalists, in particular, will enjoy a complete benefits package that includes complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status, points that can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program, and luxury perks that support a travel lifestyle.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is our pick for a solid travel rewards card. The card earns flexible rewards points that can be transferred to Chase transfer partners or redeemed directly for travel.
You’ll also find the card packed with great benefits and travel insurance protections.
Check out our ideas for getting the maximum value for your Ultimate Rewards points and how to use your points for purchasing travel.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel rewards card loaded with perks and benefits. You’ll enjoy worldwide airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and some of the best travel insurance and shopping protections.
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
The Amex Gold card functions as a travel rewards card disguised as an everyday spending card. First, the card earns valuable Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel. Additionally, you can earn points in bonus spending categories that include everyday expenses.
The additional earnings on everyday spending serve to grow point balances quickly. Plus, the card comes with several travel benefits.
While you won’t receive any Marriott-related benefits with the Amex Gold card, Marriott loyalists will have the flexibility to transfer Membership Rewards into Marriott Bonvoy to use for reward hotel nights.
Hot Tip: If you choose to transfer Ultimate Rewards points or Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy and the need to transfer is not urgent, watch for promotions that allow transfer bonuses that can add 20% to 40% additional points when doing so.
Before we get into the details, here’s a look at the best business cards to choose from, along with their core features and benefits as they relate to the Marriott Bonvoy program:
| Card | Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee | Earnings and Marriott Bonvoy Benefits |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card |
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| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express |
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| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card |
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If you’re traveling for business and frequent Marriott Bonvoy-branded properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card can ensure you’ll be receiving the perks you deserve during your journey.
The card also makes it easier to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points just for paying your business expenses. Earning complimentary hotel nights can offset your business travel expenses or provide free lodging for a personal vacation.
Hot Tip: If you hold both a business Marriott Bonvoy-branded card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, you can receive a total of 40 Elite Night Credits each year — a great jumpstart to higher elite status.
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
Like the personal version of the card, the Amex Business Platinum card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment and is loaded with premium travel benefits.
If you travel frequently for business, you’re sure to enjoy the value of worldwide lounge access and elevated earnings on your travel purchases — 2 key benefits of having the card.
The Ink Business Preferred card is a powerhouse when it comes to earning on your business purchases. And when it’s redemption time, you’ll find that your points are flexible and valuable.
With a lower annual fee and premier travel/shopping benefits, it’s a travel rewards card deserving consideration for even small business owners.
Bottom Line: If your business involves travel and you stay frequently at Marriott properties, it makes sense to have a Marriott Bonvoy-branded business or personal credit card. However, to ensure all of your business purchases earn rewards, you might consider pairing it with a business travel rewards card.
The Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, Amex Platinum card, and Amex Business Platinum card all come with a level of Marriott Bonvoy elite status. You might now be wondering what type of benefits you can expect to receive, so let’s take a look.
Here’s an overview of Marriott Bonvoy benefits for each elite status level:
| Benefits | Silver Elite 10 to 24 Nights per Year | Gold Elite 25 to 49 Nights per Year | Platinum Elite 50 to 74 Nights per Year | Titanium Elite 75 to 99 Nights per Year | Ambassador Elite 100 or more Nights per Year + $20,000 in Qualifying Spend per Year |
| Complimentary In-room Wi-Fi | X | X | Enhanced fastest internet | Enhanced fastest internet | Enhanced fastest internet |
| Bonus Points | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 75% |
| Late Checkout | Priority Late Checkout | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 4 p.m. |
| Elite Reservation Line | X | X | X | X | + Personal Ambassador service |
| Welcome Gift | 250 to 500 points depending on the property | Choice of points, breakfast, or amenity | Choice of points, breakfast, or amenity | Choice of points, breakfast, or amenity | |
| Room Upgrade — Based on Availability | Select suites when available | Select suites expanded to include Ritz-Carlton properties | Select suites expanded to include Ritz-Carlton properties | ||
| Lounge Access | X | X | X | ||
| Annual Choice Benefit | X | Annual Choice Benefit + additional Choice Benefit | Annual Choice Benefit + additional Choice Benefit |
In addition to the benefits above, all Marriott Bonvoy elite members receive access to the Cash + Points redemption option, PointSavers for savings on reward nights, and Member Exclusive room rates.
Note that our list of benefits here is not all-inclusive, just the highlights. For more in-depth information on how to achieve Marriott Bonvoy elite status and the benefits of elite status, you’ll want to review our comprehensive articles.
Bottom Line: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status that comes with Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards, the Amex Platinum card, and the Amex Business Platinum card can offer benefits at Marriott properties such as late checkout, bonus points for your stay, complimentary Wi-Fi, a dedicated reservation line, access to special hotel rates, and expanded redemption options.
If you stay frequently at Marriott properties, having one of the Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards could improve your experience, increase your earnings, and save you money.
If you stay at other hotel chains, fly frequently, and enjoy premium travel perks, a travel rewards card might be a better fit or an appropriate supplement to a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card. This strategy may also ensure your largest expenditures, not within the bonus categories of Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, receive maximum earnings.
Finally, we mention in this article that Ultimate Rewards points and Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program. While this is true, the ratio of transferring is normally 1:1 and may not be a good value for your points, unless you need to top off your Marriott Bonvoy account for a specific redemption.
Watch for promotions offered by these rewards programs, however, when the transfer ratio can increase up to 1 reward point equaling as much as 1.4 Marriott Bonvoy points, a much better value than the 1:1 normal transfer ratio.
Always check the value you’re receiving before you transfer points. Most flexible points have the potential to receive the best value when transferred to airline partners, but not always.
For more on the relative value of points and miles, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express® Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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2 comments
Mike Manger
May 10, 2022
If I have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless CC and I know I will have an upcoming expense of $8000 Is it a good deal to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card and get the 100k points? And could I then transfer the points from one to the other for maximum benefits?
Jarrod West
May 10, 2022
Hi Mike,
If you’re looking to earn some more Marriott points, then yes that would be a great strategy! You won’t need to transfer the points though, both cards will be linked to your Marriott account, so the points from each will flow into your one account.
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