Marriott Credit Card: Comprehensive Guide to Marriott Credit Card Offers, Benefits, and How to Apply

The Marriott Credit Card is a sought-after financial product for individuals who love to travel and stay at Marriott hotels. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a loyal Marriott guest, or someone seeking to maximize travel rewards, this credit card can be a valuable asset in your financial toolkit. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the different Marriott credit card offers, the benefits of using the card, how to apply, and more.

What is the Marriott Credit Card?

The Marriott Credit Card is a rewards credit card designed for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels or travel often. Marriott International, one of the largest hotel chains globally, offers a range of credit cards in partnership with Chase to give cardholders valuable points that can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and other perks.

With a variety of offers available, the Marriott Credit Card program provides a variety of ways to earn points based on your spending habits. The card gives rewards on Marriott stays, dining, and even everyday purchases. These points can be used at thousands of hotels worldwide, providing cardholders with a range of benefits.

Types of Marriott Credit Cards

There are several different types of Marriott credit cards available, each offering varying benefits and reward rates. Some of the most popular options include:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

These cards differ in annual fees, point earnings, and perks. Some offer higher points for Marriott stays, while others provide bonuses for non-Marriott purchases like groceries, dining, and travel. Below we will dive into each of these cards in greater detail.

1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is one of the most popular choices for frequent travelers and Marriott fans. This card allows you to earn 6 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels, 2 points on travel, dining, and other select purchases, and 1 point on all other purchases.

Benefits

Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Free Night Award: You’ll receive a free night at a category 1-5 Marriott hotel every year after your account anniversary.
Elite Status: Cardholders automatically receive Silver Elite status, with the opportunity to earn Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

Pros

Great earning potential with Marriott stays
Annual free night award
No foreign transaction fees

Cons

High annual fee of $95
Limited bonus points outside Marriott properties

Price

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $95. However, the value from rewards and the free night certificate each year can easily offset this cost if you’re a frequent Marriott guest.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a premium card designed for travelers who seek higher-end rewards and benefits. This card offers a hefty points earning rate on Marriott stays (6 points per $1) and 3 points per $1 spent on dining and flights.

Benefits

Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
Free Night Award: A free night at a category 1-5 Marriott hotel each year, plus a $300 statement credit for Marriott purchases.
Gold Elite Status: Automatic Gold Elite status, with the ability to upgrade to Platinum status after spending $75,000 in a year.

Pros

Higher earning rate on dining and flights
$300 Marriott credit per year
No foreign transaction fees

Cons

High annual fee of $450
Best suited for luxury travelers or those who frequently visit Marriott properties

Price

The annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is $450, which is a steep price but comes with many premium benefits that are suited for frequent travelers and high spenders.

3. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is designed for budget-conscious travelers who still want to earn rewards for their Marriott stays. This card offers 3 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels, 2 points on travel and dining, and 1 point on all other purchases.

Benefits

Welcome Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Free Night Award: While it doesn’t come with a free night certificate, it offers the ability to accumulate points for free stays.
No Annual Fee: One of the few Marriott cards with no annual fee.

Pros

No annual fee
Great option for travelers looking for lower costs
Earning potential with everyday purchases

Cons

Lower points earning rate on non-Marriott purchases
Limited elite status benefits

Price

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for travelers who want to earn rewards without the burden of high yearly costs.

How to Apply for a Marriott Credit Card

To apply for a Marriott credit card, follow these steps:

Visit the Application Page: Go to the official Marriott credit card application page.
Choose Your Card: Select the card that best fits your needs (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™).
Fill in Personal Information: Enter details such as your name, address, income, and Social Security number.
Review and Submit: Review the terms and benefits before submitting your application.

Once your application is approved, you can start earning Marriott points immediately!

Where to Buy and How Much the Marriott Credit Card Costs

You can apply for the Marriott credit cards directly through Chase or American Express websites, depending on the card you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the card costs:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Annual fee of $95
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card: Annual fee of $450
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: No annual fee

All cards are available for purchase directly through the issuing bank’s website or a secure affiliate link.

Benefits of Using Marriott Credit Cards

Marriott credit cards are highly regarded for their comprehensive benefits tailored to frequent travelers and loyal Marriott guests. These cards offer an array of advantages, from earning valuable points to receiving special privileges at Marriott properties worldwide. In this section, we’ll explore the detailed benefits of using a Marriott credit card and why it can be a great addition to your wallet.

1. Earning Marriott Points on Every Purchase

One of the primary benefits of using a Marriott credit card is the ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases. The more you spend, the more points you earn, which can then be redeemed for free hotel stays, upgrades, dining experiences, and more. Marriott offers different earning structures depending on which card you have. For example:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: You earn 6 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels, 2 points per $1 on travel, dining, and other select purchases, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card: This premium card offers 6 points per $1 at Marriott hotels, 3 points on dining and flights, and 2 points on all other travel purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels, 2 points on travel and dining, and 1 point on all other purchases.

These points accumulate quickly, allowing cardholders to enjoy valuable rewards for everyday spending, making it easier to plan your next vacation or stay at a Marriott property.

2. Free Nights and Special Hotel Offers

Marriott credit cards are especially attractive for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels due to the free night certificates they offer. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card provides a free night award after each account anniversary, which can be redeemed at participating Marriott hotels (up to a Category 1-5 hotel). This can easily offset the card’s annual fee, especially if you use it for a free night at a higher-tier hotel.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offers even more exclusive perks, including a $300 Marriott statement credit and a free night award at a Category 1-5 hotel each year. These perks make staying at a Marriott property more affordable and offer great value for frequent travelers.

3. Elite Status and Upgrades

One of the most compelling benefits of the Marriott credit cards is the automatic Elite Status provided to cardholders. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, you automatically receive Silver Elite status, which includes benefits such as room upgrades (subject to availability), priority late checkout, and enhanced customer service.

For those with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, you are automatically granted Gold Elite status. This status unlocks even more benefits, such as enhanced room upgrades, 25% more points on stays, and the ability to gift Elite status to others. Additionally, spending $35,000 annually on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or $75,000 on the Brilliant™ card can elevate you to Gold Elite or Platinum Elite status, offering higher priority for room upgrades and more bonus points.

4. Travel Perks and Benefits

For frequent travelers, Marriott credit cards offer several travel-related benefits that can make your journey more comfortable and affordable. Many Marriott credit cards come with no foreign transaction fees, meaning you can use your card abroad without worrying about additional costs. This is a huge benefit for international travelers who frequently visit Marriott properties in other countries.

Additionally, premium Marriott cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, offer valuable airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select, which allows you to relax in over 1,000 airport lounges globally. This is especially beneficial for travelers looking to enjoy a comfortable environment before their flights.

For those who travel by plane often, travel protections are an added bonus. Marriott credit cards, particularly the premium options, include trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, and car rental loss and damage insurance. These features provide peace of mind when booking flights or traveling to your Marriott destination.

5. Exclusive Marriott Experiences

Cardholders of Marriott credit cards gain access to exclusive experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy program. This includes VIP access to concerts, sporting events, culinary experiences, and more. Marriott frequently partners with high-profile events and offers cardholders exclusive opportunities to attend these events, enhancing the travel experience beyond just hotel stays.

Additionally, points earned through your Marriott credit card can be used for experiences like concert tickets, spa treatments, or even vacation packages, allowing you to enjoy more than just a hotel stay.

6. Easy Redemption Options

One of the significant advantages of Marriott credit cards is the flexibility in redeeming points. Marriott’s Bonvoy program is incredibly versatile, offering a variety of ways to use your points. Cardholders can redeem points for:

Free Nights: Use points to book free stays at over 7,000 Marriott hotels worldwide. The number of points required for a free night depends on the hotel’s category and location.
Room Upgrades: Use points to secure upgrades to suites or other premium rooms.
Travel: Points can be used for flights, car rentals, or even vacation packages through the Marriott Bonvoy portal.
Gift Cards and Merchandise: Marriott points can also be used for gift cards at popular retailers or to purchase merchandise from the Marriott Rewards Store.

This variety of redemption options means you’re not limited to hotel stays alone—allowing you to make the most of your points for a variety of travel experiences.

7. No Annual Fee Options

For those who prefer a credit card with minimal costs, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card provides all of the benefits of Marriott points accumulation without the burden of an annual fee. While it doesn’t offer the same extensive perks as higher-tier cards, it still provides 3 points per dollar on Marriott purchases, making it an attractive option for those who want to earn points while keeping their costs low.

With no annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a great choice for those new to credit cards or those who don’t want to pay a premium for rewards.

Marriott credit cards provide a comprehensive range of benefits that cater to travelers of all types. From earning Marriott points on everyday purchases to enjoying free nights, travel perks, and elite status benefits, Marriott credit cards are a fantastic way to maximize your travel experiences. Whether you’re a frequent Marriott guest or someone who enjoys the occasional getaway, these credit cards are designed to enhance your travel lifestyle and provide exclusive opportunities to enjoy the best of Marriott’s offerings.

By selecting the right Marriott credit card for your needs, you can unlock a world of rewards, benefits, and travel perks that will make your next vacation or business trip even more enjoyable.

FAQs

1. What is the best Marriott credit card?
The best Marriott credit card depends on your needs. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offers premium rewards and benefits for frequent travelers, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers a good balance of rewards with a reasonable annual fee.

2. Can I use Marriott credit card points for anything other than hotel stays?
Yes, Marriott points can be redeemed for travel, car rentals, flights, and even for gift cards or experiences via the Marriott Bonvoy program.

3. How do I earn Marriott points with my credit card?
You can earn Marriott points by making purchases at Marriott hotels, restaurants, travel, and dining. Each credit card offers different earning rates, so it’s important to pick the one that aligns with your spending habits.