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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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Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
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American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

American Express Disclosure

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

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Review

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

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.
3.1
Marriott Bonvoy Bold<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, and cable and phone services. Plus, earn 1X point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$0
We receive commissions from our advertising partners. These commissions do not influence our recommendations. Click here to learn more.

Key takeaway

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a good choice if you travel sparingly and prefer to stay at Marriott properties. But if you travel to Marriott properties frequently or stay at a mix of hotel brands, another card could be a better fit.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card a good card?

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a good card if you only travel a couple of times per year, and stay at Marriott properties if you can. It comes with a $0 annual fee, a sign-up bonus and a decent rewards rate at Marriott hotels. However, you won’t get many hotel benefits.

You can earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, and cable and phone services. Plus, earn 1X point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases. That is lower than other Marriott cards.

If you do stay at Marriotts frequently, it’s worth looking into the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. It comes with a $95 annual fee but has more benefits — including free night awards and a better rewards rate.

Quick facts

    • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
    • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
    • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
    • 2X points for every $1 spent on purchases at grocery stores.
    • 2X points for every $1 spent on rideshare and select food delivery.
    • 2X points for every $1 spent on select streaming, and internet, cable and phone services.
    • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
    • Receive 5 Elite Night Credits annually, plus complimentary Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
    • Earn unlimited Marriott Bonvoy® points and get Free Night Stays faster.
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • 660 720 850
    Good / Excellent
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Purchase protection
  • Visa Signature® Concierge Service 24/7
  • $0 foreign exchange fee

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Intro BT APR

N/A

Regular BT APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Advance Fee

Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

Foreign Transaction Fee

$0

Balance Transfer Fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Pros and cons

  • $0 annual fee
  • Sign-up bonus
  • Silver Elite status
  • Travel protections
  • Low rewards rate
  • No annual reward night
  • Few Marriott perks

What we like about the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

  • $0 annual fee

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee. As the only Marriott card with a $0 annual fee, it’s the best option if you don’t stay at Marriott properties enough to justify an annual fee.

    Plus, there’s a $0 foreign transaction fee, so this card is light on fees overall.

  • Sign-up bonus

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card currently features an excellent sign-up bonus for a no-annual fee card. It lets you earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

    However, you can earn better bonuses with the other Marriott credit cards. For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card — which only has a $95 annual fee — has a much higher welcome offer than that. You can earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

  • Silver Elite status

    Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card cardholders automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver status and 5 elite night credits to help you qualify for higher elite status. Silver status includes modest perks such as:

    • Priority late checkout
    • 10% more points on stays
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Exclusive member rates

  • Redeem points for free nights

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card makes it easy for you to redeem your points for free nights. That’s access to more than 8,500 properties across the globe. If you’re purchasing Marriott stays frequently, that’s good news since you can accumulate points quickly and redeem free nights sooner.

    But if you’re not staying at Marriott properties frequently, you might have trouble earning free nights, depending on where you want to go. A free night can be anywhere from 12,000 in Little Rock, Arkansas to 80,000 points in New York City.

    There are several ways to redeem Marriott points, including flights, cruises, rental cars, entertainment and more. However, redeeming points for free stays is your best option — you won’t find as much value in redeeming them for those other options.

  • Travel protections

    For a $0 annual fee card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers solid travel protections. You can receive baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement.

    On top of travel protection, you’ll also receive general purchase protection.

What to watch out for with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

  • Low rewards rate

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers a fair rewards rate for a $0 annual fee card. Cardholders earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, and cable and phone services. Plus, earn 1X point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.

    However, that rate is less generous than the other Marriott Bonvoy cards. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card lets cardholders earn the following: 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.

    If you stay at Marriott properties on a regular basis, then you should likely consider a card with a higher rewards rate so you can earn free nights faster.

  • No anniversary free night award

    The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card both offer a free night award each year after your account anniversary, valid for a one night hotel stay at a property (with a redemption level up to 35,000 points for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and up to 85,000 points for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card).

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, however, does not offer a free night award. You can redeem your points for free nights with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, but it might take longer than other Marriott cards because of its lower rewards rate and sign-up bonus.

  • Few Marriott perks

    Since the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card has a $0 annual fee, it’s missing some of the perks that make many of the other Marriott credit cards valuable.

    It doesn’t offer any free nights as part of its sign-up bonus, nor does it offer any property credits like the higher-end Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card does.

    Plus, it only offers Silver Elite status — which isn’t that valuable compared to other loyalty programs like Hilton and Hyatt. That’s why this card may only be best for casual travelers instead of frequent ones.

Alternate hotel cards to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

| Disclosures
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
N/A
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
$95
Earn up to 17X total points at participating Marriott hotels. Earn 3X
  • Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent
*The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

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 Boundless® Credit Card charges a $95 annual fee, but could likely provide more value to frequent Marriott residents than the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

Its sign-up bonus lets you earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening. By contrast, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card’s bonus could possibly be used for just one night, depending on location.

It also earns more rewards at Marriott properties: 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.

Plus, you’ll get a free night award every anniversary, a path to Gold Elite status and 15 Elite Night credits. If you stay at Marriott properties frequently, then the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is likely a better choice.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

| Disclosures
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
N/A
20.24%-29.24% Variable
$650
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at
  • Earn 95,000 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 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 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.
  • Terms Apply.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent
*The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

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 has a costly annual fee of $650 and is designed for Marriott frequenters looking for luxury perks.

Its welcome offer lets you earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. The spending requirement is high, but the welcome offer alone could be worth several nights, depending on how you redeem it.

Plus, its rewards rate makes it much easier to earn points in several categories: 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.

Its other benefits include a $300 dining statement credit*, $100 Marriott Bonvoy® property credit*, 25 Elite Night credits, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit*, Priority Pass™ Select lounge access* and strong travel protections. So if you’re at Marriott properties often and take advantage of those perks, this may be a good card for you.

*Enrollment required for these benefits.
*To see rates & fees for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.

 

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

| Disclosures
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site
Rates & Fees
N/A
19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
$95
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • 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
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.

If you don’t frequently stay at Marriott properties, you may want to consider a rewards card that lets you earn points or miles at a variety of locations, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a more substantial sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

Plus, cardholders earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Keep in mind, though, that the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card charges an annual fee of $95 (see rates & fees). However, you can also use Capital One miles for travel expenses other than hotels, such as airfare.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card right for you?

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist who doesn’t want to pay an annual fee every year, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a good choice. But if you want to earn a larger welcome offer and more points on your hotel stays, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or would be a better pick — as long as you don’t mind paying an annual fee.

And if you aren’t loyal to any one particular hotel rewards program, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card may be worth checking out as well.

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

The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has been 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.