Best in Class
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is one step above the no-fee Bold card. There is a $95 annual fee, and if you stay at Marriott at least once per year, you may find value in keeping the card for the annual free night award. Marriott points aren’t worth as much as points from many other hotel chains, and there is dynamic pricing. As with most hotels worldwide, prices (both in dollars and points) have increased over the past few years, but the cap on the “free night” perk has stayed the same. This can make it harder to redeem that free night at as many hotels, or on as many dates, as it once was.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The welcome offer is a bit different from most cards because it provides three free nights after you spend $3,000 on the card. Each free night can be worth up to 50,000 points, so you’re effectively getting a 150,000-point sign-up bonus, which is among the highest on most cards. Even with the devaluation of Marriott points, it can still be worth paying the $95 annual fee in the first year for this bonus. The Boundless card also earns 3x points on groceries, gas stations, and dining, plus 2x points on all other spending. This helps you build up points quickly while working toward your bonus.
If you keep the card beyond that first year, there are several benefits to consider. Each year after your account anniversary, you receive a free night award worth up to 35,000 points. You can also top up that certificate with up to 15,000 additional points, which broadens your redemption options. For status seekers, the card grants complimentary Silver Elite status each year. You also earn one elite night credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend, in addition to 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- You want a higher level of status, and Silver Elite doesn’t offer the perks you’re looking for
- You plan to stay in places that rarely have 35k point hotels, making your “free” night less useful
What to Know About Marriott Bonvoy
Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, but they can be frustrating to find, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
How The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Fits In The Marriott Bonvoy Ecosystem
Marriott has a complicated rule requiring you to wait 24 months from your last Bonvoy bonus to qualify for a new one on certain cards. If you’re set on a Marriott co-branded card, keep this rule in mind when deciding which card meets your goals.
The introductory Marriott co-branded card is the Bonvoy Bold, which has no annual fee and a 30,000-point sign-up bonus. It offers very few other benefits, but that’s expected with no annual fee. The next step up includes the Bevy and Bountiful cards. Both have $250 annual fees and require $15,000 of yearly spending to earn a “free” night (50,000 points), which generally isn’t a good trade-off. We suggest putting that kind of spending into a new card bonus rather than chasing a single free hotel night.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is best for people who stay at Marriott frequently. Although it has a $650 annual fee, you receive Platinum Elite Status, a free night worth up to 85,000 points, and other statement credits and benefits. That combination may justify the higher fee if you make Marriott your hotel of choice.
Card Information
Bonus Points
0
Minimum Spend
$3,000 / 3mo
Point Value
0.7 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$95
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
Anniversary Free Night
Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status
17X on Marriot Bonvoy Purchases
Rules
Potential Boosts
$100 Airline Credit
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
Est. Value
Total Annual Value
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No extras to display for this card.
Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Average Frequency
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Average Offer Length
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
4.2¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.1¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.1¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.1¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
1.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Application Rules
You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last 24 months
Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months.
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days
Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months
Point Transfer Options
+2 Lower Value Transfers Show
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles
Value: 1.5¢
71% Value Retained
3:1
+31 Lower Value Transfers Show
AEGEAN Airlines (Miles+Bonus)
Value: 1.4¢
67% Value Retained
3:1
SAUDIA Alfursan
Value: 1.1¢
52% Value Retained
3:1
Air China PhoenixMiles
Value: 1¢
48% Value Retained
3:1
China Southern Airlines
Value: 1¢
48% Value Retained
3:1
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Value: 0.8¢
38% Value Retained
3:1
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Rank
1st
Honorable Mention
Rank
3rd
Honorable Mention
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Rank
3rd
Honorable Mention
Ranking of Cards Offering Marriott Bonvoy
Downgrade Options
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Marriott Bonvoy