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Both the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card (Marriot Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card) and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card (Marriot Bonvoy Bold Credit Card) are co-branded personal credit card issued by Chase and Marriott. You can read my reviews to learn more about each card.
This post will directly compare the cards for anyone trying to decide between them.
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Card showdown
Let's look at the Bonvoy Bold card and Bonvoy Boundless card. We will compare the various aspects, such as the approval odds, approval odds and annual fees. Point earning structures and perks are also included. Next, I'll give you a definitive answer on which card is best.
Comparing welcome bonuses
Both cards offer better welcome bonuses if you compare the two cards.
After spending $2,000 in three months, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card offers a bonus of 60,000 Bonvoy Points
After spending $5,000 in the first three months, you will receive a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card with a bonus of 125,000 Bonvoy Points and one night free (with a redemption worth up to 50,000 Bonvoy Points).
Bonvoy points are valued at 0.7c each. This means that the Bold Card bonus is worth $420 and the Boundless Card bonus could be worth up to $1225. These bonuses are exceptional and some of the best we've seen on these cards.
Winner: The Bonvoy Boundless Card Bonus has a potential maximum of around 3x the Bold card's value, so it is a clear winner.
Bonvoy points can be redeemed at St. Regis Maldives
Comparison of annual fees
Comparison of annual fees for the two cards
There is no annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card
A $95 annual fee is charged for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card
Winner: The Bonvoy Bold Card does not have an annual fee and will therefore cost $95 less each year. While it is obvious that the card wins in the annual fees category, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is the best option. However, you will get something in return for your annual fee on the Boundless Cards.
Bonvoy Bold is an amazing card that doesn't require you to pay an annual fee
Comparing approval odds
The approval odds for both Bonvoy Bold (and Bonvoy Boundless) are roughly the same. Both Visa cards issued by Chase include Bonvoy Bold, and Bonvoy Boundless. Both cards will be subject to the standard Chase approval policies, which include the 5/24 rule.
You are only eligible for the bonus on one card, and your eligibility is mutually exclusive.
Winner: The tie is between these two cards because they are both issued by Chase with similar eligibility requirements.
Comparing points earning structure
Both Marriott products have different points earning structures which will make them very distinct. The plus side is that neither card charges foreign transaction fees.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card earns
3x Bonvoy points in Marriott hotels
2x Bonvoy points for other travel purchases
All other purchases receive 1x Bonvoy Points
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card earns
6x Bonvoy points on Marriott hotels
All other purchases qualify for 2x Bonvoy points
Winner: The Bonvoy Boundless Card is the clear winner. Personally, I would not use these cards as my primary card for everyday shopping. However, the Boundless Card offers a better return on your spending as you earn an additional 3x points on Marriott spending and an incremental 1x point on everyday spending.
Bonvoy Boundless gives 6x points for Marriott purchases
Comparing the earning potential of status
Both cards offer:
Bonvoy Silver Elite status as long as you own the card
You can earn valuable status tiers such as Platinum Elite status by attending 15 elite nights annually.
This perk is amazing and there is no annual fee. The Bonvoy Boundless Card's only benefit is the Gold Elite status it provides if you spend at least $35,000 in a calendar year on the card. Personally, I don't think it is worth it as Gold Elite status doesn't offer a lot of rewards and there are significant spending requirements.
Winner: Technically, the Bonvoy Boundless card wins, but I think it is close. Both cards offer 15 elite nights and you can earn Gold Elite status by spending.
Bonvoy Platinum members get suite upgrades
Comparing free night & internet perks
These two cards are distinguished by two additional perks. The Bonvoy Boundless has the following two perks that the Bonvoy Bold does not:
An annual free night award, valid for properties up to 35,000 points.
Stay at Marriott Hotels and enjoy premium internet
Although premium internet is not the best benefit, the free night is an amazing one. The reason I have this card is because of the free night. It's worth more than the annual fee.
Winner: The Bonvoy Boundless is the clear winner here. The annual fee is justified by the validity of the certificate at properties costing more than 35,000 Bonvoy Points.
This year, I took advantage of my free night at The Langley in The UK.
Which Marriott Card is Better?
Personally, I believe the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card has the superior card. The incremental benefits are more than justifiable for the annual fee.
Long-term, I can see why some people might prefer the Bold Card with no annual fees. It's a great opportunity to have a card with no annual fees and receive 15 elite nights each year.
I have been able to consistently redeem my free night certificate for hotels costing $250+. However, that may not be true for everyone.
There is another strategy. Bonvoy Boundless Card offers a much better welcome bonus than Bonvoy Bold Card. This could be an incentive to apply for the card. You can also downgrade to Bonvoy Bold if you don't like the card after the first year.
Do you prefer one of these cards?
