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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card Review
February 6, 2025
Are you a frequent Marriott traveler looking to maximize your hotel stays and earn valuable rewards? The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card might be the perfect addition to your wallet. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore everything from the card's generous welcome bonus to its elite status benefits, helping you decide if this card aligns with your travel and spending habits.
What Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed specifically for Marriott loyalists. Launched as a mid-tier option in the Marriott Bonvoy American Express portfolio, this card bridges the gap between the entry-level Boundless card and the luxury Brilliant card.
As a Marriott Bonvoy Bevy cardholder, you'll automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, unlocking enhanced benefits during your hotel stays. The card offers a competitive rewards structure, focusing on Marriott hotel purchases while also providing bonus points in everyday spending categories.
With a $250 annual fee, the Bevy card positions itself as a valuable option for travelers who stay at Marriott properties several times per year but may not need the premium benefits offered by higher-tier cards with steeper annual fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card Pros & Cons
Before diving deeper into the card's features, let's examine the key advantages and disadvantages of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card:
Pros:
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status without needing to meet stay requirements
- Annual Free Night Award (worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
- Generous welcome bonus for new cardholders (subject to change, check current offers)
- 6X points on eligible hotel purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year)
- 2X points for each dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
- 1,000 bonus points per stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 15 Elite Night Credits annually toward higher elite status
- No foreign transaction fees for international travel
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings
Cons:
- $250 annual fee is not waived the first year
- Free Night Award requires $15,000 in spending within a calendar year
- Variable APR can be high for carrying balances
- Limited benefits for non-Marriott travelers
- No statement credits for Marriott purchases (unlike the Brilliant card)
- Redemption levels for Marriott properties can be high during peak seasons
Who Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card For?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is ideally suited for:
Frequent Marriott Guests
If you stay at Marriott properties at least a few times per year, the automatic Gold Elite status and bonus points on Marriott purchases can significantly enhance your travel experience. Gold Elite status includes benefits like 25% bonus points on stays, enhanced room upgrades (when available), and 2 PM late checkout.
Travelers Who Value Status
For those who appreciate the perks of hotel elite status but don't stay frequently enough to earn it organically, the automatic Gold Elite status can be a substantial benefit. The 15 Elite Night Credits also provide a boost toward achieving Platinum status (which requires 50 nights annually).
Moderate to High Spenders
If you can comfortably spend $15,000 per calendar year on the card, you'll earn the Free Night Award, which can potentially offset the annual fee when redeemed at mid-tier or luxury Marriott properties.
Everyday Reward Maximizers
With 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year), the card offers strong earnings on everyday spending categories, not just travel.
This card might not be the best fit if you:
- Rarely stay at Marriott properties
- Cannot justify the $250 annual fee through card benefits
- Prefer cash back to travel rewards
- Don't spend enough to earn the Free Night Award
Comparing the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X on vacation rentals and flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card excels in bridging the gap between the entry-level Boundless card and the luxury Brilliant card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions
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Detailed Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Welcome Bonus
New cardmembers can earn a substantial welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first few months of card membership. The exact offer varies, so check the current promotion when applying.
Earning Structure
- 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible hotel purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year)
- 2X points for each dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Elite Status Benefits
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for as long as you have the card
- 15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year (which can help you achieve higher status tiers)
- 1,000 bonus points per stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
Free Night Award
Receive a Free Night Award (worth up to 50,000 points) after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. This can be redeemed at thousands of Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide, potentially covering a night at a Category 1-6 hotel.
American Express Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
- Car rental loss and damage insurance when you use your card for the entire rental
- Baggage insurance for covered loss or damage
- Global Assist® Hotline for emergency assistance when traveling
- Purchase protection against damage or theft
- Access to Amex Offers for extra rewards and discounts
Consider Using Kudos
While the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card offers excellent rewards for Marriott loyalists, managing multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories can be challenging. That's where Kudos comes in.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online. If you have the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card alongside other rewards cards, Kudos can automatically suggest which card to use for each purchase, ensuring you always earn the most points, cash back, or miles.
With Kudos, you can:
- Get personalized credit card recommendations for over 15,000 stores
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- Discover new credit cards that align with your spending habits
- Effortlessly maximize your rewards without having to remember each card's bonus categories
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, including your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card offers solid value for Marriott loyalists who stay at their properties several times per year but don't want to commit to the premium annual fee of the Brilliant card. With automatic Gold Elite status, a potential Free Night Award, and strong earning rates on everyday spending categories, the card can easily provide value that exceeds its $250 annual fee for the right user.
However, the value proposition diminishes significantly if you don't stay at Marriott properties regularly or can't meet the $15,000 spending threshold to earn the Free Night Award. In those cases, a more flexible travel card or a different hotel co-branded card might be a better fit.
Before applying, consider your travel patterns, spending habits, and whether the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program aligns with your destinations. If Marriott is your preferred hotel brand and you can take advantage of Gold Elite status benefits, this card could be an excellent addition to your wallet.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card FAQ
What credit score do I need for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card?
Most successful applicants have good to excellent credit scores (typically 670 or higher). American Express tends to favor applicants with established credit histories and higher scores for their co-branded hotel cards.
How does the Free Night Award work?
After spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you'll receive a Free Night Award certificate valid for redemption at Marriott Bonvoy properties requiring up to 50,000 points per night. The certificate is typically deposited into your Marriott Bonvoy account within 8-12 weeks after reaching the spending threshold and expires one year from issuance.
Can I combine my 15 Elite Night Credits with those from other Marriott cards?
No, Elite Night Credits from multiple Marriott consumer cards (like the Bevy and Brilliant) cannot be stacked. However, you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits from one consumer Marriott card and 15 more from one Marriott business card for a total of 30 Elite Night Credits annually.
What are the foreign transaction fees for international travel?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel, especially when staying at Marriott properties abroad.
How do I link my card to my Marriott Bonvoy account?
You'll need to provide your Marriott Bonvoy account number during the card application process. If you already have the card but haven't linked accounts, you can contact American Express customer service to connect them.
What is the variable APR for this card?
The variable APR for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card typically ranges from 18.24% to 27.24% based on your creditworthiness and the prime rate. It's always best to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Can I transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners?
Yes, Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to over 40 airline partners, typically at a ratio of 3:1 (3 Marriott points = 1 airline mile). Additionally, when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points, you'll receive a 5,000 mile bonus, effectively making the ratio 2.4:1 for larger transfers.
How does the 1,000 bonus points per stay benefit work?
As a Bevy cardholder, you'll receive 1,000 bonus points per stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, regardless of the length of your stay. These points are in addition to the base points and Gold Elite status bonus points you earn. To qualify, you must book directly with Marriott and use your Bevy card for payment.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
