Best Marriott credit cards of November 2024
If you frequently book hotel stays, having one of the best Marriott credit cards in your wallet can help you enjoy awesome perks across one of the largest hotel portfolios in the world. Marriott Bonvoy cards are issued by both Chase and American Express, and the current lineup features options to meet the needs of any traveler. Or, you can consider a flexible travel card that still includes benefits for your Marriott stays.
Need help choosing the right card to match your spending habits and overnight stays? Our expert travel team has put together this guide with all the important information you need to make an informed decision about which Marriott credit card is the best for you. View our partner offers below.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best for occasional Marriott guests
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for elite status across programs, including Marriott
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Best for Best no-annual-fee card
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best for small businesses
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for welcome offer and elite status
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Best for Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
- Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card: Best for Ritz-Carlton loyalists
Best for occasional Marriott guests
| 17X | Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. |
| 3X | Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. |
| 2X | 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is an entry-level card that can help travelers dip their toes into the Bonvoy program. The card is best for those who stay at Marriotts, but not enough to take full advantage of Marriott’s higher-tier cards.
Pros
- Annual free night certificate (up to 35,000 points) each cardmember anniversary
- Automatic Silver elite status with pathway to Gold
- 15 elite night credits annually to help earn mid or high tier Bonvoy status
Cons
- There are better Marriott cards if you want higher tier status or no annual fee
- Doesn't make sense if you don't stay at Marriott properties
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
Best for elite status across programs, including Marriott
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee.
Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600
- Access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and valuable assorted annual statement credits and more (enrollment required)
- Access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
Cons
- The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
- The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for Best no-annual-fee card
| 14X | Earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services. |
| 1X | 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Bonvoy Bold card is the no-annual-fee card option in Marriott’s lineup and offers a way to start earning points and a jump start to elite status. However, it lags behind Marriott’s other card options when it comes to earning rates and perks.
Pros
- 5 elite night credits annually to help earn mid or high tier Bonvoy status
- Automatic Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement coverage
Cons
- Limited perks and meager earning rates
- May not make sense if you don't stay at Marriott properties
- There are better Marriott cards if you want higher tier status or benefits
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
- Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
- New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Member FDIC
Best for small businesses
| 6x | 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4x | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2x | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business is a solid pick for small businesses that want the benefits that come with Bonvoy properties around the world. It comes with a great welcome offer and better rewards and benefits than Marriott’s consumer version.
Pros
- 6 points per dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ different airlines
- Perks include premium on-property internet access, complimentary Marriott Gold status, access to Amex Offers, and no foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Welcome Offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
- Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
- Terms apply.
Best for welcome offer and elite status
| 6X | Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. |
| 3X | 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. |
| 2X | 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. |
The Bonvoy Brilliant is ideal for travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand. You’ll get a solid return on Marriott stays and a number of premium perks that can help you upgrade your trips. However, with high-end perks comes a high annual fee.
Pros
- Earn up to $300 in statement credits each account year for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (up to $25 per month)
- 1 free night award (up to 85,000 points) every year after your card renewal month, valid at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program (certain hotels have resort fees)
- Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required)
Cons
- $650 annual fee isn't insignificant
- May not make sense if you don't stay at Marriott properties
- 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.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
| 6X | Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. |
| 4X | Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points). |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card. |
This newest Marriott Bonvoy card from American Express is the first card in their portfolio at the mid-tier level. It gives cardmembers automatic Gold status and an elite night credit boost and offers a generous welcome bonus.
Pros
- This card offers mid-tier perks for those loyal to Marriott Bonvoy
- You'll get automatic Gold Elite status, solid points-earning at Marriott properties and 15 elite night credits each year
Cons
- This card lacks a number of benefits that you might expect from a card with a $250 annual fee
- You have to spend at least $15,000 in eligible purchases (per cardmember year) to earn a free night award, when competing cards at the same annual fee (or even lower) include that perk with no spend
- No lounge membership or statement credits for perks like TSA PreCheck/Global Entry
- Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for Ritz-Carlton loyalists
Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card
| 6X | 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. |
| 3X | 3X points for every $1 spent on dining, car rentals and airline purchases. |
| 2X | 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Annual free night award
- Offers lounge access
- Features a $300 annual travel credit
Cons
- This card isn’t available to new applicants (though you can still get it)
- No welcome offer is available since you must upgrade from another card to get this one
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards™ Credit Card* makes sense for Ritz loyalists who frequent the upscale hotel chain. The myriad perks of card membership — like an annual free night award and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status — help offset the $450 annual fee.
Comparing the best Marriott credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | occasional Marriott guests | Earn 3 Free Night Awards Open Intro bonus Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card! | 2 - 17X points | $95
|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | elite status across programs, including Marriott | Earn 80,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X points | $695 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | Best no-annual-fee card | Earn 30,000 Bonus Points Open Intro bonus Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card! | 1 - 14X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | small businesses | 3 Free Night Awards Open Intro bonus Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 2 - 6X points | $125 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | welcome offer and elite status | 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points Open Intro bonus 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. | 2 - 6X points | $650 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status | 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 2 - 6X points | $250 |
Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card * *The information about the Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 07/29/2024 | Ritz-Carlton loyalists | N/A | 2 - 6X points | $450 |
More details on the best Marriott credit cards
The Bonvoy Boundless is a great pick for travel credit card beginners. The card offers an annual free night certificate (worth up to 35,000 points) after account anniversary, Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits annually to help you jump-start your journey into the Bonvoy program. Even the most casual Marriott user could benefit from this entry-level card. Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card.
Travelers who book at least one Marriott hotel a year would benefit from having the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless in their wallet. With its many perks, including the annual free night certificate, the card basically pays for itself.
“This card is worth keeping in my wallet every year due to the fact that I can get outsized value from the free night certificate for a low $95 annual fee. Combining the 15 elite night credits I receive with this card with the ones I get by holding another Marriott business card means it is attainable for me to requalify for Platinum Elite status every year.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
For travelers who are looking for more flexible reward earning and redemption options, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be a better option. The Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to any of Chase’s 14 travel partners (including Marriott) or used directly through Chase Travel.
There is no premium travel card like the Amex Platinum, as it offers a slew of benefits, credits and perks. For travelers looking to get the most out of a travel card, the Amex Platinum can be the perfect addition to their wallets thanks to the unparalleled lounge access, assorted annual statement credits and extensive travel perks that come with it. It even includes automatic Gold Elite status in the Bonvoy program (enrollment required). Read our full review of the Amex Platinum Card.
Frequent travelers can find a lot of use for the Amex Platinum’s lounge access and annual statement credits, but casual travelers would be hard-pressed to justify the card’s hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).
“As a frequent traveler, the Platinum Card's extensive lounge access makes the card a must-have on the road. I can access Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges and others. More often than not, this means I have a place to relax before my flight. This has saved me thousands of dollars in airport food over the years and keeps me productive at the airport. On top of this, the up to $200 airline fee credit and up to $200 Uber Cash offset most of the card's high annual fee.” — Andrew Kunesh, former senior points and miles editor
If you are looking for a premium travel card with a more flexible travel credit and a greater variety of bonus categories, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be a better fit for your wallet. The Sapphire Reserve still comes with many travel perks and benefits, plus 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, all with a slightly more affordable $550 annual fee.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold is a great starter option for any traveler interested in the Bonvoy program. The card provides travel protections, 5 elite night credits to help you jump-start your elite status journey and automatic Silver Elite status, all for no annual fee. Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold.
New travel credit card users who are looking for a solid no-annual-fee pick can find great value in the Marriott Bonvoy Bold’s earning rates and perks.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold is a great way to enter the Bonvoy program since it has no annual fee but still features automatic status and a solid welcome offer. If you've been considering applying for a Marriott credit card, the Bonvoy Bold is a good start.
If you want to earn transferable points but are looking for a card without an annual fee, consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) instead. It earns a flat 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and can be transferred to any of Capital One’s 15-plus travel partners.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is the perfect mid-tier business card for a small-business owner loyal to Marriott. It features elevated earning rates for business categories like U.S. gas stations and U.S. wireless telephone service. Plus, it comes with complimentary Gold Elite status, 15 elite night credits (which can be stacked with those from a personal Marriott card) and an annual free night certificate after your card renewal month. Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card.
Small-business owners who prioritize Marriott properties for stays should consider adding this card to their business wallet. The $125 annual fee can easily pay for itself with the annual free night certificate. Not to mention, the additional perks of elite status and elevated earning rates add to its value.
“If I had to name one credit card I’ll never cancel, I’d choose this one. I love that its elite night credits stack with those from my personal Marriott credit card, and I can get far more value from the free night award than I pay for the card’s annual fee each year. This card has a permanent place in my wallet.” — Ryan Smith, former credit cards writer
If you are looking for a business hotel credit card but find your company frequents Hilton properties, consider The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card instead. The card offers many of the same perks as the Marriott Bonvoy Business but at a slightly more affordable annual fee of $195 (see rates and fees).
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is Marriott’s most premium card and comes loaded with perks, including up to $25 in monthly dining credits (up to $300 per year), automatic Platinum Elite status, a free night award (worth up to 85,000 points) after your card renewal month and a Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required). The card’s benefits come at a premium annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees), but this can still be a great addition to a Marriott enthusiast’s wallet. Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
Marriott loyalists would get the most value out of having the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. The annual free night award, worth up to 85,000 points, can be a great way to score a free night at any of these Marriott hotels.
“This card is an absolute no-brainer for those who stay at full-service Marriott brands multiple times a year but not quite enough to naturally earn the Marriott Platinum Elite status that unlocks perks like free breakfast, club access and suite upgrades. I’ve got the card so that I can enjoy hundreds of dollars in annual status perks, plus the annual 85,000-point award certificate that saves me hundreds of dollars on a night at higher-end Marriott hotels and resorts.” — Summer Hull, director of content
If you are looking for a premium hotel card at a lower cost but with similar perks, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which carries an annual fee of $450 and offers many premium benefits — just at participating Hilton Honors properties.
The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is a mid-tier Marriott products that offers a great welcome offer, complimentary Gold Elite status and bonus points on each paid stay. For the right Marriott customers, the Bevy could be a great way to earn more on their Marriott stays. Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy.
Marriott customers who don’t have a Marriott card yet should consider adding the Bevy to their wallet. The Bevy’s automatic elite status, welcome offer and bonus points on paid stay can help them maximize returns on their stays.
Earning elite status typically requires many hotel nights, but with the Bevy card, cardholders receive automatic Gold status and 15 elite night credits every year.
If you want a Marriott card but are looking for one that comes with a free night every year, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card instead. You’ll receive a free-night certificate (valid up to 35,000 points) each year when you renew your card, and it also features a lower annual fee of $95.
Automatic elite status, a $300 annual travel credit, 15 elite night credits each calendar year and Priority Pass lounge access make the Ritz-Carlton RewardsRitz-Carlton Rewards™ Credit Card Credit Card* a winner.
*The information for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
This card is ideal for travelers who prioritize staying at Ritz-Carlton properties above other options.
If you’re a fan of Ritz properties and you maximize the credits that come with the Ritz-Carlton RewardsRitz-Carlton Rewards™ Credit Card, you can completely offset the annual fee while enjoying luxury perks.
Consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® if you want a more general travel rewards card that still offers lounge access and an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit.
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What's your favorite Marriott credit card — and why?
What TPG readers have to say about their top pick for best Marriott card
When staying with Marriott, TPG readers want to utilize — or build toward — elite status in addition to getting the most benefits out of their cobranded cards. Read on to see what people have to say about their favorite Marriott cards.
Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
“The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant has had the biggest impact on my travels outside of the USA, the upgrades have been amazing. The 4pm check out is great. The points multiplier is much better than my UK Amex card. It has accelerated me to lifetime tiers. If you stay in Asia you get treated very well with the status. Every year I have had the card, I have made Titanium due to the 25 nights start.” - Christopher C via Facebook
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
“My favorite credit card pair is the Delta gold Amex (one for me and one for my wife) and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Fees are relatively low compared to higher end cards and we take at least one free trip per year.” - Keith P via Facebook
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
“The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant offers the most benefits hands down! I have not paid for luxury hotels in over a decade.” Jace P via Facebook
How to choose the best Marriott credit card
- Our picks offer different welcome bonuses that let you earn different types of points, including Marriott Bonvoy points. Choose a card that you can easily reach the minimum spend threshold in order to obtain the welcome bonus.1Welcome bonus
- From cards that feature hefty annual fees — and offer premium perks — to cards with no annual fees, there’s a good choice for every type of consumer, whether you stay at Marriott properties several times a year or just a few sporadic nights here and there.2Annual fee
- Thanks to a variety of cards to choose from, narrowing down your options should be easy when you consider your top spending categories. Whether it’s on dining, gas or at U.S. supermarkets, there’s a card that’ll help you earn even more points and miles rewards.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of Marriott credit cards
Pros
- Using Marriott credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score
- Marriott credit cards can earn Bonvoy points (or flexible travel rewards) on every dollar you spend
- Many Marriott credit cards provide travel and shopping protections
- Some Marriott credit cards provide perks like free night certificates, automatic elite status and more
Cons
- Carrying a balance and using your Marriott card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
- Applying for too many credit cards can negatively affect your credit score
- Marriott Bonvoy doesn’t have a published award chart, so the number of Marriott points you need for a free night can vary significantly
- You may not stay at participating properties enough to make a Marriott credit card worthwhile
Frequently asked questions
The best Marriott card depends very much on your personal situation. All have their own perks, but your perfect card will be the one that offers a collection of benefits and earning rates that match your travel needs. Compare each card prior to signing up, and remember to take into account your willingness to pay an annual fee, how often you stay in Marriott properties and what your individual spending habits are before you submit an application.
Ultimately, there isn’t a universal best option for everyone. Instead, you should aim to pick the Marriott credit card that’s best for you.
If you stay at a Marriott property, even occasionally, it’s likely worth it to have a Marriott credit card. The annual free night certificates alone can make the math work on both the low-tier and high-end Marriott cards, as you can easily use free nights to cover the cards’ annual fees. Once you factor in all the other benefits the cards offer, you’ll find that you can often get additional value beyond the amount spent annually to have the card.
To apply for any Marriott card on this list, you can click on the card’s name, photo or “Apply Now” link to the right of the card. Then, simply follow the on-screen prompts to complete (and submit) your application. Just be sure you’re eligible for a welcome bonus on the card you’re applying for, which isn’t a simple proposition for Marriott credit cards.
You can read more about Marriott Bonvoy credit card eligibility requirements in this guide. You’ll also want to check out our overall guide to credit card application restrictions.
Marriott does not publish a limit on the number of cards you can have, though it’s worth noting that Marriott uses two issuers for its cobranded cards: American Express and Chase. Amex does not typically allow individuals to have more than five credit cards, while Chase usually caps the total amount of credit it’ll extend to you across all cards. Additionally, Chase has its infamous 5/24 rule, which means it won’t approve users who have opened five or more new personal credit cards within the prior 24 months.
If you can avoid running afoul of both of these general rules, you certainly can have two (or even more) Marriott credit cards — especially if you want multiple free night certificates.
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards have either a Visa logo or an American Express logo. Thus, they can be used at any merchant that accepts these networks.
Many Marriott credit cards do include rental car insurance. However, this may be secondary coverage, which means you’d need to submit a claim with your personal car insurance policy in the event of theft or damage to your vehicle.
It’s critical to read the details of any included rental car insurance to ensure that you are adequately covered by the perk.
All Marriott credit cards waive foreign transaction fees when swiping your card outside the U.S.
There are several Marriott credit cards that come with an annual free night award, which is received upon card opening and at each card renewal month. Additionally, by using your card at Marriott properties and on everyday purchases, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points that can then be redeemed for free nights across the program’s global footprint.