Which Marriott Bonvoy credit card is right for you? A comprehensive guide

Which Marriott Bonvoy credit card is right for you? A comprehensive guide
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Marriott Bonvoy offers members plenty of opportunities to earn and redeem points across more than 9,000 properties in around 140 countries and territories. The program caters to nearly every type of traveler with accommodations ranging from iconic luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to budget-friendly options like Fairfield Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott.

With such an established loyalty program, it’s no wonder that Marriott Bonvoy has a lineup of cobranded credit cards, which allow members to maximize their earning potential. These cards, offered through partnerships with American Express and Chase, provide various benefits tailored to different types of travelers.

Today, we’ll examine some of the best Marriott Bonvoy cobranded credit cards so you can decide which is best for you.

Marriott Bonvoy

What to look for in a Marriott Bonvoy credit card

With four personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards available, there are several key factors to consider:

  • Annual fees: Ranging from $0 to $650 — make sure the card’s benefits justify the cost.
  • Credit score: Most Marriott cards require a good to excellent score (690–850).
  • Welcome offer: Ideally, your welcome offer is worth several nights at Marriott properties.
  • Earning potential: Compare points multipliers for Marriott stays, dining, travel and other purchases. Some cards offer up to 17 points per dollar at Marriott properties, plus bonuses in categories like groceries and gas.
  • Elite status benefits and Marriott Choice Benefits: Look for perks like automatic Silver, Gold or Platinum status and annual elite night credits.
  • Free night awards: Many cards provide annual certificates worth up to 35,000, 50,000 or 85,000 points.
  • Travel perks: Consider no foreign transaction fees, statement credits and extras like Priority Pass membership.
  • Issuer restrictions: Before you apply, Review Chase (especially Chase’s 5/24) and Amex’s eligibility rules and sign-up bonus policies.
Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$0Welcome offer
45,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$95Welcome offer
No welcome offer
Apply Now
Annual fee$650Welcome offer
150,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$125Welcome offer
No welcome offer
Apply Now
Annual fee$250Welcome offer
175,000 points
Apply Now

Best Marriott card with no annual fee

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is the best option if you’re looking for a Marriott-branded card without an annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Unlock Hotel Rewards with No Annual Fee – Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases with no annual fee!

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase® delivers exceptional value for hotel enthusiasts without the burden of an annual fee. With this no-fee rewards card, you’ll enjoy:

  • Up to 14X total points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels
  • 2X points per $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
  • 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • No annual fee ever

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card includes valuable financial flexibility features:

  • Travel now, pay later – Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases
  • Pay Yourself Back® – Redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points for statement credits on qualifying travel purchases, up to $750 total per year

Perfect for travelers who want to earn valuable Marriott Bonvoy® points without paying an annual fee, this card offers solid earning rates on everyday categories plus enhanced earning at Marriott properties.

Apply now to secure this no annual fee hotel rewards offer!

Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$338

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$338Total$338Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
45,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Who should get the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is best for:

  • Occasional Marriott guests who want to earn points without paying an annual fee.
  • Travelers seeking basic Marriott Bonvoy elite status benefits.
  • Those new to hotel rewards programs who want to test the waters.

Best mid-tier Marriott card for free nights

Our experts agree the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers the best value if you’re looking for free night awards and enhanced benefits with a modest annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Unlock Premium Hotel Benefits with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points + 1 Free Night Certificate after qualifying purchases!

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card delivers exceptional value for frequent hotel guests. With this hotel-focused rewards card, you’ll enjoy:

  • 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • 1X points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to 17X total points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels
  • 1 Elite Night Credit for every $5,000 you spend

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card includes valuable hotel benefits:

  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) annually after account anniversary
  • 15 Elite Night Credits annually
  • Automatic Silver Elite status
  • Path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 annually
  • No foreign transaction fees

Your Marriott Bonvoy® points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months, giving you flexibility to save for future stays at thousands of participating hotels worldwide.

Apply now to secure this valuable hotel rewards offer!

Who should get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is best for:

  • Marriott guests who can take advantage of the annual Free Night Award, which effectively justifies the annual fee alone.
  • Those who spend in the bonus categories (grocery, gas and dining).
  • Travelers seeking a faster path to higher elite status.

Best Marriott card for luxury experiences and maximum rewards

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers premium benefits for luxury travelers.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Experience Luxury Benefits with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

  • Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership, and earn another 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend an additional $2,000 in the same 6 months.
  • 6X points per $1 at Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 3X points at restaurants & on flights; 2X points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual dining credit ($25 per month)
  • 1 free night award each year (up to 85,000 points)
  • $100 property credit on qualifying Ritz‑Carlton & St. Regis stays
  • Complimentary Platinum Elite status with upgrades & free breakfast
  • Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every 4 years
  • Robust travel & purchase protections including trip delay, baggage coverage & cell phone protection
  • $650 annual fee

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended luxury stay, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card delivers top‑tier perks that help you earn and redeem points faster, offset costs with valuable credits, and travel with confidence thanks to elite status and comprehensive protections.

Terms apply. Welcome offer and benefits require qualifying spend and enrollment. See issuer for complete details.

Annual fee
$650
Our valuation
$1,125

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,125Total$1,125Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
150,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Who should get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

With its high annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is best for:

  • Luxury travelers who stay at high-end Marriott properties.
  • Those who can maximize the $300 annual dining credit and annual 85,000-point free night award.
  • Travelers seeking top-tier elite status and premium perks.
  • Those who value airport lounge access and other luxury travel benefits.

Best Marriott business card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is made for small business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Boost Your Business Travel with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card – Limited-Time Offer!

Get 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points + $125 statement credit after spending a total of at least $8,000 in the first six months.

Here’s why this card is a must-have for business travelers:

  • Big Rewards: Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, on U.S. wireless telephone services, and on U.S. shipping purchases, and 2x points on all other spending.
  • Save on Stays: Enjoy a 7% discount on eligible bookings at participating properties when you book directly with Marriott.
  • Valuable Free Nights: Get one Free Night Award every year after your card renewal month, plus another after spending $60,000 annually (redemption level up to 35,000 points; resort fees may apply).
  • Gold Elite Status: Enjoy automatic Gold Elite status with perks like bonus points on stays, late checkout, and room upgrades.

Apply Now and Elevate Your Business Travel! Terms apply.

Who should get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is best for:

  • Small business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties.
  • Those who can maximize the bonus categories for business expenses.
  • Entrepreneurs seeking automatic Gold Elite status or elite nights to get them to a higher Marriott status tier.
  • Business travelers who value the annual Free Night Award.

Earning elite nights with multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards

If you have multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, you can earn up to 40 elite nights per year. You’ll earn 15 nights with the Business card and can stack this with the 15 nights from the Boundless card or 25 nights from the Brilliant card. However, you cannot stack elite night credits from two personal Marriott cards.

Bottom line

Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer a range of options to suit different travel needs and budgets. From the no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold for casual travelers to the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for luxury travelers, there’s a card for every type of Marriott guest. 

Consider your travel patterns, spending habits and desired perks to choose the card that best aligns with your goals. Whether you want to earn free nights, enjoy elite status benefits or maximize your points earning, a Marriott Bonvoy credit card can enhance your travel experiences and provide valuable rewards for your loyalty to the Marriott brand.

FAQs about Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

What’s the best Marriott Bonvoy card with no annual fee?

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is the only no-annual-fee card. It’s ideal for casual Marriott guests who want to earn points without paying a fee.

Which Marriott card offers a Free Night Award?

Most Marriott cards except the Bold offer an annual Free Night Award, ranging from 35,000 to 85,000 points depending on the card.

Can I have more than one Marriott Bonvoy credit card?

Yes, you can have both a personal and a business Marriott Bonvoy card. You’ll receive elite night credits from one personal and one business card per year.

What’s the best Marriott card for luxury travelers?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is best for luxury travelers thanks to its 85K free night, Priority Pass, and Platinum Elite status.

Do Marriott credit cards help earn elite status?

Yes, each Marriott Bonvoy card provides 15 or 25 elite night credits per year, helping you reach higher elite tiers faster.

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.