What the Chase Visa Marriott Card gives you

The Chase Visa Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card is a co-branded card that earns points toward Marriott hotel stays and gives you perks tied to Marriott's loyalty program. You earn points on every purchase, get a free night certificate each year, and receive status benefits within the Marriott Bonvoy program. The card is issued by Chase and requires you to go through a standard credit process.

This card is designed for people who stay at Marriott properties regularly or want to accumulate points faster than they would through room bookings alone. The annual fee is $95, which is charged to your account each year you keep the card open.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for Marriott hotel nights, and the card includes an annual free night certificate worth up to a certain point value.
  • The card comes with automatic elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, which unlocks room upgrades, late checkout, and other hotel perks.
  • You pay a $95 annual fee, but the free night certificate and other benefits may offset this cost depending on how you use the card.
  • Chase will review your credit history and score before deciding whether to issue the card and what credit limit to offer.

how the process works for the card

You can start an process on Chase's website by searching for "Chase Visa Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card" or visiting Chase.com directly. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, income information, and details about your employment. Chase will pull your credit report as part of the review process.

The process takes about 10 minutes to complete. Chase typically tells you whether you are approved, denied, or need more time within seconds of submitting. If you are approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason, and you can contact their reconsideration line to discuss your process further.

Points you earn and how to use them

You earn points on every dollar you spend with the card. The earning rate varies: you earn more points per dollar on Marriott purchases and dining, and fewer on other categories. Points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott properties, room upgrades, airline miles through Marriott's transfer partners, or other rewards within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains active and you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months. You can check your points balance and redemption options by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account online or through the Marriott app. The value you get from points depends on which hotels you choose and when you book — peak nights cost more points than off-peak nights at the same property.

The annual free night certificate

Each year you hold the card, you receive a free night certificate that can be used at participating Marriott properties. The certificate covers one night's room rate up to a certain point value, which changes annually. You do not pay the room rate, but you are responsible for taxes and resort fees if the hotel charges them.

The certificate is typically issued on your card anniversary — the date you were approved. You have until the next anniversary to use it, or it expires. Some certificates are category-limited, meaning you can only use them at hotels in certain point categories. Check your card benefits guide or log into your Chase account to see the exact terms of your certificate.

Elite status and hotel perks

Holding this card automatically gives you Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This status comes with benefits like room upgrades (when available), late checkout, and bonus points on stays. You keep this status as long as your card remains open, even if you do not stay at Marriott hotels.

If you already have a higher elite status through your own stays, your card status does not replace it — you keep the higher one. You can combine your card benefits with any elite status you have earned separately to maximize perks during your stays.

Fees, interest, and what happens if you carry a balance

The card has a $95 annual fee charged each year. There is no foreign transaction fee, which means you can use the card internationally without extra charges on the transaction itself. However, if you carry a balance month to month, you will pay interest at the card's variable APR, which changes based on market conditions and your creditworthiness.

If you miss a payment, Chase will report it to credit bureaus after 30 days, which can lower your credit score. Late fees and penalty APRs may explore. To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you need to carry a balance temporarily, contact Chase to discuss your options.

Comparing this card to other hotel cards

Other hotel cards offer different earning rates, annual fees, and free night certificates. Some cards earn points with multiple hotel chains instead of one, while others offer higher earning rates on non-hotel purchases. The best card for you depends on which hotels you stay at most often, how much you spend annually, and whether the free night certificate value justifies the annual fee.

If you stay at Marriott properties at least once or twice per year, the free night certificate alone may cover the annual fee. If you rarely stay at Marriott hotels, a different card or no hotel card at all might be a better choice. Compare the annual fee against the certificate value and your expected point earnings before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the free night certificate at any Marriott hotel?

The certificate works at most Marriott Bonvoy properties, but some luxury or resort properties may be excluded. Your certificate may also be category-limited, meaning it only covers hotels in certain point categories. Check the terms in your card benefits guide or contact Marriott to confirm which properties accept your specific certificate.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Marriott Bonvoy account even after you close the card. You can continue to redeem them for hotel nights or other rewards. However, you will lose the automatic elite status and the annual free night certificate once the card is closed.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most applicants receive a decision within seconds of submitting their process online. Some applications are flagged for manual review and may take a few business days. If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, ask Chase about expedited shipping options when you call.

Can I transfer my points to someone else?

Marriott Bonvoy allows you to transfer points to another member's account, but there are limits on how many points you can transfer per year. You can also use your points to book a room for someone else without transferring the points themselves. Log into your Marriott account to see transfer options and any associated fees.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but this card typically goes to people with good to excellent credit — usually a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved for a different Chase card or a lower credit limit. Contact Chase's reconsideration line if you are denied to discuss your options.