The best Marriott credit cards in October 2024
Published 7:33 AM EDT, Thu March 28, 2024
Marriott is one of the largest hotel chains in the world. With more than 8,500 locations, it’s usually easy to find a Marriott property wherever your travels take you.
That’s why Marriott Bonvoy points are so valuable. The ubiquity of Marriott makes them practical and easy to use, and the fastest way to earn them is with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card. Let’s take a look at the best Marriott credit cards to help you decide which one best complements your travel goals.
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Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy? bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Our team of experts evaluated each co-branded Marriott credit card as well as cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards? and Chase Travel? points you can transfer to Marriott Bonvoy. We considered factors including travel benefits, free nights and elite status, and select fees. Using a data-based approach, we selected the top six credit cards that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card: Best Marriott credit card
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card: *Best card for occasional Marriott travelers
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card: Best card for travel flexibility
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Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card: *Best small business card
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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The Platinum Card? from American Express: *Best for premium travel benefits
The information for the The Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card: *Best no annual fee Marriott card
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All information about Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel? value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card
*The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card
*The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
All information about Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
The Platinum Card? from American Express
*The information for the The Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card
*The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Our picks at a glance
| Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Best for | Notable feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
| $650
| 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
| Marriott overall
| Automatic Marriott Platinum status
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card
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The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $95
| Earn three free night awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
| Occasional Marriott travelers
| Annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points
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Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card
| $95
| 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year
| Travel flexibility
| Points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 rate
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Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card
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The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $125
| Earn 5 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each) after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership (offer ends 10/16, resort fees and terms apply)
| Small business owners
| Annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points
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The Platinum Card? from American Express
| $695
| 80,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
| Premium travel benefits
| Comprehensive airport lounge access
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Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card
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The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
| No annual fee
| Automatic 15 elite night credits annually
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All information about Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Why get a Marriott credit card?
Whether you’re a road warrior who stays with Marriott frequently or only travels a couple of times a year, opening a Marriott credit card can make a lot of sense. With a Marriott credit card, you can expect to:
- Earn Marriott points: You can earn lots of points (including valuable welcome bonuses) by funneling your daily spending through a Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
- Receive annual free nights: Most Marriott credit cards offer an anniversary free night award certificate worth tens of thousands of points (which can translate into hundreds of dollars in value).
- Be on the fast track to elite status: Depending on the card, you could receive Marriott elite status boosts — or even automatic elite status.
- Transfer points to airlines: If you’d prefer to use Marriott points for flights, you’ve got dozens of airline transfer partners to choose from.
- Get travel benefits: Similar to other travel rewards credit cards, Marriott credit cards offer a selection of protections and perks geared to frequent travelers.
What are Marriott credit cards?
Marriott offers six credit cards issued by American Express and Chase. These credit cards deliver Marriott-specific perks, such as elite status, bonus rewards for Marriott spending and even annual free night award certificates (depending on the card).
What is the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program?
Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program of Marriott International’s over 30 hotel brands, including names such as Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Sheraton, TownePlace Suites and Residence Inn. As a member, you can earn and redeem points at more than 8,500 hotels around the world. You can also earn elite status and receive special benefits, such as room upgrades and free breakfast, during your visits. Marriott Bonvoy also allows you to transfer your points to over 35 airline partners. This isn’t usually a very good value, unless you need to top off your account for a specific trip.
How do Marriott credit cards compare to competing hotel rewards cards?
Most major hotel chains offer a handful of co-branded credit cards that earn points for free stays. Marriott offers an above-average collection of rewards credit cards, many with valuable annual free night award certificates, elite status boosts and other useful perks.
For those who don’t want to pigeonhole themselves into staying exclusively with Marriott, there are other credit cards that may better suit your travel style. These cards, such as the Amex Platinum and Sapphire Preferred, earn flexible points that you can transfer to Marriott Bonvoy — or to other partner hotel programs.
How to select a Marriott credit card
The perfect Marriott credit card for you isn’t quite as self-explanatory as you might think. There are several factors to keep in mind while you deliberate:
- Annual fee: Ensure that you’re getting more value than you’re paying for the annual fee. If you’re not, the card is probably a bad deal for you.
- Travel style: Do you travel often enough that the benefits you’ll receive from the card are worthwhile? Do the destinations you visit have Marriott hotels?
- Welcome offer: Marriott credit card welcome bonuses are the easiest way to earn free travel.
- Spending patterns: Bonus categories among Marriott credit cards can vary, so pick one that rewards categories where you tend to spend.
One more important note: The welcome bonuses on Marriott credit cards are subject to stringent (and confusing) rules for those who already hold a Marriott credit card.
For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offer details state that the welcome bonus is not available to you if you currently hold (or have held in the last 30 days) either the Marriott Bonvoy? American Express? Card or Starwood Preferred Guest? Credit Card from American Express (neither of which is available to new applicants). You also won’t qualify if you were approved for any of the following cards within the last 90 days (or received a new welcome bonus or upgrade bonus within the last 24 months:
- Marriott Bonvoy Business
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy? American Express? Card
- Starwood Preferred Guest? American Express Luxury Card or Starwood Preferred Guest? Business Credit Card from American Express (not available to new applicants)
How to apply for a Marriott credit card
After you’ve found the best Marriott credit card that complements your lifestyle, it’s time to apply. The process is virtually identical to other credit card applications. You’ll enter details such as your name, Social Security number and annual income. You’ll also have the option to enter your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number to link the card to your account. If you don’t have a Marriott Bonvoy account, one will be created for you upon opening the card.
How to make the most of Marriott credit cards
Wringing every last drop of value from your Marriott credit card takes a bit of strategy. Keep these points in mind as long as the account is open.
Annual fees and other costs
As is the case with all credit cards, Marriott credit cards come with a variety of costs. By using your card wisely, you can avoid the majority of these fees. Watch for:
- Interest: If you carry a balance month-to-month, you’ll pay an annual percentage rate (APR) over 20%.
- Annual fees: Again, make sure you’re getting more yearly value from the card than you’re paying to keep it. If you aren’t, you should consider canceling or downgrading to a card with a lower annual fee.
- Cash advances: You’ll pay fees of between $5 and $10 or 3% and 5% of the amount of a cash advance, whichever is greater. Plus, you’ll start accruing interest on a cash advance immediately, making this a poor option.
- Balance transfers: You’ll pay either $5 or 5% of the amount of a balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Earning points with Marriott credit cards
One of the primary reasons you might open a Marriott credit card is to earn points toward a future award stay. You can use your card to earn rewards quickly by:
- Earning a welcome bonus by meeting minimum spending requirements within a specific amount of time after opening your account
- Using the card for your everyday spending
- Using the card to pay for your Marriott stays
Redeeming points with Marriott credit cards
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to redeeming Marriott points, from trading them for merchandise to buying Uber gift cards to transferring them to shopping app Rakuten, though your points won’t often be worth much.
With little exception, the best use of points will be for award nights with Marriott. You can generally expect to receive a value of around 0.84 cents per point according to March 2024 valuations from travel website The Points Guy, though it’s certainly possible to get significantly higher (or lower) value depending on where you redeem them.
You can also transfer your points to over 35 airline partners, most of which convert at a ratio of 3:1. Marriott will even add a bonus of 5,000 airline miles when you transfer in increments of 60,000 (with the exception of United Airlines, which will receive 10,000 bonus miles per 60,000-point transfer). Because of the unfavorable transfer ratio, this isn’t generally a good idea — unless you’ve got your eye on a specific award flight for which you’re struggling to earn the miles.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams reviewed 18 credit cards that earn points through Marriott Bonvoy, American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Travel?. To choose the best Marriott credit cards, we gave each a star rating out of five based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
Welcome bonus value (25%)
Most travel rewards credit cards offer bonus points after you meet a spending requirement in the first months with the card. We determined how much each card’s bonus is worth using points and miles valuations from The Points Guy, and ranked cards that offer more value accordingly.
Rewards value (25%)
Using spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and The Points Guy’s estimate of Marriott Bonvoy points value to determine which cards reward you the most for your everyday purchases.
Select fees (20%)
Cards that charge a low annual fee, or none at all, ranked better in this category than cards with higher fees. We also considered foreign transaction fees.
Benefits (20%)
Marriott cards with day-of-travel benefits such as a higher level of elite status, airport lounge access or booking discounts received a boost in rankings. We also looked at perks such as rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protections and cell phone insurance in scoring this category.
Annual credits and free nights (10%)
Marriott credit cards that offer statement credits for eligible spending got a boost in this category. We also factored in free award nights (automatic or for meeting spending thresholds) and scored cards that offer them more highly here.
What didn’t make the cut
The Marriott credit cards that made our “best-of” list aren’t the only ones out there. A few options just weren’t good enough to make our list, namely:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy? American Express? Card: This Marriott credit card offers a decent bonus and earning rate. However, its high $250 annual fee (terms apply, see rates and fees) is difficult to justify, as it’s one of the few Marriott credit cards that doesn’t come with an automatic anniversary free night award certificate.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful? Credit Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : Similar to the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, this card’s high annual fee isn’t particularly easy to offset, as it doesn’t come with an annual free night award certificate.
- The Business Platinum Card? from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This card brings nothing new to the table for Marriott enthusiasts that the personal Amex Platinum doesn’t. For small business owners who are chasing elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Business offers the same Gold elite status for a much lower annual fee.
- American Express? Green Card * The information for the American Express? Green Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : You’ll earn American Express Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to Marriott, and you’ll even get some fair bonus categories for everyday purchases (3 points per dollar on dining, transit and travel). But the card has a comparatively high $150 annual fee (terms apply, see rates and fees) and has no real edge over the Sapphire Preferred.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve?: This is a premium travel rewards credit card with a high $550 annual fee. It earns Chase Travel? points which can be transferred to Marriott, but it doesn’t offer any elite status benefits like the ??Amex Platinum Card.
All information about The Business Platinum Card? from American Express and American Express? Green Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes. You can use Marriott points for merchandise, charity, Uber gift cards, experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments and even award flights. Keep in mind that your points won’t have consistent value across redemption options.
All but one Marriott credit card (the Marriott Bonvoy Bold) charges an annual fee. You’ll pay between $95 and $650 per year for all other Marriott credit cards.
You can have more than one Marriott credit card. However, you may not qualify for a new Marriott card’s welcome bonus depending on the current Marriott credit card(s) you hold. Be sure to read the offer terms of the card you’re considering.
Marriott credit cards do offer travel insurance. Depending on the card you’ve got, you could receive trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance or even rental car insurance.
You can use Marriott credit cards internationally. No Marriott Bonvoy credit card charges a foreign transaction fee.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card
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The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card? from American Express, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for American Express? Green Card
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The information for the American Express? Green Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Bevy? American Express? Card, please visit this page.
All information about American Express? Green Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold? Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful? Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card and The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.
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