What the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card does
The Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Chase that earns points toward Marriott hotel stays, airline transfers, and other travel redemptions. You earn points on every purchase, get a free night certificate each year, and receive elite status benefits at Marriott properties. The card charges an annual fee, which you pay once per year to keep the account open.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Premiere Credit Card, which has a higher annual fee but offers more benefits. Both cards are designed for people who stay at Marriott hotels regularly or want to accumulate points toward future stays.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns 2 points per dollar on Marriott purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, with bonus points for meeting spending thresholds in the first year.
- You receive a free night certificate each year that can be used at most Marriott properties, though the certificate has a points cap that limits which hotels you can book.
- The annual fee varies by card version and is charged to your account once per year; the benefits like the free night certificate are meant to offset this cost.
- Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, airline tickets through transfer partners, or other travel-related purchases, and do not expire as long as your account remains open.
- The card offers elite status benefits such as room upgrades and late checkout at Marriott properties, which increase in value the more you use the card.
Annual fees and what you get in return
The standard Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card charges an annual fee of $95, while the Premiere version charges $150. Both cards provide a free night certificate each year as a primary benefit. The standard card's free night certificate has a 50,000-point cap, meaning you can book any Marriott property that costs 50,000 points or fewer per night. The Premiere card's certificate has a 75,000-point cap, allowing access to higher-category hotels.
Beyond the free night certificate, both versions include elite status benefits. You receive Silver Elite status automatically, which provides benefits like room upgrades (when available), late checkout, and bonus points on stays. The Premiere card also grants you 10 elite night credits toward higher status tiers, which can help you reach Gold Elite or Platinum Elite faster if you stay at Marriott hotels regularly.
The free night certificate renews each year on your card anniversary, so you get a new one even if you did not use the previous year's certificate. This means the annual fee is charged every 12 months, regardless of how much you use the card.
How points are earned and what they are worth
The Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card earns 2 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels and resorts, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. New cardholders also receive a welcome bonus of points after spending a certain amount within the first few months — the exact bonus changes periodically, so check the current offer when you explore.
Points are redeemed at Marriott properties based on the hotel's category. A budget property might cost 10,000 points per night, while a luxury resort could cost 50,000 or more. You can also transfer points to airline partners like United, American, Delta, and others at a 3-to-1 ratio (3 Marriott points = 1 airline mile), though this conversion is generally less valuable than redeeming for hotel stays directly.
Points do not expire as long as your Marriott Bonvoy account remains active. Your account stays active if you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months, so even light card use keeps your points from disappearing.
Who should consider this card
This card makes sense if you stay at Marriott properties at least once or twice per year. The free night certificate alone can cover the annual fee if you use it at a mid-range property. If you stay more frequently, the 2 points per dollar at Marriott hotels and the elite status benefits add up quickly.
The card is less valuable if you rarely travel or prefer other hotel chains. If you stay at Hyatt, Hilton, or IHG properties instead, those chains' co-branded cards may offer better rewards for your spending pattern. Similarly, if you travel by air more than by hotel, a general travel card or airline card might earn more value for your purchases.
How to open the account
You explore for the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card directly through Chase's website or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, income information, and a valid government-issued ID. Chase will check your credit report and typically make a decision within minutes to a few days.
Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can then set up it through Chase's website or app, set up a PIN, and begin earning points on purchases. Your welcome bonus points post to your Marriott Bonvoy account after you meet the spending requirement, which usually takes one to two billing cycles.
If you already have a Marriott Bonvoy account, make sure you provide that account number during the process so your points are credited correctly. If you do not have an account yet, one is created automatically when your card is approved.
Annual fee timing and how to manage it
The annual fee is charged on your card anniversary — the same date each year that you opened the account. You can see this date in your Chase account online or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The fee appears as a charge on your statement, just like any other purchase.
If you decide the card is no longer worth the annual fee, you can close the account anytime. However, closing the account before your free night certificate posts means you lose that benefit. Most people wait until after the certificate is added to their Marriott account before closing, which gives them time to use it.
Some cardholders downgrade to a no-annual-fee Marriott card instead of closing the account entirely. This keeps your Marriott points active and your account history with Chase intact, while eliminating the annual fee going forward.
Comparing the standard and Premiere versions
| Feature | Standard Card | Premiere Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $150 |
| Free Night Certificate Cap | 50,000 points | 75,000 points |
| Elite Night Credits | None | 10 per year |
| Points per Dollar at Marriott | 2 points | 2 points |
| Points per Dollar Elsewhere | 1 point | 1 point |
The Premiere Card is worth considering if you stay at Marriott properties frequently enough to reach higher elite status tiers, or if you regularly book luxury properties that exceed the 50,000-point cap. The 10 elite night credits can move you from Silver to Gold or Platinum status, which unlocks additional perks like complimentary room upgrades and lounge access at some properties.
For occasional travelers or those who stay at mid-range properties, the standard card's lower annual fee and 50,000-point free night certificate usually provide better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my free night certificate at any Marriott property?
You can use it at most Marriott properties, but not all. The certificate has a points cap — 50,000 for the standard card, 75,000 for the Premiere card — so you can only book properties that cost that many points or fewer per night. Luxury resorts and properties in major cities often exceed these caps. You can check a property's point cost on Marriott's website before booking.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Marriott Bonvoy account and do not disappear when you close the card. You can continue redeeming them for hotel stays or transfers. However, your points will expire if your Marriott account has no activity for 24 months, so you need to earn or redeem points at least once every two years to keep them.
Do I have to use the free night certificate before it expires?
The free night certificate renews each year on your card anniversary, so you get a new one automatically. If you do not use one year's certificate, you lose it when the new one posts. There is no rollover or extension, so plan to use it within 12 months of receiving it.
Can I transfer my points to someone else?
Marriott Bonvoy points are tied to your account and cannot be transferred to another person. However, you can use your points to book a hotel room for someone else, or you can transfer points to an airline partner account in that person's name if they have one.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free night?
That depends on your spending. If you spend $2,500 per month on the card at a 1-point-per-dollar rate, you earn 30,000 points per year. A budget property might cost 10,000 to 15,000 points per night, so you could earn a free night in four to six months. Higher spending or using the card at Marriott properties (which earn 2 points per dollar) gets you there faster.