Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and its sister card, the Bonvoy Bevy, do not offer sufficient benefits to justify their annual fee. You only receive a free night's stay after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year. While complimentary Gold Elite Status is a nice perk, you must stay an additional 35 nights throughout the year to upgrade to Platinum Elite Status. Furthermore, the 85,000 point sign-up bonus may not provide significant value since Marriott's reward redemption rates are considerably higher than other hotel chains. We recommend avoiding this card.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card offers several benefits that might appeal to frequent Marriott guests. With this card, you receive:
- An 85,000 point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary Gold Elite Status, which includes perks like 25% bonus points on stays, 2 PM late checkout, and enhanced room upgrades when available
- 15 Elite night credits annually to help you progress toward higher status tiers
These features can be valuable if you're working toward Platinum Elite Status, which requires 50 nights per year. The 15 Elite night credits give you a head start on this journey. Additionally, you can earn a free night certificate each year, though this requires spending $15,000 on the card annually. Keep in mind that this card carries a $250 annual fee, which should be factored into your decision when considering its overall value proposition.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
The other Marriott co-branded cards offer similar or better sign-up bonuses and provide benefits that better align with their annual fees
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 Bountiful Credit Card Fits In The Marriott Bonvoy Ecosystem
The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio offers several credit card options that cater to different traveler needs and spending habits. Here's how the Bountiful card compares:
- Bountiful vs. Bevy: These cards are virtually identical in benefits and sign-up bonuses. The key difference lies in the spending requirements:
- Bountiful: $4,000 spent in 3 months to earn the bonus
- Bevy: $5,000 spent but with a longer 6-month timeframe
- Boundless Card Comparison: At just $95 annual fee, the Boundless represents a more affordable option. If elite status isn't your primary goal, the Boundless actually offers:
- Better sign-up bonus
- Free night certificate annually (capped at 35,000 points)
- Silver Elite Status (compared to Gold with Bevy/Bountiful)
For travelers focused primarily on status benefits, the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant might be worth considering despite its $650 annual fee. This top-tier card provides substantial value through:
- Automatic Platinum Elite Status
- 25 Elite night credits annually
- One free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points
- Additional credits and benefits that help offset the high annual fee
When selecting among these options, consider your travel patterns, spending habits, and whether the specific elite benefits justify the higher annual fees of premium cards like the Bountiful.
My Experience, No Filter
We're not much into the Marriott point system. For the $250 annual fee, and the below-average point redemption structure, you're far better off getting a World of Hyatt card from Chase.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85,000 | $4,000 | 0.7 ¢ | $1 | $250 |
$374
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott stays & transfer top-offs | 2x on all other purchases, annual free night | 5/24 , Chase 2/30 , Chase 4/6 |
Award System
Current Offer
$4,000 spend.
Spend Categories
2X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
16X points
11.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
On your card anniversary, you’ll receive a free-night certificate valid at participating Marriott hotels after $15,000 in spend.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Included Gold status includes: late checkout and free WiFi.
You're protected for up to 120 days and up to $500 per claim.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Marriott Bonvoy Outside Point System
Transfers Out To
3:1 67% value retained
3:1 67% value retained
3:1 67% value retained
3:1 48% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1.1 68% value retained
3:1 67% value retained
Transfers In From
1:1 50% value retained
1:1 44% value retained
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Application Rules
Your application will be declined if 5 new cards are reported on 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
