Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card review: A bonus of 5 free nights, anniversary free night certificate, and new benefits for a reasonable annual fee
The recently refreshed Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card has a record-high welcome offer, updated bonus categories, and a new way to earn elite credits.
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Review: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless the best credit card for you?
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It doesn't hurt that the
The card's value doesn't stop at the welcome offer, though. Considering that award nights at Marriott Bonvoy properties start at just 5,000 points (though prices that low are few and far between), the points you'll earn by using this card on a regular basis can help you book more award stays down the line.
One of the card's best perks is the annual free night certificate cardholders receive every card anniversary. It's valid at Marriott hotels that cost up to 35,000 points per night, and if you use it at pricier hotels, it's easy to get a value that far exceeds the annual fee.
You also get automatic Silver elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, along with no foreign transaction fees and a broad selection of travel insurance benefits.
While you should consider all the hotel credit cards available today before you choose one, also remember that you can earn points that transfer to the Marriott Bonvoy program with travel rewards cards that earn transferable points, like the
Both Amex Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio, so you have a lot of options.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
How to earn points with the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card
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- 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (this is in addition to up to 10x points for being a Marriott Bonvoy member and up to 1x point for having Silver elite status from the card)
- 3 points per dollar on dining, gas, and groceries (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases each year)
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
How to redeem Marriott points
Earning points in the Marriott Bonvoy program paves the way for free hotel stays at more than 7,000 participating properties worldwide. Rates start at just 5,000 points per night, while a mid-tier property will set you back around 35,000 points per night.
At luxury Marriott hotels, awards can cost up to 120,000 points per night.
Marriott Bonvoy has shifted to dynamic award pricing and eliminated its fixed award charts. That means prices can vary dramatically, presumably based on things like travel season and cash price of the room.
Also, keep in mind that you get a fifth night free when you use points to book four consecutive free nights. Cash and points options are also available, and they let you book a night at a discount with a cash copay.
Another benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy program is that you don't have to redeem points for free nights. There are other options available, including transferring points to over 40 airline partners, redeeming for gift cards and rental cars, and more. You can even redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for experiences like concerts and events.
Benefits and features
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Anniversary free night award
Each year after your account anniversary, you'll earn a free night award that you can redeem at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 35,000 points. Depending on how you use it each year, you can get a value that can easily cancel out the card's annual fee.
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status
You'll receive automatic Silver elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program just for being a cardholder. Silver elite status comes with 10% bonus points on paid stays, priority late checkout, and free Wi-Fi.
The points bonus is probably the most valuable benefit here. If you pay with the
The card also offers a path to Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status after you spend $35,000 or more on the card in a year.
15 elite night credits toward status each calendar year
Each cardmember year, you'll get 15 elite night credits toward Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
These credits count toward the next level of elite status, whether you're working toward Marriott Bonvoy Gold (by staying 25 qualifying nights in a year) or you've already qualified through Gold and are working toward Platinum (which requires 50 qualifying nights in a year).
Elite night credits for spending
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Lost luggage reimbursement
When you pay for your fare with the
Baggage delay insurance
If your bags are delayed for six hours or more, you could be reimbursed for essential purchases (like clothing and toiletries) up to $100 per day for up to five days.
Trip delay insurance
If you paid for your ticket with the
Purchase protection
If an eligible item you've bought with the
Visa Signature concierge
The Visa Signature concierge can help you arrange things like hard-to-get restaurant reservations or theater tickets. It doesn't cost anything to use the service, but any third-party costs are your responsibility.
Fees and costs
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As long as you pay your bill in full each month, you can avoid other fees with this card. If you do carry a balance, there's an APR of
Other
- Balance transfer fee: 5% of the transfer, with a $5 minimum
- Cash-advance fee: 5% of the cash advance, with a $10 minimum
If you need a card that offers a period of interest-free financing, check out our guide to the best credit cards with 0% intro APR offers.
Comparison: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs other Marriott cards
Annual fee | |||
Bonus points at Marriott hotels | 6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels | 6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program | 3x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels |
Rewards rate on other purchases | 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year) 2x points on all other eligible purchases | 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines 2x points on all other eligible purchases | 2x points on other eligible travel purchases 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
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Welcome bonus offer | |||
Marriott benefits | 15 elite night credits each calendar year One elite night credit for every $5,000 spent on the card Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status Annual free night award*** | 15 elite night credits each calendar year Up to $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy statement credit (offer ends 9/22/22 and will be replaced with a benefit of up to $25 in statement credits per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide) $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit on eligible Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis stays Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status | 15 elite night credits each calendar year
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Other card benefits | Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Lost luggage reimbursement Trip delay reimbursement Baggage delay insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Travel and emergency assistance services Visa Signature concierge No foreign transaction fees | Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership** Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit** Secondary car rental insurance Trip cancellation and interruption insurance Baggage insurance plan Trip delay insurance Travel accident insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Return protection Premium Global Assist Hotline No foreign transaction fees | Lost luggage reimbursement Baggage delay reimbursement Trip delay reimbursement Purchase protection Visa Signature concierge No foreign transaction fees
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*Bonus points at Marriott hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs other hotel cards
Annual fee | |||
Bonus points at card's hotel brand | 6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels | 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases | 10x points on purchases at IHG Hotels and Resorts (up to 26x points)* 10x points with this card* Up to 10x points for being an IHG Rewards Member* Up to 6x points with Platinum Elite Status* |
Rewards rate on other purchases | 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year) 2x points on all other eligible purchases | 6x points at eligible US supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants 3x points on every other eligible purchase | 5x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants 3 point per dollar on everything else |
Welcome bonus offer | |||
Hotel benefits | 15 elite night credits each calendar year One elite night credit for every $5,000 spent on the card Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status Annual free night award* | Hilton Gold elite status Upgrade to Diamond status after you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year Free weekend night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
| IHG Platinum Elite status Fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a stay of three or more nights Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit 20% discount when you purchase points with your card 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each account anniversary
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Other card benefits | Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Lost luggage reimbursement Trip delay reimbursement Baggage delay insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Travel and emergency assistance services Visa Signature concierge No foreign transaction fees | Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership** with 10 free visits per year Secondary car rental insurance Baggage insurance plan Purchase protection Extended warranty Global Assist Hotline No foreign transaction fees | Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Travel accident insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Baggage delay insurance Travel and emergency assistance services Purchase protection Extended warranty No foreign transaction fees |
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*Bonus points at Marriott, Hilton, and IHG hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card worth it?
If you stay at Marriott hotels, even occasionally, the
For frequent Marriott guests, the
What credit score do you need for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
Most people who are approved for the
Who is eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card?
The
You're also not eligible if you already have a
In addition, you won't be eligible for the welcome bonus offer on this card if any of the following apply to you:
- You are a current cardmember, or were a previous cardmember within the last 30 days, of Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card (also known as The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express)
- You are a current or previous cardmember of either the
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card (also known as The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express) orMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card (also known as the Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card), and received a new cardmember bonus or upgrade bonus in the last 24 months - You applied and were approved for the
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card (also known as The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express) orMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card (also known as the Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card) within the last 90 days
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless a Visa or Mastercard?
The
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card metal?
No. The