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American Express and Chase have both issued Marriott credit cards with a co-branding. It can be difficult to distinguish between the cards. This post will focus on the most popular personal credit card in the mid-range range. It even offers a better welcome bonus.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card Basics For September 2021
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Personal Credit Card is the middle-range personal credit card issued by Marriott. It's a card most people should have, if they are eligible.
The card provides at least one perk that will more than cover the annual fee, and there may be other benefits that are worth considering. Let's take a closer look to learn more about the card.
Welcome Bonus: 125K Bonvoy points + free night
Bonvoy Boundless Card offers a two-part bonus that has been improved. You can get this bonus if you spend $5,000 within the first 3 months of your account opening.
125,000 Bonvoy bonus points
Free night with maximum redemption value of 50,000 Bonvoy Points
Bonvoy points are worth 0.7c each. This means that the bonus combined can be worth up 175,000 points. I would value this bonus at up to $1225.
Bonvoy points can be redeemed at a variety of hotels, including some great ones.
Card Eligibility
There are many Chase Marriott and American Express cards. This card has some very complicated eligibility requirements.
The card is not available for those who are:
Cardmembers currently enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy Premier credit card (also called Marriott Rewards Premier or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, also known as Marriott Rewards Premier Plus) or
Previous cardmembers of Marriott Bonvoy Premier credit card (also called Marriott Rewards Premier or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card) who received a bonus cardmember bonus in the last 24 month.
You won't be eligible for the welcome bonus if you are:
You are either a current or former cardmember of Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card (also known by The Starwood Preferred Credit Card from American Express);
You are either a current or former cardmember of Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, also known as The Starwood Preferred Business Credit Card from American Express or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.
Within the last 90 days, you applied for and were approved by Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or The Starwood Preferred Customer Business Credit Card from American Express.
Chases the 5/24 Rule
Chase follows the 5/24 rule. The 5/24 rule states that you won't usually be approved for this card if you have opened more than five new cards in the last 24 months. You must be under the limit to apply for this card.
This post will show you how to check your 5/24 status. For more information about Chase credit cards, see this post.
$95 Annual Fee
There is an annual fee of $95 for the Marriott Boundless Card. You can add additional card members at no extra cost.
Earn Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Points
Although I wouldn't use the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card every day, it does provide a valuable bonus category to spend at Marriott hotels.
6x Points At Marriott Hotels
Bonvoy Boundless Card gives 6x Bonvoy Points for use at Marriott-family hotels worldwide. This bonus will be valuable to many.
Bonvoy points are worth 0.7c each. This is equivalent to a return of 4.2% on hotel spending. For my Marriott hotel spending, I prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve (review), as it offers 3x Ultimate Reward points.
Stay at Marriott Hotels and earn 6x points
2x Points on All Other Purchases
Bonvoy Boundless Card gives 2x points for all eligible purchases. Personally, 2x points per $1 spent is not something I find compelling. I prefer a return of 1.4c per dollar and better cards for everyday spend.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Bonvoy Boundless Card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it an excellent card to use for international purchases. This is especially true for Marriotts overseas.
No foreign transaction fees when you use the card abroad
Contactless Pay
The Marriott Boundless card features contactless payment technology. You can use your card to pay without ever having to swipe it.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Benefits Card
Although the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card may not provide the greatest return on your spending, it does offer some amazing benefits that make it worth it. The card is great for anyone who is eligible, even if they don't have it.
Each year, a free night award
Bonvoy Boundless Card is a great card because you get a free night every year on your anniversary. This award is valid for one night at a hotel in a property that costs up to 35,000 points.
This card offers a great deal and is well worth the investment. Marriott is the largest hotel chain in the world, so no matter what hotel program you prefer, almost everyone could find themselves in a position where this card could be of use.
This certificate is always redeemed at hotels that cost $250+ per night. I used one of these night certificates for free at a hotel that cost nearly $500 per night in early 2020.
I used my complimentary night certificate at The Langley (a Marriott Luxury Collection property).
Complementary Silver Elite Status
You can get Silver Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy just for getting the card. Don't get too excited though, because this card doesn't come with many benefits. The Silver Elite status requires at least 10 elite nights and includes the following perks:
Hotel stays eligible for 10% off
Priority Late Check-Out
Reservations Line
Spending Gold to Get the Gold Elite Status
This card can give you Gold Elite status, if you spend at least $35,000 in a cardmember's year. This status normally requires 25 elite nights. The following benefits come with Gold Elite status:
25% Bonus Points on Hotel Stays
2PM late check-out
Room upgrade
15 Elite Nights to Obtain Status Yearly
The Bonvoy Boundless Card has one of my favorite perks: You get 15 elite nights toward status each year just for being a Bonvoy Boundless Card holder.
This benefit is only available on co-branded Marriott credit card. It can only be used once per year for a personal card. This means that if you have more than three Marriott personal cards, you won't be eligible for 45 elite nights.
For a total of 30 elite night, however, you can earn 15 elite evenings with a personal or business card.
It is now easier to achieve Platinum status. This is the most valuable status. Platinum status is 50 nights. If you have this card, you would only need 35 elite nights. A business card would only require 20 elite nights.
Bonvoy Platinum status guarantees you a late check-out, suite upgrades at most properties and free breakfast at many brands.
Bonvoy Platinum members receive space available suite upgrades
Premium Internet At Marriott Properties
All Marriott Bonvoy members who book directly receive in-room internet. If you have the Bonvoy Boundless Card, you can get premium internet access for free while you stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Chase Offers
Chase Cards offer great savings with Chase Offers.
Insurance for secondary car rentals
The Marriott Boundless Card provides auto rental collision damage waiver coverage. You can decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge your card the full rental amount.
Most cars in the United States and internationally are covered for theft and damage to other vehicles. However, the coverage in the US is not the same as your personal insurance.
Protection with Trip Delays, Lost Luggage and More
Bonvoy Boundless Card provides additional protection for travelers. One of these features is:
Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours, or you have to stay over night, your family and you are reimbursed for any unreimbursed expenses such as meals, lodging, and up to $500 per ticket.
If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, or you have to stay over, your family is covered for any unreimbursed expenses such as lodging and meals up to $500 per ticket. Lost Luggage Reimbursement is a reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person if your luggage is lost or damaged by an airline.
You can get up to $3,000 per person if your luggage is damaged or stolen by an airline Baggage Delay Insurance. Get $100 per day for essential purchases if your bag is delayed for more than six hours
Check your cardmember agreement to see all details.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card worth it?
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card is not a card I would use for everyday spending. The card's annual fee is justified, however, as it gives you a complimentary night certificate every year.
The 15 elite nights toward status each year are incredibly valuable and make it easier to achieve Platinum status. The card also comes with a new welcome bonus.
Card Showdown: Bonvoy Bold vs. Bonvoy Boundless
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card (review) is also available without an annual fee. So how does the cards compare? There are some similarities between the cards, such as that both offer 15 elite night towards status each year. The Boundless card has a greater welcome bonus, an anniversary certificate and premium internet at Marriott properties.
The Boundless card is absolutely worth it if you are a frequent Marriott guest.
Are Chase Points Worth It?
Marriott is a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner, which means you can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio. Take this example:
This is your best option for earning Marriott points by credit card spending. You can earn multiple points per $1 in certain categories.
Even so, I would not recommend that Chase points be transferred to Marriott. As I mentioned, Marriott points are worth 0.7c each. You can transfer points to World of Hyatt at the same rate, which I value at 1.5c each (more than twice as much).
There are many ways to earn Marriott Points with your credit card, but not many options to do it at efficient rates.
Chase points can be used for better purposes than transferring to Marriott
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card Summary
For the anniversary free night certificate valid at properties costing up 35,000 points per night, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card can be a great value. It is possible to book many hotels for $200+ per night with the card, so it should be affordable for almost everyone.
The 15 elite nights toward status each year are the cherry on top if you're looking for Marriott status. The card's improved welcome bonus makes this a great time to apply.
Follow this link to find out more information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card and how you can apply.
Apply Now
