Personal CardHotel Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

Written by: Lenny Pappano

This no annual fee card offers a decent sign-up bonus for casual Marriott users, but be mindful of Marriott’s higher redemption rates and strict eligibility rules if you’ve already earned a Marriott sign-up bonus.

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Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card Review

Key Takeaways

This is Marriott’s only credit card with no annual fee. If you’re not a dedicated Marriott loyalist but still want to earn hotel points, its sign-up bonus makes it a decent option. Be aware that Marriott’s point redemptions can be higher than those of other hotel chains, like Hyatt. Marriott also has a confusing set of eligibility rules for card approvals and sign-up bonuses within its card family. Most importantly, you can’t receive a sign-up bonus on a Bonvoy card if you’ve already received one in the last 24 months.

Why This Card Could Be Right For You

You’ll earn 30,000 points after spending just $1,000 in the first three months. Depending on where and when you travel, that may get you a free night. Marriott uses dynamic pricing for its rewards, so you’ll need to check different properties to see what 30,000 points will cover.

Other benefits are minor (which is expected for a card with no annual fee). You do get complimentary Silver Elite status, along with 5 Elite Night Credits if you’re working toward a higher tier (though serious status-chasers might prefer another Marriott card). You also receive complimentary DashPass membership, plus a $10 discount each quarter on non-restaurant DoorDash orders. Earning rates include 2x points on groceries, streaming, internet, cable, rideshare, and food delivery, plus 1x points on everything else. If you book directly with Marriott, you can earn up to 14x points.

When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply

Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:

You may not be eligible for a sign-up bonus if you’ve had certain other Marriott co-branded cards in the past two years.
If you stay at Marriott more than a few times each year, a card with an annual fee might offer better value.
Marriott’s reward-night redemption can be poor compared to chains like Hyatt and IHG.

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, and points don’t expire, 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 Bold Credit Card Fits In The Marriott Bonvoy Ecosystem

Marriott has five co-branded personal credit cards (three from Chase, including the Bold, and two from American Express), plus a business card from Amex. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is a step up from the Bold, with a $95 annual fee and a sign-up bonus of three free nights (up to 50k points each). It also provides an annual free night (up to 35k points) on your account anniversary and complimentary Silver Elite status.

We don’t recommend the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy (Amex) or Bountiful (Chase) cards. Each has a $250 annual fee, offers an 85,000-point sign-up bonus, and includes one free night (up to 50k points) per year—but only after spending $15k. They both come with Gold Elite status and 15 Elite Night Credits. If status is your main goal, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card instead. It offers Platinum Elite status, a 95,000-point sign-up bonus (after $6k in purchases over six months), and one free night per year (up to 85k points). Though its $650 annual fee is high, various statement credits can offset much of that cost.

Card Information

Bonus Points	Minimum Spend	Point Value	Annual Value	Annual Fee	1st Year Value
30,000	$1,000	0.7 ¢	$0	$0	$217

Best Value	Differentiating Perks	Rules
Marriott stays & transfer top-offs		Bonvoy 1/24 , 5/24 , Chase 2/30 , Chase 4/6

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