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If you want to earn Marriott points on your everyday spending, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is a great option with a reasonable annual fee and a generous welcome bonus offer. It comes with good benefits, including a free night award each card anniversary and elite status credits for meeting spending thresholds.

Review: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card the Best Credit Card for You?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is an excellent option if you want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases without paying a premium-level annual fee (the top-tier Marriott credit card is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card , which offers potentially thousands of dollars in annual benefits — but charges a Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card annual fee).

It doesn't hurt that the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is currently offering a new welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That makes the bonus worth around Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, based on Insider's points and miles valuations.

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 credit cards that earn transferable points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express.

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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card offers a straightforward earning structure, with bonus rewards in several great categories. Cardholders earn:

  • 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 nearly 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.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Benefits and Features

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card comes with a host of benefits and travel perks.

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.

Marriott now allows you to top off a free night award with up to 15,000 points from your account, giving you the flexibility to redeem at hotels that cost up to 50,000 points per night.

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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, you'll earn up to 17 points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties — 10 points as a loyalty member, 1 additional point as a Silver Elite member, and 6 points for paying with your credit card.

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

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card recently added the ability to earn elite night credits for spending. Cardholders will earn one elite night credit for every $5,000 they spend on the card, and there's no limit to the number of elite nights you can earn. 

Car rental insurance

Pay for your car rental with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and decline the rental company's collision insurance, and you can be covered for damage due to theft or collision on most vehicles. Coverage is secondary insurance in the US and primary insurance otherwise. Be sure to read the terms and conditions for country and vehicle exclusions.

Lost luggage reimbursement

When you pay for your fare with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and the carrier damages or loses your bags, you and your immediate family members could be covered for up to $3,000 per passenger. 

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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and your trip is delayed overnight or by more than 12 hours, the card's trip delay insurance can reimburse you and your immediate family for up to $500 per passenger for meals and accommodations.

Purchase protection

If an eligible item you've bought with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase, you could be eligible for up to $500 in reimbursement per claim, and up to $50,000 per account with the card's purchase protection.

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.

Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card cardholders can activate a complimentary one-year DoorDash DashPass membership. This normally costs $9.99 per month and offers free delivery and discounted service fees on orders $12 and above with both DoorDash and Caviar delivery services. Activation of the benefit is required by December 31, 2024.

Gopuff credits

Until December 31, 2023, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card members can receive $10 per month in Gopuff credits when they add their card as the default payment method in the Gopuff app. Gopuff is a rapid delivery service that offers everyday items like snacks, beverages, personal care items, and other household supplies.

Gopuff credits automatically appear on your card statement soon after making an eligible purchase with Gopuff. There's a minimum order amount of $10 and a flat $3.95 delivery fee per order. 

Fees and Costs

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card has an annual fee of Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, and no foreign transaction fees.

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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Avoid carrying a balance at all costs — it can damage your financial health by having a negative impact on your credit score, and you'll accrue interest charges quickly, which can only make matters worse.

Other Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card fees include:

  • 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 (or our picks for the best balance transfer credit cards).

Compare Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Other Marriott Credit Cards

 

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card

Annual fee

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card

Bonus points at Marriott hotels

6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels

6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels

6x 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 restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines

2x points on all other eligible purchases

4x points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at
restaurants worldwide and on groceries (then 2x)

2x points on all other eligible purchases

 

 

Welcome bonus offer

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card

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***

25 elite night credits each calendar year

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 Platinum elite status

Annual free night award****

Earned Choice Award when you spend $60,000 in a calendar year

15 elite night credits each calendar year

Complimentary Marriott Gold elite status

1,000 bonus points per Marriott stay when using your card

Annual free night award*****

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

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

Review

 

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card review

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful credit card review

*Bonus points at Marriott hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay

***the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card offers an annual free night award each year after your account anniversary for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 35,000 points

****the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers an annual free night award every year after your card renewal month for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 85,000 points

*****the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card offers an annual free night award worth up to 50,000 points each year that you spend at least $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Other Hotel Credit Cards

 

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Annual fee

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

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

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

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

Annual free night award******

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

 

 

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

Review

 

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card review

Chase IHG Rewards Club Premier credit card review

*Bonus points at Marriott, Hilton, and IHG hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay

***the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card offers an annual free night award each year after your account anniversary for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 35,000 points

******the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card offers an annual free night award each year after your account anniversary for participating IHG properties that cost up to 40,000 points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card worth it?

If you stay at Marriott hotels, even occasionally, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is worth considering. In fact, the free anniversary night can be worth much more than the card's Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card annual fee.

For frequent Marriott guests, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card could be a better bet, because it offers higher elite status, statement credits for restaurant spending, and a host of other useful perks.

What credit score do you need for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?

Most people who are approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card have a good to excellent credit score, which means a FICO score of at least 670.

Who is eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule, which means if you've opened five or more credit cards from any bank (excluding some small-business cards), you won't be approved for the card.

You're also not eligible if you already have a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card, or Marriott Bonvoy® Premier credit card (not available to new applicants) open, or earned the welcome bonus from one in the past 24 months.

In addition, you won't be eligible for the welcome bonus offer on this card if any of the following apply to you:

Within the past 30 days, you've held the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card.

Within the past 90 days, you've been approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.

Within the past 24 months, you've earned a welcome bonus/upgrade bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless a Visa or Mastercard?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is a Visa Signature card.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card metal?

No. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is a plastic card.

Is there a no-annual-fee Marriott credit card?

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee Marriott credit card. While its benefits are largely inferior to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, you will still receive some goodies such as 15 elite night credits annually and bonus points for Marriott spending.

Read the original article on Business Insider