Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card Review

If you like staying at Marriott hotels, you might as well receive points for it. The allows you to do precisely that and more. With no annual fee, this travel rewards credit card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers who prefer Marriott, especially since the company has locations in over 130 countries around the world.

The card offers decent rewards rates and automatically upgrades your status for a more comfortable stay at any Marriott location. Plus, the APR is on par with its competitors. Take a look at our breakdown of the most essential features of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card.

What we like about the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

  • Great introductory bonus: Limited Time Offer! Earn 50,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Travel rewards: Get 3x points for purchases at hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, 2x points for every $1 spent on travel purchases and 1x point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Receive Silver Elite status: Automatically receive credits for 15 nights each year, which gives you Silver Elite status at Marriot Bonvoy hotels
  • Unlimited points: There’s no limit to the number of points you can earn each year
  • No annual fee: Never pay a charge to be a cardholder

Things to consider

  • To get the most out of the Marriott card, you’ll need to be a fan of Marriott hotels since the entire rewards program revolves around that hotel chain
  • The rewards rate isn’t great outside of the travel category — you only get 1x point per dollar spent in other categories

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card details

The has several travel perks, but they are almost all related to its hotels. Each cardholder receives 15 elite nights annually, so you’ll be upgraded to Silver Elite status automatically. This upgrade gives you enticing perks anytime you stay at one of the over 7,000 Marriott hotels and resorts around the world. As a Silver Elite member, you’ll not only receive 10% more points than regular members, but you can receive a late checkout (when available).

Additionally, you’ll be able to call an elite phone line to make your reservations and will be guaranteed a room, or Marriott will pay for your stay at a nearby hotel. You’ll also get complimentary access to WiFi in your hotel room and be able to check in and access your room with your mobile phone. If you aren’t a cardmember, you have to stay for 10 or more nights to qualify for Silver Elite status.

You can use your points on Marriott hotel stays, airfare or rental cars. Marriott offers travel packages to many of its global resorts that are available for point redemption.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card fees

As mentioned before, there’s no annual fee associated with the . Additionally, you don’t pay any foreign transaction fees, which means you can travel abroad and use your card without additional costs.

The only extra fee that comes with this card is a charge for paying your bill late. You’ll be charged up to $39 for each late or returned payment. However, even with this potential fee, the pros outweigh the cons. If you pay your bill on time each month, you won’t run into any hidden fees with this card.

How does it compare to other hotel credit cards?

The is excellent for travelers who love Marriott hotels. However, there are several alternatives if you’re looking for a more simplified rewards program. Two great options are the and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Visa® credit card, which both have more user-friendly rewards programs and valuable sign up bonuses.

Card Ongoing Purchase APR Annual Fee Intro Bonus Credit Needed Key features
17.49% - 24.49% Variable $0 Limited Time Offer! Earn 50,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Good to excellent
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
  • Excellent introductory bonus offer
  • Extra points back for travel
17.24% - 24.49% (Variable) $0 intro for first year; $95 after that One-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening Good to excellent
  • Earn 2x miles on all purchases made with the card
  • Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
  • Transfer miles to any partner airlines
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Visa® credit card $0 16.49%-24.49% (variable) 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening Good to excellent
  • Earn 1.5 points on all purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Flexibility on point redemption

The bottom line

The could be a great card for any traveler who enjoys staying at Marriott hotels. It doesn’t charge an annual fee, and you earn rewards back for everyday purchases. To get the most out of this card, you’d have to stay in Marriott hotels frequently.

Who might want to go with a different card? Anyone who doesn’t prefer staying at Marriott hotels might want to consider another credit card. Many other cards have similar benefits and fee arrangements, but come with simpler reward structures to earn higher points on all purchases.

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