What Marriott Bonvoy credit cards do
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards let you earn points toward hotel stays, flights, and other travel rewards when you spend on the card. You earn points on every purchase, and the card issuer (usually Chase or American Express) deposits those points into a Marriott Bonvoy account tied to your card. Those points can be redeemed at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis properties, or transferred to airline partners.
The cards come in different tiers — entry-level, mid-tier, and premium — each with different earning rates, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses. A sign-up bonus typically offers a large point grant after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. The higher-tier cards charge annual fees but come with perks like free night certificates, elite status, and lounge access that can offset the cost if you travel regularly.
You do not have to be a frequent Marriott guest to use these cards. Many people use them for everyday spending to accumulate points, then redeem them for occasional trips or hotel nights. The card works like any other credit card — you get a bill each month and pay interest if you carry a balance.
Key Takeaways
- Marriott Bonvoy credit cards earn points on every purchase, with bonus earning rates on hotel and dining categories depending on the card.
- Sign-up bonuses typically range from 50,000 to 150,000 points, awarded after you meet a spending threshold in the first three to four months.
- Annual fees range from $0 to $550, and higher-tier cards include perks like free night certificates and elite status that may justify the cost.
- Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights through airline partners, or other travel purchases, with redemption rates varying by property and date.
- You earn points whether or not you stay at Marriott properties, so the card can be used for regular spending and travel rewards accumulation.
The different Marriott Bonvoy cards and their annual fees
Chase and American Express each issue Marriott Bonvoy cards at different levels. Chase offers the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (annual fee $95), the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card (annual fee $0), and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card (annual fee $450). American Express offers the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card (annual fee $0) and the Marriott Bonvoy Business Premier Credit Card (annual fee $250).
The no-annual-fee cards (Bold and Business) are designed for casual users who want to earn points without paying yearly. The mid-tier Boundless card ($95 per year) includes a free night certificate each year, which can cover a night at many properties. The premium cards (Brilliant at $450 and Business Premier at $250) include higher-value perks like annual free night certificates, elite status, and lounge access, but require higher spending to justify the cost.
Annual fees are charged once per year, usually on your card anniversary. Some issuers allow you to cancel the card within a grace period if you decide the fee is not worth it, but policies vary — check with your card issuer before the fee posts.
How points earning works on these cards
Every Marriott Bonvoy card earns points at different rates depending on where you spend. The base earning rate — what you earn on most purchases — is typically 1 point per dollar spent. Some cards offer higher base rates; for example, the Brilliant card earns 3 points per dollar at Marriott properties and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
Cards also offer bonus categories where you earn extra points on specific types of spending. Common bonus categories include dining (2 to 3 points per dollar), gas stations (2 points per dollar), and groceries (2 points per dollar). The exact categories and rates depend on which card you hold. You earn the bonus rate automatically when you use the card in those categories — there is no set up or registration required.
Points post to your Marriott Bonvoy account within one to three business days of the transaction. You can check your balance anytime by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account online or through the mobile app. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, which means you can accumulate them over time without pressure to redeem quickly.
Sign-up bonuses and how to claim them
When you open a new Marriott Bonvoy card, the issuer offers a sign-up bonus — a large point grant awarded after you meet a spending requirement. Sign-up bonuses typically range from 50,000 to 150,000 points, depending on the card. The spending requirement is usually $3,000 to $5,000 in the first three to four months.
The bonus posts automatically once you meet the spending threshold. You do not need to request it or enter a code. The issuer tracks your spending and deposits the bonus points into your Marriott Bonvoy account once the requirement is satisfied. Check your account a few days after you expect to hit the threshold to confirm the bonus has posted.
Sign-up bonuses are the largest point grants most cardholders receive, so they are often the main reason to open a new card. A 100,000-point bonus can cover several nights at mid-range properties or one night at a luxury property, depending on the redemption rate. You can only earn a sign-up bonus once per card product, and most issuers have rules about how long you must wait between bonuses on the same card.
How to redeem points for hotel stays and flights
Points are redeemed through your Marriott Bonvoy account. Log in online or use the mobile app, navigate to the redemption section, and search for available hotels by date and location. Each property shows the point cost for each night, which varies by season and demand. A night at a budget property might cost 10,000 points, while a luxury resort could cost 50,000 or more during peak season.
You can also transfer points to airline partners at a set conversion rate — typically 1 Marriott point equals 0.33 to 1 airline mile, depending on the partner. Airline partners include United, American, Delta, Southwest, and others. Some travelers find that transferring points to airlines offers better value for specific trips, while others prefer to redeem directly for hotel nights.
Points can also be used for other travel purchases through the Marriott Bonvoy portal, including car rentals, flights booked through the portal, and vacation packages. The redemption value varies by option, so compare the point cost against what you would pay in cash to determine if redemption makes sense for your trip.
Perks that come with premium cards
The higher-tier Marriott Bonvoy cards include benefits beyond earning and redemption. The free night certificate is the most valuable perk on mid and premium cards. This certificate allows you to book one free night at a participating property each year, up to a certain point value. For example, the Boundless card includes a free night certificate valid at properties up to 50,000 points per night. You must use the certificate within a calendar year or it expires.
Premium cards also grant elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, which includes room upgrades, late checkout, and lounge access at some properties. The Brilliant card grants Platinum Elite status, which is higher than the status you would earn through hotel stays alone. This status applies to your account when ready and lasts as long as you hold the card.
Some cards include lounge access at select Marriott properties, allowing you to use premium lounges during your stay. The Brilliant card includes this benefit, while lower-tier cards do not. Lounge access typically includes complimentary drinks, snacks, and a quiet space to work or relax.
Comparing Marriott Bonvoy cards to other hotel credit cards
Marriott Bonvoy cards compete with credit cards from other hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG. The main difference is which properties you can redeem points at. Marriott Bonvoy cards work only at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis properties, while Hilton cards work at Hilton properties, and so on. If you stay primarily at one chain, a card from that chain usually makes sense.
Earning rates and annual fees are similar across hotel cards. Most entry-level hotel cards charge $0 to $95 annually and earn 1 to 2 points per dollar on base spending. Premium hotel cards charge $250 to $550 and include free night certificates and elite status. The choice between hotel cards often comes down to which chain you visit most often and which perks matter to you.
Some travelers use both a hotel card and a general travel rewards card (like a Chase Sapphire or American Express Platinum) to maximize rewards across different spending categories. A hotel card earns bonus points at hotels, while a travel card earns points on flights, dining, and other categories. This approach requires managing multiple cards but can result in higher total rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stay at Marriott to earn points with these cards?
No. You earn points on every purchase you make with the card, regardless of where you spend. Many cardholders use Marriott Bonvoy cards for everyday expenses like groceries and gas, then redeem points for occasional hotel stays or flights. You do not have to be a Marriott guest to benefit from the card.
What happens to my points if I cancel the card?
Your points remain in your Marriott Bonvoy account and do not disappear when you cancel the card. However, if your Marriott Bonvoy account becomes inactive (no activity for 24 months), Marriott may close the account and points may be forfeited. To keep points, maintain some activity in your account, such as a hotel stay or transfer to an airline partner.
Can I use points to book flights directly, or do I have to transfer to an airline?
You can do both. The Marriott Bonvoy portal allows you to book flights directly using points, though the redemption rate may not be as favorable as transferring to an airline partner and booking through that airline. Compare the point cost in the portal against the transfer rate to see which option offers better value for your specific flight.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free night?
It depends on your spending and the card's earning rate. If you spend $3,000 per month on a card that earns 2 points per dollar in bonus categories, you would earn 6,000 points per month, or 72,000 points per year. A budget hotel night might cost 10,000 to 20,000 points, so you could earn a free night in two to three months of regular spending. Premium properties cost significantly more.
Are there restrictions on which Marriott properties I can book with points?
Most Marriott properties accept points, but some luxury resorts and certain locations may have limited availability or higher point costs. You can search for properties and see point costs before you book, so you know exactly what a night will cost. Peak season dates typically have higher point costs than off-season dates at the same property.