Marriott has launched two new credit cards, albeit with most of the same features, through its partners Chase and American Express. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card from Chase offer better rewards rates than the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, enhanced elite status, and a bonus every time you book a cash stay.
However, the new cards have a catch for the free anniversary night certificate, making both cards less valuable for some cardholders in the long run.
Key Takeaways
- Chase and American Express launched new Marriott credit cards, generally offering the same benefits and costs.
- The new cards are a step up from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless in terms of the annual fee, but the increased benefits aren’t necessarily proportionate.
- American Express also announced improvements to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.
How the New Marriott Credit Cards Compare
The new Marriott credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card from Chase, are mid-tier travel credit cards with a $250 annual fee. To give you an idea of what they offer, here’s how they compare to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, which charges a $95 annual fee:
| Feature | Marriott Bevy and Bountiful Cards | Marriott Boundless Card |
| Annual Fee | $250 | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 125,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months | 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months |
| Rewards Rates | 6X on Marriott purchases, 4X points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, and 2X points on all other purchases | 6X points on Marriott purchases, 3X points on up to $6,000 spent per year on grocery store, gas, and dining purchases, and 2X points on all other purchases |
| Cash Stay Bonus | 1,000 points per stay when you book with your card | N/A |
| Elite Status | Gold elite | Silver elite, with the chance to earn Gold if you spend $35,000 per year |
| Free Anniversary Night | One night worth up to 50,000 points when you spend $15,000 in a calendar year | One night worth up to 35,000 points |
| Elite Night Credits | 15 credits per year | 15 credits per year |
While there are some clear improvements with the new credit cards, it’s tough to say whether they make the increased annual fee worth it unless you plan to use the card often and do a lot of cash stays with the hotel brand.
According to Investopedia research, Marriott points are worth 1.05 cents apiece on average, giving you an additional $262.50 in value with the welcome bonus and about $10.50 in value with each cash stay. If you don’t book cash stays often, though, that perk doesn’t help you much.
Additionally, the free anniversary night is worth up to $157.50 more, but remember that you’ll need to meet a spending requirement to earn it every year, whereas the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card doesn’t have that. Also, the new cards’ offer ends on Jan. 11, 2023.
Gold elite status provides better value compared to Silver elite status, but how much more value you get depends on how often you stay at Marriott properties.
Ultimately, there isn’t a huge difference between the two new cards and the Marriott Boundless Card when you take both benefits and the annual fee into consideration. Take your time to consider both the upfront and long-term value you can get with both cards to determine the best option for you.
American Express Enhances Its Brilliant Card
In addition to adding a new card to its Marriott line, American Express has also improved its Bonvoy Brilliant Card by offering cardholders Platinum elite status instead of Gold elite status. The improvement means later checkout times, additional welcome gift options, better room upgrades and lounge access.
Additionally, the premium credit card is now offering up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) on dining purchases at restaurants worldwide—this replaces the $300 annual Marriott credit—as well as a free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points instead of 50,000 points and 25 elite nights per year.
With that said, the card’s annual fee is also increasing from $450 to $650.
To celebrate the new benefits, American Express is currently offering a welcome bonus of 150,000 to new cardholders when they spend $5,000 in the first three months. The offer ends on Jan. 11, 2023.