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Best Marriott Credit Cards

Best Marriott Credit Cards

Introduction

If you frequently stay at Marriott hotels, using the best Marriott credit cards can be a game-changer for earning free nights, elite status, and valuable perks. Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel chain’s loyalty program, partners with top credit card issuers to offer travel enthusiasts a chance to maximize their stays with rewards and exclusive benefits.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best Marriott credit cards, their key benefits, and how you can strategically use them to optimize your travel rewards. Plus, we’ll provide real customer reviews and detailed charts to help you decide which Marriott card fits your needs.


The Best Marriott Credit Cards for Travelers

1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Key Benefits:

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Annual Free Night Certificate: Worth up to 85,000 points.
  • Elite Status: Automatic Platinum Elite status.
  • Earning Structure: 6x points at Marriott hotels, 3x at restaurants and flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
  • Luxury Perks: $300 statement credits for dining, Priority Pass lounge access, and TSA PreCheck credit.

This card is best for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to enjoy elite perks with luxury benefits.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Chase)

Key Benefits:

  • Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months.
  • Annual Free Night Certificate: Worth up to 35,000 points.
  • Elite Status: Automatic Silver Elite status (upgradeable to Gold with $35,000 annual spend).
  • Earning Structure: 6x points at Marriott hotels, 3x on groceries, dining, and gas, and 2x on everything else.
  • Low Annual Fee: $95

The Boundless card is perfect for casual Marriott guests who want a mix of affordability and valuable perks.

3. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Key Benefits:

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Annual Free Night Certificate: Up to 35,000 points.
  • Earning Structure: 6x points at Marriott, 4x at gas stations, restaurants, and wireless services, and 2x on everything else.
  • Elite Status: Automatic Gold Elite status.

A great choice for business owners who want to maximize hotel stays while earning extra rewards on business-related expenses.


Marriott credit card options comparison for maximizing rewards and benefits during hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy.

Which Marriott Credit Card Is Best for You?

The best Marriott credit card depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. Below is a chart comparing the top three Marriott credit cards:

Comparison of the Best Marriott Credit Cards

FeatureBonvoy Brilliant (Amex)Bonvoy Boundless (Chase)Bonvoy Business (Amex)
Welcome Bonus95,000 points100,000 points125,000 points
Annual Fee$650$95$125
Annual Free Night Value85,000 points35,000 points35,000 points
Elite StatusPlatinum EliteSilver EliteGold Elite
Earning Rate at Marriott6x points6x points6x points
Additional Benefits$300 dining creditLow annual fee4x on business expenses

How to Maximize Your Marriott Credit Card Benefits

To get the most out of your best Marriott credit card, follow these strategies:

  1. Use the Card at Marriott Hotels – Always pay for Marriott stays with your Bonvoy credit card to earn maximum points.
  2. Leverage the Free Night Certificate – These certificates can save you hundreds of dollars on premium stays.
  3. Achieve Elite Status – Take advantage of automatic elite status perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkouts.
  4. Pair with Other Chase or Amex Cards – Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to boost your Marriott balance.
  5. Utilize Travel and Dining Perks – Many Marriott cards offer dining credits, travel insurance, and lounge access.

Are Marriott Credit Cards Worth It?

For frequent travelers, the best Marriott credit cards provide significant value. The combination of free nights, elite benefits, and point earnings can easily outweigh the annual fees if used strategically. Here’s a cost-benefit analysis:

Marriott Credit Card Cost vs. Value Analysis

CardAnnual FeeEstimated Yearly Value (Based on Perks)
Bonvoy Brilliant (Amex)$650$1,500+
Bonvoy Boundless (Chase)$95$700+
Bonvoy Business (Amex)$125$850+

Best Marriott Credit Cards

Real Customer Reviews of Marriott Credit Cards

Here’s what real users are saying about these cards:

  1. John T. (Bonvoy Brilliant Amex)“The Bonvoy Brilliant card has completely changed my travel experience. The Platinum Elite perks and annual free night make this card well worth the fee.”
  2. Sarah M. (Bonvoy Boundless Chase)“This is the best Marriott credit card for budget travelers. The $95 fee is nothing compared to the free night and elite benefits I get.”
  3. Michael D. (Bonvoy Business Amex)“As a business owner, I love earning 4x points on expenses while getting Gold Elite status at Marriott hotels.”
  4. Emily R. (Bonvoy Brilliant Amex)“The $300 dining credit and lounge access are amazing perks. I use my free night at a high-end property every year.”
  5. Daniel S. (Bonvoy Boundless Chase)“Great for beginners in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It’s affordable and the rewards add up quickly.”

Conclusion: Which Marriott Credit Card Should You Choose?

The best Marriott credit card depends on your travel style and goals:

  • For luxury perks and top-tier benefits, choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex.
  • For budget-conscious travelers, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Chase is an excellent pick.
  • For business owners, the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex provides high earnings and elite perks.

For more ways to maximize your travel rewards, check out our full guide on We Do Points!