Marriott is unique amongst the transferable point programs. For one, it’s the only hotel program that allows you to transfer hotel points to airlines to book award flights. Second, its program has a 3:1 transfer ratio with transfer times from hotel points to airline programs being all over the map. Third, Marriott has airline partnerships that are exclusive to Marriot. All three of these aspects make these best Marriott credit cards valuable when you earn points.
While this post is focused on the best Marriott credit cards, it’s important to highlight valuable airline programs that partner with Marriott. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage (temporary Citi airline partner), Asiana Airlines Asiana Club, Japan Airlines JAL Mileage Bank, and Korean Air SKYPASS are partners unique to Marriott. This means that Marriott is the only transferable point program to partner with these airlines. Now, it’s time to dive into Marriott cards to put on your radar.
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Best Marriott Credit Cards (Business)
Marriott Bonvoy Business
The $125 annual fee Marriott Bonvoy Business is the sole business card offered by Marriott. Cardmembers earn 75,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirement. The card earns 6x points at Marriott, and 4x points on the following categories: restaurants, gas stations, shipping, and wireless phone providers. All other purchases earn 2x points. In addition, cardmembers receive one Free Award Night every cardmember year, valid at a property requiring up to 35,000 points per night. You also receive 15 Elite Night Credits every cardmember year to help you earn higher levels of elite status. Lastly, the card charges no foreign transaction fees.
Best Marriott Credit Cards (Personal)
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Marriott Bonvoy Bold cardmembers earn 30,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirement. This card has no annual fee. Cardmembers earn 3x points at Marriott, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on all other purchases. Lastly, You receive 15 Elite Night Credits every cardmember year.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The $95 annual fee Marriott Bonvoy Boundless offers 3 Free Night Award at a property requiring up to 50,000 points per night after meeting the minimum spending requirement. You earn 6x points at Marriott, and 10x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants within your first 6 months from account opening, or until you reach $2,500 in combined purchases, whichever occurs first. All other purchases earn 2x points. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comes with 15 Elite Night Credits every cardmembers year, complimentary Marriott Silver status, and 1 additional Free Night Award valid at a property requiring up to 35,000 points per night for every cardmember year.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
New Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant cardmembers earn 75,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirement. Cardmembers receive $200 in statement credits for restaurant spending during their first six months of card membership. You also receive $300 in statement credits for Marriott purchases and a $100 credit valid during a two-night minimum stay at a Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis. The card comes with 15 Elite Night Credits for every cardmember year. Mariott Gold Elite status comes complimentary with the card as well as a Priority Pass Select lounge membership.
Conclusion on the Best Marriott Credit Cards
Marriott currently offers four credit cards that earn Marriott points with your spending. That’s one business credit card and three personal credit cards between American Express and Chase. What’s great about Marriott points is that you can transfer the points to airlines to book award flights. In particular, you can transfer points to airlines that only partner with Marriott, unlocking the potential for high-value redemptions.
What are your best Marriott credit cards? Are there Marriott credit cards that you recommend? What benefits do you look for most in a credit card? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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