Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Maximize Points & Free Stays

Marriott Bonvoy Points System

Marriott Bonvoy points are a flexible and valuable currency for travelers who frequent Marriott properties. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the points system works and the approximate value of Marriott points.

Value of Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at around 0.8 cents per point, although this can vary depending on how you redeem them. Here are some common redemption options:

Free Nights: The best value often comes from redeeming points for free nights at Marriott hotels. The cost in points varies by hotel category and season.
Room Upgrades: Points can be used to upgrade your room at many Marriott properties.
Travel Packages: Combine hotel stays with airline miles for a bundled value.
Experiences: Redeem points for exclusive events and experiences.
Gift Cards and Merchandise: Less value than hotel stays, typically around 0.4 to 0.6 cents per point.

Use your points wisely with trip planning assistance from DnA Escapes. Visit DnA Escapes to discover how to maximize your rewards for unforgettable stays.

Marriott Credit Cards

Marriott offers several co-branded credit cards through partnerships with American Express and Chase. These cards offer various benefits tailored to different types of travelers.

1. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Bonus Offer: Earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Ongoing Rewards: 3X points at Marriott properties, 2X points on travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.
Status Benefits: 15 Elite Night credits per year, Silver Elite status.
Trip Protection: Travel accident insurance and baggage delay insurance.
Who It's For: Occasional travelers who want to earn Marriott points without paying an annual fee.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Bonus Offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95
Ongoing Rewards: 6X points at Marriott properties and 2X on all other purchases.
Status Benefits: 15 Elite Night credits per year, automatic Silver Elite status, upgrade to Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 annually.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: You will receive a statement credit every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85).
Trip Protection: Lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance.
Who It's For: Regular Marriott guests who want to earn more points and enjoy enhanced status benefits.

3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Bonus Offer: Earn 150,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $650
Ongoing Rewards: 6X points at Marriott properties, 3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, 2X points on all other purchases.
Status Benefits: 15 Elite Night credits per year, automatic Gold Elite status, FreeNight Award (up to 50,000 points) annually, Priority Pass Select lounge access, and up to $300 in Marriott statement credits annually.
Priority Pass Select: Members can access over 1,300 airport lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries, regardless of the airline or class of service.
- Members can bring up to 2 guests into the lounges for free, but the guest policy and any associated fees may vary by lounge.
Dining Credit: $25 ($300 a year) in dining credits are provided each calendar month. These credits can be used for both in-person dining and takeout orders, from fast food to fine dining.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: You will receive a statement credit every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85).
Trip Protection: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, car rental loss, and damage insurance.
Who It's For: Frequent Marriott travelers who want premium benefits and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for extensive perks.

4. Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Bonus Offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $125
Ongoing Rewards: 6X points at Marriott properties, 4X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services, and on U.S. shipping purchases, 2X points on all other purchases.
Status Benefits: 15 Elite Night credits per year, automatic Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 annually.
Trip Protections: Car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance plan.
Who It's For: Small business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize points earned on business-related expenses.

5. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Bonus Offer: Earn 125,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $250
Ongoing Rewards: 6X points at Marriott properties, 4X points at U.S. restaurants and on U.S. grocery purchases (up to $15,000 per year), 2X points on all other purchases.
Status Benefits: 15 Elite Night credits per year, automatic Gold Elite status.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: You will receive a statement credit every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85).
Trip Protection: Trip delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.
Who It's For: Travelers who want to earn more points from everyday purchases and enjoy mid-tier benefits without the premium fee.

Marriott Credit Cards Comparison

Card Name	Current Bonus Offer (as of July 2024)	Annual Fee	Annual Anniversary Voucher	Status Benefits	Trip Protections	Lounge Access	Who It's For
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card	150,000 points after spending $5,000 in first 3 months	$650	Free night award up to 85,000 points	25 Elite Night Credits, Gold Elite Status, Platinum Elite after spending $75,000 annually	Trip Delay Insurance, Baggage Insurance Plan	Priority Pass Select for you and 2 guest	Frequent Marriott travelers seeking luxury benefits and high rewards
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card	75,000 points after spending $3,000 in first 3 months	$125	Free night award up to 35,000 points	15 Elite Night Credits	Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Baggage Insurance Plan	None	Small business owners looking to earn rewards on business expenses and travel
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card	100,000 points after spending $3,000 in first 3 months	$95	Free night award up to 35,000 points	15 Elite Night Credits, Silver Elite Status, Gold Elite Status after spending $35,000 annually	Trip Delay Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement	None	Marriott travelers wanting a good balance of rewards and annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card	30,000 points after spending $1,000 in first 3 months	$0	None	Silver Elite Status	None	None	Occasional Marriott travelers looking for a no-annual-fee option
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card	85,000 points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months	$250	Free night award up to 50,000 points	15 Elite Night Credits, Gold Elite Status after spending $35,000 annually	Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance	None	Marriott travelers seeking elevated rewards and benefits without the premium fee of the Brilliant card

Stacking Benefits with Business and Personal Cards

You won't receive any additional elite night benefits when you combine two personal cards.

Combining the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card with a personal Marriott card can offer significant advantages. Here’s how:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card + Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Credit Card ($220 Annual fee)

Stacking Benefits:

Free Night Awards: By holding both cards, you can earn two free night awards annually (one from each card), valid for one-night stays worth up to 35,000 points each.
Elite Night Credits: Combining the 15 Elite Night Credits from each card, you get a total of 30 Elite Night Credits, boosting your progress towards higher Marriott Bonvoy status tiers.
Additional Points: Use the Boundless card for grocery, gas, and dining purchases to maximize the 3x points and the Business card for business-related expenses to earn 4x points.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ Credit Card + Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Credit Card ($750 Annual fee)

Stacking Benefits:

Free Night Awards: By holding both cards, you can earn two free night awards annually (one from each card), with one worth up to 85,000 points and the other up to 35,000 points.
Elite Night Credits: Combining the 25 Elite Night Credits from the Brilliant card and the 15 from the Bonvoy Business card, you get a total of 40 Elite Night Credits, significantly boosting your progress towards higher Marriott Bonvoy status tiers.
Bonus Points on Marriott Stays: Earn 12x points on Marriott stays when using either card, as both offer 6x points on Marriott purchases.
Travel and Lifestyle Benefits: Enjoy enhanced travel benefits, including Priority Pass access and statement credits, making your travel experience more comfortable and cost-effective.
Additional Points: Use the Brilliant card for dining and flights to earn 3x points, and the Business card for business-related expenses to earn 4x points.

Eligibility Rules for Multiple Cards

Marriott has specific rules regarding eligibility for new card bonuses. Generally, you must wait 24 months after receiving a bonus from one Marriott card before qualifying for another bonus. Additionally, you cannot have applied for another Marriott card within the past 90 days. Always check the terms and conditions for the most up-to-date rules.

Financial Advice Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. While we strive to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, we make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information on this website.

Important Points to Note:

No Financial Advice: The content on this website does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or other professional advice. You should not rely on any information presented on this website to make financial or investment decisions. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.
No Liability: We are not liable for any losses or damages incurred from using the information provided on this website. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable.
Third-Party Links: This website may contain links to other websites or resources. We are not responsible for the content or availability of these external sites, nor do we endorse or guarantee the information, recommendations, products, or services offered on third-party websites.
Changes to Content: We reserve the right to modify, update, or remove content on this website at any time without prior notice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you access the most current information on this website.
Personal Responsibility: You acknowledge that any reliance on the information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. You are encouraged to conduct research and seek professional advice tailored to your situation.

By using this website, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer. If you do not agree with any part of this disclaimer, please refrain from using our website.

For personalized financial advice, please consult with a qualified financial professional.

This disclaimer clarifies the nature of the information provided and limits liability for the advice given on the website.

Trademark and Legal Information

Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, American Express®, Chase®, and Priority Pass® are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Marriott®, American Express®, Chase®, Priority Pass®, and Delta Air Lines® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the companies or organizations mentioned. Please refer to the respective company or organization’s website for the most current and detailed information.