After Marriott acquired Starwood, both Chase and Amex have been sharing the co-branded credit card portfolio with Marriott Bonvoy. It can be really difficult to understand the fine print when it comes to sign up bonus restrictions, given the different number of cards on offer. However, there’s also a positive side. We now have more options, given that there are six cards split between two issuers. At the moment, Chase is offering higher than usual welcome bonuses on two of their cards.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Welcome Bonuses
Let’s have a look at these new welcome bonuses and what the spending requirements are like.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold card is Marriott’s base level card that charges no annual fee. It’s not as fancy as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but still packed with decent benefits. Also, given that there’s no annual fee, it gives you the option to try it out for one year at no cost whatsoever.
With this limited time offer, you’ll earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 points. Moreover, you’ll also earn 1 free night certificate. You can redeem the certificate for a night at a property where the redemption value is at a maximum of 50,000 points. You only need to spend $2,000 in the first 3 months of card membership in order to earn the welcome bonus.
Click here for the 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points + 1 free night offer
Moreover, Marriott does let you ‘top up’ an additional 15,000 points per night. Effectively, you can redeem the certificate at any property that charges up to 65,000 points per night.
This can be a great offer if you’re eyeing a stay at a property in the 60,000 point range. Once you meet the required minimum spend, you’ll have 1 free night certificate and a minimum of 62,000 points. You can easily use this welcome bonus to redeem for a two night stay at any property that charges 50,000 points per night. If you can transfer points from issuers like Amex or Chase, then you can effectively redeem for a two night stay at a property that charges 65,000 points per night.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
Compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless fee charges an annual fee of $95. However, it’s packed with more benefits. Each year upon renewal, you earn a free night certificate (capped at 35,000 points per night) for simply renewing the card.
With this welcome bonus offer, you’ll earn 100,000 points once you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months of card membership. Moreover, you’ll earn a $150 statement credit for simply making a purchase in the first 12 months after you acquire the card. In short, your net cost for the year and a half is zero since you’re getting the statement credit up front.
Click here for the 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points + $150 statement credit offer
The Pundit’s Mantra
Overall, these welcome bonuses are fantastic if you’re new to the Marriott Bonvoy program and are starting to dip your toes. Low or no annual fee credit card options are always a great way to start with a loyalty program that you’re not very familiar with.
In my case, I picked up the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card back in 2021 and then got the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card in 2024, as as I started ramping up my stays with Marriott.
Which is your favorite co-branded hotel credit card? Tell us in the comments section.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss out on the deals, news and travel industry trends. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep getting the latest content!