We earn commissions from featured brands, which impact the order and presentation of listings
Advertising Disclosure

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Search
Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Which Marriot Credit Card Is Best For My Needs?

Which Marriot Credit Card Is Best For My Needs?

Marriot offers 4 types of credit cards, each has its own set of benefits and an annual fee between $0 to $650. Which of them is best for you?
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

If you enjoy staying in Marriott hotels and resorts, it stands to reason that you’ve considered the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. However, what you may not have considered is the best Marriott cards that can give your loyalty point balance a boost.

Fortunately, there are several cards to choose from that can help you determine which Marriott credit card is right for you.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card review 2019

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Reward details

1x – 6X 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. Earn 3X points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.

Current Offer

125,000 points Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$95

0% Intro

None

APR

21.49%–28.49% variable

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a compelling option for Marriott loyalists, offering valuable perks that can offset its $95 annual fee.

Cardholders receive a free night certificate every year upon renewal, valid for a one-night stay at properties requiring 35,000 points or less, often exceeding the card's annual fee.

Additionally, the card grants 15 Elite Night Credits annually, contributing to Silver Elite status and making it easier to reach Gold Elite status through stays or spending.

Lastly, it includes an automatic Silver Elite status, trip delay and lost luggage insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.

  • APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
  • Rewards Plan: 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. Earn 3X points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
  • Sign Up bonus: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
  • 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
  • Free Night Certificate
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
  • Travel Benefits
  • Elite Night Credits
  • Weaker Rewards for Non-Marriott Spending
  • Limited Perks Compared to Premium Cards
  • Annual Fee

Can the free night certificate be used at any Marriott property?

The certificate is valid for a one-night stay at properties requiring 35,000 points or less within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

How does the card contribute to elite status with Marriott Bonvoy?

The card grants automatic Silver Elite status and provides 15 Elite Night Credits annually, making it easier to achieve higher status levels.

Are there foreign transaction fees with this card?

No, the card has no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.

Can points earned with the card be used for options other than hotel stays?

Yes, points can be redeemed for flights, car rentals, special experiences (Marriott Bonvoy Moments), and gift cards within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Is there a pathway to Gold Elite status with the card?

Yes, cardholders can achieve Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 in a calendar year.

How does the card compare to other Marriott credit cards?

The Boundless card is an entry-level, mid-tier option, distinguishing itself with a lower annual fee and valuable perks.

Book hotel with Marriot Boundless card points
Book hotel with Marriot Boundless card points (screenshot taken by our team from Marriot website)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

Reward details

Up to 14X


3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Current Offer

50,000 points


1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

None

APR

21.49%–28.49% variable

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee card designed for Marriott enthusiasts seeking rewards without the financial commitment.

Cardholders earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.. 

While the card lacks major benefits, its advantages lie in the absence of an annual fee and the automatic complimentary Silver Elite status. The welcome bonus of 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening, can be valuable for free night awards. 

The card offers additional benefits uncommon for a no-annual-fee hotel card, including purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip delay reimbursement. 

  • APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
  • Rewards Plan: 3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Sign Up bonus: 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
  • 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • Silver Elite Status
  • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Elite Night Credits
  • No Annual Fee
  • Limited Rewards Categories
  • No Major Hotel Perks
  • Limited Earning Potential

What benefits does Silver Elite status offer?

Silver Elite status includes perks such as late checkout, an ultimate reservation guarantee, and a 10% bonus on points earned from paid Marriott stays.

What are the major drawbacks of Silver Elite status?

Silver Elite status lacks significant hotel perks such as free breakfast or complimentary upgrades.

What you can do with Marriott Bonvoy points?

Marriott Bonvoy points can be used for hotel stays, travel partners, and Marriott Bonvoy Moments event packages.

Can I transfer balances to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card?

Yes, but there is a fee of $5 or 5%, whichever is greater. of the transfer amount, whichever is greater.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

amex brilliant

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Reward details

2X – 6X


6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases

Current Offer

95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months of card membership.

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$650

0% Intro

None

APR

20.24% – 29.24% Variable

The Amex Bonvoy Brilliant card emerges as an excellent choice for those deeply committed to the Marriott brand, offering 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

Despite its high annual fee ($650), this luxury card provides substantial travel perks and ample opportunities to earn Marriott rewards.

With a higher redemption cap compared to other Bonvoy cards, the Bonvoy Brilliant allows you to maximize the value of your annual free night award.

As an American Express card, it also grants access to exclusive Amex benefits, making it the ideal premium Marriott Bonvoy credit card for avid spenders, frequent travelers, and loyal Bonvoy enthusiasts.

  • Every year following the month of your card renewal, you will receive 1 free night.
  • At participating hotels, a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member will earn 50% additional points on qualified transactions.
  • Get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for qualified restaurant purchases each time your card is renewed.
  • Regardless of the airline or flight class you are travelling, sign up for Priority Pass Select, which allows unrestricted access to more than 1,200 lounges in over 130 destinations.
  • You can earn 25 Elite Night Credits toward the subsequent level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite membership each year. Per Marriott Bonvoy member account, restrictions apply.
  • Protection for cell phones: You may be compensated for the costs of replacing or repairing a damaged or stolen cell phone.
  • You can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory when you use your Eligible Card to book and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the Rental Company counter.
  • When you pay the entire fare for a ticket for a common carrier vehicle (such as a plane, train, ship, or bus), you are covered for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.
  • Terms apply
  • Annual Marriott Bonvoy Credit
  • Gold Elite Status
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Property Credit
  • Free Night Award
  • Airport Lounge Access
  • Purchase and Travel Protections
  • Annual Fee
  • Limited Elite Status
  • Specialized Rewards

Does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit?

Yes, the card provides a credit of up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years.

Can you use Marriott Bonvoy points for experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments?

Yes, cardholders can redeem points for unique culinary, arts, and entertainment experiences.

What is the value of Marriott Bonvoy points when redeemed for free stays?

Point values vary, but on average, Marriott Bonvoy points are estimated to be worth 0.8 cent each.

What are the alternatives to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card for hotel rewards?

Alternatives include the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and The Platinum Card from American Express, each offering unique benefits.

What are the perks of Marriott Platinum Elite status offered by the Bonvoy Brilliant Card?

Platinum Elite status includes benefits like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and lounge access at Marriott properties.

Can you transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners with the Bonvoy Brilliant Card?

Yes, you can transfer points to more than 35 airline partners, but it's generally not the most value-efficient option.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Credit Card
(Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card