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How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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American Express Disclosure
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American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It?

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
3.8
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 17X total points at participating Marriott hotels. Earn 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Bonus Perks
15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.

Key takeaway

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card packs a punch with a stellar sign-up bonus and a valuable annual free night award usually found on costlier cards. But it’s light on other perks compared with some competitors.

Pros and cons

  • One of the largest sign-up bonuses around
  • Free night award each year
  • Access to more than 7,000 hotels worldwide
  • Automatic Silver Elite status with pathway to Gold
  • High annual fee
  • Low overall earning rate
  • Limited perks compared to many hotel cards
  • Points have lower-than-average redemption value
  • Limited to redeeming points with Marriott Bonvoy® for best value

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card worth it?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is worth it for Marriott hotel loyalists who travel frequently. It’s one of the best Marriott credit cards and a solid choice for those who don’t travel quite enough to justify the high annual fee on a premium travel card. Its $95 fee is easily offset by the card’s solid perks.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card benefits include an incredible sign-up bonus, a yearly free night awarded at your account anniversary and automatic Silver Elite status with a pathway to Gold Elite status. However, its rewards earning rate and redemption value fall short, its rewards are inflexible and it’s missing some of the perks found on the best hotel credit cards.

How much are the benefits worth?

We estimate that the card’s benefits are worth more than $1,500 in the first year:

  • Welcome offer: ~$1,050*
  • Ongoing rewards ($20,000 annual spend): ~$374*
  • Annual free night award (35,000 points or less): ~$315
  • DashPass credits: $40 annually ($10 quarterly)
*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

How do its benefits rate?

  • Sign-up bonus: 4.8 out of 5 stars

    What’s the current offer?

    Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

    How does it compare to other cards?

    The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card gives you access to one of the most valuable welcome bonuses currently available, and it’s one of the best reasons to apply for the card. At an estimated value of $1,050, this lucrative bonus outshines the sign-up perks of many other travel and hotel cards on the market, including the other Marriott credit cards. They all offer fewer bonus points and lack the additional statement credit offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

    Is it a good time to apply?

    The current welcome bonus is a top-tier Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offer, but if you want to score even greater value, you might want to wait until the card offers the certificate for five free nights that is sometimes offered. In late 2024, the card offered three free nights, so it could be worth it to wait.

    You should time your application carefully for this card. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a Chase credit card, so it’s subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. That means your application could get turned down if you’ve opened five or more accounts with any bank in the past 24 months.

     See the best credit card sign-up bonuses

  • Earning points: 4 out of 5 stars

    How many points can you earn?

    Earn up to 17X total points at participating Marriott hotels. Earn 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points on all other purchases.

    How does it compare to other cards?

    The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card falls a little short in earning points on your purchases. Its earning rate is low compared to other top travel cards. Its points are also worth less because they’re inflexible.

    Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card allow you to transfer rewards to a variety of airline and hotel programs. This allows you to stretch your rewards farther and gives you the most bang for your buck.

    Estimated rewards earned per $1 spent*

    *Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

     Learn more: Cash back vs. points vs. miles

    Tip: As a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card cardholder, you may be able to upgrade to the The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card after 12 months. It’s one of the best cards for Marriott, including a $300 flexible travel credit to cover most of the annual fee and a free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points per year. Since it’s not open for applications, an upgrade is a backdoor way to get it.

  • Redeeming points: 1 out of 5 stars

    How can you redeem points?

    + Tons of redemption options with the world’s largest hotel network.

    Rewards nights may have blackout dates.

    You’re restricted to using points for Marriott rewards to get a good value.

    Marriott points are worth slightly less than the average rewards program point.

    Award nights start at ~15,000 points and can run over 100,000 points for luxury properties.

    Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

    You can’t redeem points for cash back.

    How does it compare to other cards?

    With over 7,000 properties around the world in Marriott’s portfolio, you’ll find plenty of lodging options for redeeming points in the Marriott Bonvoy® rewards program, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. However, Marriott points are only worth around 0.09 cents per point by our estimates — a bit less than average compared to other rewards programs. Also, Marriott award nights can be very expensive. You may need hundreds of thousands of points for a stay with a higher-end hotel.

    Points also tend to be less flexible than average, because you’re locked into using them for Marriott stays. You can’t even redeem your points for cash back. If these downsides give you second thoughts, you might consider a more flexible general travel credit card that offers a variety of rewards redemption options.

    Marriott’s fifth-night free benefit can help you stretch your points further. The Marriott Stay for 5, Pay for 4 Offer is exactly how it sounds: You book a five-night stay with rewards, you only “pay” for the first four nights.

     Learn more about redeeming Marriott Bonvoy® points

  • Other benefits: 3 out of 5 stars

    • Annual free night award: Get a free one-night stay each year on your account anniversary for a Marriott property worth 35,000 points or less.
    • Automatic Silver Elite status: Get automatic Silver Elite Status in the Bonvoy program, which gives you higher point earnings, late checkout and an Ultimate Reservation guarantee.
    • Path to Gold Elite status: You’ll get an upgrade to Gold Elite Status by making $35,000 in eligible purchases on the card each calendar year. Gold status gets you perks like a 25% base-point bonus and hotel room upgrades.
    • Complimentary DashPass membership: You’ll get 12 months of DashPass membership to use with DoorDash or Caviar apps. You’ll also get a $10 credit for purchases each quarter, up to $40 annually.
    • Travel insurance: Benefits include up to $500 in trip delay insurance per covered passenger, up to $500 per day for up to five days for essential purchases in baggage delay insurance and up to $3,000 per covered passenger in lost luggage reimbursement.
    • Purchase protection: Chase offers up to $500 in protection for eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase.
    • No foreign transaction fees: You’ll pay no foreign transaction fees when you make purchases abroad, saving you as much as 3% per transaction on international trips.

    How does it compare to other cards?

    Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card benefits stand out due to several nice perks, especially the free night award, which alone can justify the cost of the card each year. You also get automatic Silver Elite Status in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. This status confers a variety of benefits, including a 10% points bonus on stays, member rates, free Wi-Fi and priority late checkout. As a cardholder, you also get the opportunity to qualify for Gold Elite Status with your spending each calendar year.

    You get some travel insurance protection, but the card lacks trip cancellation insurance. Also, its elite status benefits are lacking compared to some cards, like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. For a slightly higher annual fee, you’re eligible for automatic Hilton Gold Status (enrollment required), which comes with bonafide perks like room upgrades, and a daily food and beverage credit (see rates & fees).

    Tip: Your free night certificate covers an award night up to 35,000 points. If your desired stay costs more, you can top off the free night certificate with up to 15,000 points from your rewards stash.

Alternative cards for Marriott

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

| Disclosures
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
| Terms Apply
N/A
20.24%-29.24% Variable
$650
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at
  • Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card may be a better option for Marriott loyalists who travel very frequently and don’t mind paying a hefty $650 annual fee (see rates & fees). The card includes a slew of Marriott and travel benefits, including up to $400 in dining and property credits, one annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points and access to Priority PassTM Select airport lounges (enrollment required).

You’ll get much better perks with Platinum Elite status (enrollment required), including enhanced room upgrades, your choice of welcome gift (varies by brand), lounge access, late checkout and more. Plus, with your Platinum Elite 50% bonus, you can earn up to 21X points per $1 on Marriott Bonvoy® purchases.

 Compare Marriott credit cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

| Disclosures
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
Rates & Fees
N/A
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
$95
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
720 850
Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has the same annual fee as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and may offer more value for frequent travelers who don’t stay exclusively at Marriott properties. The card offers a large welcome bonus and elevated points on dining and travel. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are much more valuable since they can be redeemed for just about any travel, including flights, hotel stays and vacation packages. You’ll get a 25% bonus for redeeming through the Chase portal, and you can transfer Chase points 1:1 to a variety of travel loyalty programs, including Marriott.

You’ll get other solid perks, including a statement credit for hotel stays purchased at Chase TravelSM and $150 value in partnership benefits. The card also has some of the best travel insurance benefits around, including trip cancellation/interruption and primary auto rental coverage.

Citi Strata Premier Card

| Disclosures
Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
Rates & Fees
N/A
20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
$95
10x on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3
  • For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


The Citi Strata Premier Card also charges a $95 annual fee and may be a better choice for those who travel a bit less frequently and want to rack up points faster on gas and grocery purchases, as well as on travel.

This Citi travel card offers an excellent welcome bonus. You also get a flexible $100 annual hotel credit and a suite of travel protections, including trip delay, cancellation and interruption protection and auto rental and lost/damaged luggage coverage.

Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, it earns flexible points that you can redeem for almost any travel purchase. And you can transfer Citi Points 1:1 to more than 10 travel loyalty programs (although Marriott is not included).

Looking for a more flexible travel rewards card?
See the Best Travel Credit Cards

How do we rate travel credit cards?

We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

  • Average value over two years (80% of rating): We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
  • Flexibility of rewards (15% of rating): We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
  • Other features (5% of rating): We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.