7 Best Marriott Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Marriott offers a variety of credit cards through Chase and American Express to suit different travel styles and budgets. The best options help you earn points faster, enjoy valuable hotel perks, and access exclusive benefits across Marriott’s global portfolio. This guide compares seven top picks to help you choose the right card for your travel needs.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is designed for travelers who stay at Marriott properties a few times a year. It offers hotel perks and rewards without requiring heavy spending or frequent travel.

    It works well for those who want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points at a steady pace. The card also provides a free night award each year after the account anniversary.

    Earning Structure:

    • Up to 17x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (includes Marriott base points and card bonus points)
    • 3x points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent annually in combined purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
    • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn three Free Night Awards, each valued at up to 50,000 points, after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within your first three months as a cardholder.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $95
    • Regular APR: 19.99%–28.49% Variable
    • Annual free night award (valued up to 35,000 points) after each account anniversary
    • 15 Elite Night Credits annually
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Points don’t expire with qualifying account activity

    Key Benefits:

    • Automatic Silver Elite status
    • Path to Gold Elite status with higher spending
    • Access to Marriott’s 8,000+ hotels worldwide
    • Travel and purchase protections

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for Marriott stays, room upgrades, travel packages, and airline transfers.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Best value is achieved through Marriott stays; general spending earns fewer points.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple rewards and a free night each year, making it easy for new cardholders to see value without complex tracking.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is designed for small business owners who frequently stay at Marriott hotels. It offers rewards on both travel and everyday business purchases.

    Cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards. It also includes benefits that can help make business travel more comfortable.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6x points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
    • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. shipping purchases
    • 2x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Offer ends October 22, 2025.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $125
    • Regular APR: 20.24%–29.24% Variable
    • Network: American Express
    • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • Annual Free Night Award (terms apply)
    • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
    • Path to Gold Elite status with qualifying stays
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Amex Offers for extra savings

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for Marriott stays, room upgrades, travel packages, and airline transfers.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Airline transfer ratios may be less favorable, and the second annual free night requires high spending.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Its simple earning categories and strong hotel rewards make it easy for new users to maximize benefits without complex strategies.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card is designed for travelers who stay at Marriott hotels several times a year. It offers a way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on both travel and everyday purchases.

    This card sits between entry-level and premium options in the Marriott lineup. It provides solid earning potential and hotel-related perks without requiring the highest annual fee tier.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6x points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
    • 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X)
    • 2x points on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $250
    • Regular APR: 20.24%–29.24% Variable
    • Earn 1,000 bonus points per eligible paid stay booked directly with Marriott
    • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
    • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
    • Plan It® payment option for purchases of $100 or more

    Key Benefits:

    • Automatic Gold Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy
    • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
    • Enhanced earning on travel and dining categories
    • Access to Amex Offers for additional savings

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for Marriott hotel stays, room upgrades, travel packages, and transfers to airline partners.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The highest earning rates apply only to Marriott stays and select categories, so general spending earns fewer points.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers a balance of rewards, perks, and manageable cost, making it a practical choice for those starting with hotel credit cards.

  • The Platinum Card® From American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card that offers strong benefits for frequent travelers. It is not a Marriott-specific card, but it provides valuable ways to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

    Cardholders can access a wide range of travel perks, including hotel elite status, lounge access, and travel credits. These benefits can make Marriott stays more rewarding and comfortable.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
    • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • 1x point on other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months. The exact offer may vary based on eligibility.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $695
    • Regular APR: 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR
    • Network: American Express
    • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
    • TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry fee credit

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
    • Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide
    • Annual airline fee credit
    • Hotel booking benefits through Fine Hotels & Resorts®

    Redemption Options:
    Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed for travel through Amex, transferred to airline or hotel partners, or used for statement credits, gift cards, and more.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card has a high annual fee that may not suit infrequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple ways to earn points on travel purchases and provides automatic Marriott Gold status without extra stays.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option designed for travelers who want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without a large commitment. It works well for those who stay at Marriott hotels a few times a year and want to build rewards over time.

    This card offers basic travel perks, including automatic Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also provides travel protections that can be useful for occasional trips.

    Earning Structure:

    • Up to 14x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (includes Marriott base points and card bonus points)
    • 2x points per $1 at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming services, and internet, cable, and phone services
    • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after meeting the qualifying purchase requirement.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Regular APR: 19.99%–28.49% Variable
    • Network: Visa
    • 5 Elite Night Credits annually
    • Automatic Silver Elite status
    • Pay Yourself Back® redemption option for statement credits on qualifying travel purchases
    • Travel protections including baggage delay, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip delay coverage

    Key Benefits:

    • Free in-room Wi-Fi at Marriott properties
    • 10% bonus points on stays as a Silver Elite member
    • Travel accident insurance
    • Baggage delay and lost luggage coverage

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for Marriott stays, upgrades, travel packages, airline transfers, and statement credits via Pay Yourself Back®.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is usually needed for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    It has lower earning rates compared to higher-tier Marriott cards, which may limit rewards for frequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers a simple way to earn and use Marriott points without paying an annual fee.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent Marriott guests. It offers elevated rewards on Marriott purchases and valuable travel perks.

    Cardholders can enjoy enhanced status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, which can make hotel stays more rewarding. It also includes travel protections and credits that can offset costs for regular travelers.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
    • 3x points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
    • 2x points on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $650
    • Regular APR: 20.24%–29.24% Variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Annual Free Night Award (up to 85,000 points) after each renewal month
    • 25 Elite Night Credits annually
    • Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge membership
    • Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
    • Cell phone protection coverage
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • Annual Marriott Bonvoy property credit
    • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
    • Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge access
    • Free Night Award each year after account anniversary (up to a set point value)
    • Travel and purchase protections

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for Marriott stays, upgrades, airline transfers, and travel packages.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically required for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card’s value is best for those who stay at Marriott properties often; casual travelers may not maximize its benefits.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It provides clear earning categories and automatic elite status, allowing new Marriott guests to quickly start earning rewards.

  • Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card

    The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card is a premium travel card designed for frequent Marriott Bonvoy guests. It focuses on luxury travel benefits, hotel perks, and rewards for everyday spending.

    It offers strong earning potential on Marriott stays and select travel purchases. Cardholders also receive elite-style benefits that can enhance hotel experiences.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
    • 3x points per $1 on airfare booked directly with airlines, car rentals, and dining
    • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    No welcome offer is available, as the card can only be obtained through an upgrade from another eligible Marriott card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $450
    • Regular APR: 17.74% to 24.49% APR
    • Network: Visa Infinite
    • Annual Free Night Award
    • Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge membership
    • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge access
    • $300 annual travel credit for eligible purchases
    • Upgrades to Ritz-Carlton Club Level (subject to availability)
    • Trip delay, baggage delay, and purchase protection benefits

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for Marriott hotel stays, airline transfers, travel packages, and experiences.

    Credit Requirements:
    Excellent credit is typically required for approval or upgrade.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card’s premium perks may be less valuable for those who do not stay at Marriott properties often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It provides straightforward earning categories and strong hotel perks that are easy to use without complex strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits do the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and Brilliant cards offer?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card provides a free night certificate each year worth up to a set point value and automatic Silver Elite status. It also earns bonus points on Marriott stays and select everyday spending categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card adds Platinum Elite status, an annual dining credit, and Priority Pass lounge access.

How many free nights can I earn with current Marriott credit card promotions?

Most Marriott cards, such as the Boundless, Brilliant, and Business cards, include one free night certificate each year after the account anniversary. Welcome offers can also provide enough bonus points for additional free nights, depending on the property and season. The exact number of free nights depends on the card type and how points are redeemed.

What are the differences between personal and business Marriott credit cards?

Personal cards like the Boundless and Brilliant emphasize consumer categories such as groceries, dining, and travel. Business versions, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, focus on areas like gas stations, wireless services, and shipping. Both types offer points toward free nights, elite status, and other travel benefits.

Which Marriott credit card offers the highest rewards rate on hotel stays?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers the highest points per dollar on Marriott purchases at 6x per $1 spent. This makes it ideal for travelers who stay often at Marriott properties and want to maximize points. Other cards like the Boundless and Bevy also earn elevated rates on hotel stays but at lower tiers.

Are there exclusive perks for Marriott credit card holders when staying at Marriott hotels?

Cardholders can enjoy benefits like late checkout, room upgrades when available, and extra points on eligible stays. Cards such as the Brilliant, Boundless, and Ritz-Carlton Rewards also include annual free night certificates and automatic elite status. These perks apply automatically when booking directly through Marriott channels.