Apply for Marriott Credit Card: In today’s fast-paced world, having a credit card that complements your lifestyle and rewards your spending is invaluable.
The Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards are designed to offer travelers and shoppers alike a plethora of benefits, from earning points on everyday purchases to enjoying exclusive travel perks.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys the occasional getaway, understanding the ins and outs of these credit cards can help you make an informed decision.
Types of Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Marriott offers a range of credit cards tailored to different needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the primary options available:
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a $150 Statement Credit after your first purchase. Plus, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earning Rates:
- Up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- 3X points on the first $6,000 spent annually on combined purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and dining.
- 2X points on all other purchases.
- Additional Benefits: Automatic Silver Elite Status, 1 Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary (valid for a one-night stay at a property with a redemption level up to 35,000 points), and no foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: None
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points plus 1 Free Night (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earning Rates:
- Up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- 2X points on purchases at grocery stores, select food delivery services, rideshare, select streaming services, and internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1X point on all other purchases.
- Additional Benefits: Automatic Silver Elite Status, 5 Elite Night Credits annually, and no foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
- Annual Fee: $250
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 85,000 bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earning Rates:
- 6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points).
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, 1,000 bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott, and 15 Elite Night Credits annually.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Annual Fee: $650
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 95,000 bonus points after making $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earning Rates:
- 6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status, up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, and 1 Free Night Award annually (valid for a one-night stay at a property with a redemption level up to 85,000 points).
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Annual Fee: $125
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 125,000 bonus points after making $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earning Rates:
- 6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, 7% discount on eligible bookings when you book directly with Marriott, and 15 Elite Night Credits annually.
Key Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Owning a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card comes with a host of advantages that enhance your travel and spending experiences:
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
Each card offers opportunities to earn points on various spending categories. These points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott properties, flights, car rentals, and more, providing flexibility and value for your accumulated rewards.
Complimentary Elite Status
Cardholders can enjoy automatic elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program, granting perks like priority late checkout, room upgrades (subject to availability), and bonus points on stays.
Free Night Awards
Many of the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards offer
Free Night Awards
One of the most appealing benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards is the Free Night Awards. Depending on the card you choose, you may receive a free night every year after your account anniversary. This perk allows cardholders to redeem their award at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide.
- The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers one free night every year, valid for properties requiring up to 35,000 points.
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card provides a free night award valid at hotels up to 85,000 points in redemption value.
Since Marriott Bonvoy has thousands of properties globally, these free nights can save travelers hundreds of dollars annually. They can also be combined with existing points if you need to book a hotel requiring slightly more points than your Free Night Award allows.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card, it’s essential to know if you meet the eligibility requirements.
General Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your state/country).
- Must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (for U.S. applicants).
- Must be a legal resident of an eligible country where the card is available.
- Must meet the minimum income requirements (varies by card).
Credit Score Considerations
The Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards generally require a good to excellent credit score (typically 690–850 on the FICO scale). Higher-tier cards like the Bonvoy Brilliant® require a score on the upper end of this range.
Residency and Application Restrictions
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards are primarily available in the United States. However, some international versions may be available in Canada, the UK, and other select countries. For applicants in Nigeria or other non-eligible countries, alternative travel rewards credit cards may be necessary.
Application Process for Marriott Credit Card
Applying for a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card is straightforward and can be done online. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Card
Compare the different Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and pick the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors like annual fees, earning rates, and travel perks.
Step 2: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official website of Marriott Bonvoy or the card issuer (Chase or American Express) to begin your application.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
You’ll need to provide:
- Personal information (full name, address, date of birth)
- Financial details (income, employment status)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application
Double-check all the information and submit your application. Some applicants receive instant approval, while others may need to wait a few days for processing.
Step 5: Receive Your Card
Once approved, your new Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card will arrive by mail within 7–10 business days.
Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
To get the most out of your Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card, consider the following strategies:
Earn More Points Faster
- Stay at Marriott hotels whenever possible to earn bonus points.
- Use the card for dining, groceries, and travel expenses to maximize points.
- Take advantage of promotional offers and limited-time bonuses.
Redeem Points for Maximum Value
- Use points for free nights at high-value properties rather than lower-tier hotels.
- Consider Marriott Bonvoy Moments to redeem points for unique experiences.
- Transfer points to airline partners if you find a good value for flights.
Utilize Elite Status Benefits
- Enjoy room upgrades and late checkout whenever available.
- Use priority service lines for check-in and support.
- Get bonus points on stays to accelerate point accumulation.
Fees and Interest Rates
Before applying, it’s essential to understand the fees associated with Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fees | APR (Interest Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Bold® | $0 | None | 20.24% – 27.24% Variable |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® | $95 | None | 20.24% – 27.24% Variable |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ | $250 | None | 20.24% – 27.24% Variable |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® | $650 | None | 20.24% – 27.24% Variable |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® | $125 | None | 20.24% – 27.24% Variable |
Since all these cards waive foreign transaction fees, they are excellent choices for international travelers. However, it’s crucial to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges.
Managing Your Account
Online Account Access
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards offer easy online account management, where you can:
- Check your balance and transactions.
- Redeem points for travel rewards.
- Make payments and set up autopay to avoid late fees.
Payment Options
- Online banking and mobile app (via Chase or American Express).
- Direct bank transfer.
- Check or in-person payments at the issuing bank.
Monitoring Your Credit Card Activity
Regularly review your statements for fraudulent transactions and unexpected fees.
Security Features
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards come with advanced security features, including:
- Zero Liability Protection – You won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges.
- Fraud Monitoring – Suspicious activity alerts help protect your account.
- Card Replacement Services – Quickly replace lost or stolen cards.
Customer Support
For any issues related to your card, Marriott Bonvoy provides multiple support options:
- Phone Support – Call the number on the back of your card.
- Live Chat – Available on Chase or American Express websites.
- Email Support – Send inquiries directly through the bank’s online portal.
Comparing Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Choosing the right card depends on your travel habits, spending preferences, and willingness to pay an annual fee.
- For casual travelers → Marriott Bonvoy Bold® (no annual fee).
- For frequent travelers → Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Bevy™.
- For luxury travelers → Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® (high-end perks).
- For business owners → Marriott Bonvoy Business® (exclusive business rewards).
Conclusion
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards offer valuable travel perks, reward points, and elite status benefits that make them an excellent choice for frequent travelers. Whether you’re looking for a no-annual-fee option or a premium travel experience, there’s a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card to suit your needs. If you’re eligible, applying for one of these cards can significantly enhance your travel experiences and save you money on hotel stays.
