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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Review
February 6, 2025
Are you considering adding a hotel credit card to your wallet? The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase offers substantial value for travelers who frequent Marriott properties. This comprehensive review will help you determine if this card aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.
What Is The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a co-branded travel rewards card issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank in partnership with Marriott International, Inc. Designed for frequent Marriott guests, this card serves as your gateway to the expansive Marriott Bonvoy program, which encompasses over 8,000 properties worldwide.
As a primary cardmember, you'll earn Marriott Bonvoy points on every purchase, with enhanced earning rates at Marriott properties. Currently, new cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after meeting spending requirements upon account opening, plus a $150 statement credit after their first purchase.
The card carries a $95 annual fee but offsets this cost with an anniversary free night award each year. This credit card also provides a pathway to elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, offering automatic Silver Elite status and the opportunity to earn higher tiers through spending.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Pros & Cons
Before applying for any credit card, it's essential to weigh its advantages against its limitations. Here's a balanced look at what the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers:
Pros:
- Generous Welcome Offer: New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after meeting spending requirements, plus a $150 statement credit after making their first purchase
- Anniversary Free Night Award: Receive a free night award (valued up to 35,000 points) each year after your account anniversary
- Automatic Elite Status: Enjoy Silver Elite status with the opportunity to earn Gold Elite status when you spend $35,000 in a calendar year
- 15 Elite Night Credits: Automatically receive 15 elite night credits per calendar year, helping you achieve higher status tiers faster
- Strong Earning Rate: Earn 3x points on purchases at Marriott Booking Channel, 2x points on dining, gas stations, and grocery stores, and 1x points on all other eligible purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional fees on foreign currency transactions
Cons:
- Annual Fee: $95 annual fee that is not waived the first year
- Limited Redemption Flexibility: Points are most valuable when redeemed within the Marriott ecosystem; transfers to airline miles may not always provide optimal value
- Higher APR on Balance Transfers and Cash Advances: Less competitive rates for these transaction types compared to dedicated balance transfer cards
- Redemption Level Restrictions: The anniversary free night award has redemption level limitations (up to 35,000 points), excluding some luxury properties
- Points Expiration: Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of account inactivity
Who Is The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card For?
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is ideally suited for specific traveler profiles. Understanding who benefits most from this card can help you determine if it's the right fit for your wallet.
Frequent Marriott Guests
If you regularly stay at Marriott properties—whether for business or leisure—this card offers exceptional value. The elevated earning rate of 3x points on purchases through Marriott Booking Channel allows you to accumulate rewards quickly. Additionally, your automatic Silver Elite status provides benefits like priority late checkout and a 10% elite bonus points on stays.
Value-Focused Travelers
For travelers who can maximize the anniversary free night award, this card's $95 annual fee can be easily offset. The free night certificate is valid at properties requiring up to 35,000 points per night, which can translate to stays valued at $200+ at certain properties, providing an immediate positive return on your investment.
Status Seekers
If you're working toward higher levels in the Marriott Bonvoy program, the 15 elite night credits provided annually give you a significant head start. These credits can help you progress toward Gold Elite status (25 nights), Platinum Elite status (50 nights), Titanium Elite status (75 nights), or even Ambassador Elite status (100 nights plus $20,000 in spend).
Everyday Spenders
The card rewards everyday spending with 2x points at dining establishments, gas stations, and grocery stores. This makes it valuable beyond just hotel stays, allowing you to accumulate points through regular purchases while working toward your next free night.
Comparing The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
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.
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 Boundless® Credit Card excels in providing a pathway to elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers substantial value for Marriott enthusiasts, maximizing your credit card rewards across all spending requires strategic management. This is where Kudos can elevate your rewards strategy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that works alongside your existing credit cards, including the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®, to ensure you're always using the optimal card for each purchase. When shopping online at over 15,000 stores, Kudos automatically recommends which of your cards will earn the most points or cash back based on current promotions and bonus categories.
For Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® cardholders, Kudos can help identify when to use your card for the 2x bonus categories (dining, gas stations, grocery stores) versus when another card in your wallet might offer superior rewards. During exclusive "Flash Boost" events, Kudos can help you multiply your rewards up to 5X, potentially accelerating your path to free stays at luxury properties like Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection Resort.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, 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 Boundless® Credit Card delivers exceptional value for Marriott loyalists through its anniversary free night award, automatic elite status, and strong earning potential. With the current welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points and a $150 statement credit, there's never been a better time to add this card to your wallet.
What truly sets this card apart is how it integrates with the broader Marriott Bonvoy program. Beyond just free hotel stays, your points can unlock unique experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, transfers to airline partners, or shopping options with retailers offering electronics and travel accessories.
For travelers who stay at Marriott properties even a few times per year, the card's benefits—particularly the anniversary free night—easily outweigh the $95 annual fee. When paired with a smart rewards optimization tool like Kudos, you can ensure you're maximizing returns across all your spending categories.
However, travelers who prioritize flexibility or who don't regularly stay with Marriott might find more value in a general travel rewards card. As with any financial product, the best credit card is one that aligns with your specific travel patterns and financial goals.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card FAQ
How many bonus points can I earn with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card?
New cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after meeting the required spending threshold within the first three months from account opening. Additionally, you'll receive a $150 statement credit after your first purchase.
What are the anniversary free night rules?
Each year after your account anniversary, you'll receive a free night award valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less. This certificate typically expires one year from the issue date and cannot be extended.
How do I earn elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card?
The card automatically grants you Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Additionally, you receive 15 elite night credits annually, helping you progress toward higher status tiers. You can earn Gold Elite status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year.
Can additional authorized users earn points?
Yes, purchases made by additional authorized users on your account will earn points at the same rate as the primary cardmember. These points are added to the primary cardmember's Marriott Bonvoy® account.
How can I redeem Marriott Bonvoy points?
Points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott properties, transferred to over 40 airline partners (typically at a 3:1 ratio), used for experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, redeemed for Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques™ merchandise, or applied to local tours & activities through the Eat Around Town program.
Does the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offer travel protections?
Yes, the card includes travel protections such as lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase protection. It also features no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.
Can I use Chase Pay Over Time with this card?
Yes, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers Chase Pay Over Time, allowing you to split eligible purchases into fixed monthly payments with a consistent interest rate, giving you more flexibility in managing larger expenses.
What types of transactions do not earn points?
Balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers, lottery tickets, gaming chips, or unauthorized charges do not earn Marriott bonus points. Additionally, purchases made to buy or reload prepaid cards or gift cards may not earn points in certain circumstances.
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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.
