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Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening. Special offer through 6/30/2027: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases (up to $50 semi-annually).
- 1 Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary (valid at properties up to 35,000 points)
- Automatic Silver Elite Status in Marriott Bonvoy® — includes late checkout, priority reservations, and 10% bonus points on stays
- 15 Elite Night Credits every calendar year toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
- Path to Gold Elite Status when you spend $35,000 in a calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
For a $95 annual fee, this card basically pays for itself on day one every year with that anniversary Free Night Award. Even though properties that cost 35,000 points per night or less are a bit harder to find, the certificate can be worth $150–$300+, which more than covers the annual fee before you even think about the welcome offer. If your family stays at Marriott properties at all — even a handful of nights a year — the math here is solid, especially since free nights can be topped off with an additional 25,000 Marriott points. The Silver Elite Status is a nice bonus too, especially for families who want that little extra when traveling. Just know that if you already have (or recently had) a Marriott card through Amex, there are some bonus eligibility restrictions to be aware of before applying. If it has been less than 24 month since your last Marriott card, you are likely not eligible for a new one.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
- Automatic Silver Elite Status in Marriott Bonvoy® — includes late checkout, priority reservations, and 10% bonus points on stays
- 5 Elite Night Credits every calendar year toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- 12 months of complimentary DashPass (DoorDash/Caviar) when activated between 2/1/2025 and 12/31/2027
- Chase Pay Over Time on qualifying travel purchases of $100–$5,000
I'll be honest, if you're going to put any real spending on a Marriott card, you should probably just get the Boundless instead. The $95 annual fee pays for itself with the anniversary Free Night Award every year, and you'll earn more points on your spending. But the Bold has a very specific use case: it's a great starter card if you want to get into the Marriott ecosystem without committing to an annual fee, or as a card to keep open for free after downgrading from the Boundless. The Silver Elite Status gives you late checkout and priority reservations. Just don't expect a ton of bells and whistles — this card is exactly what it says it is. Also worth knowing: Amex issues a set of Marriott cards too (the Bevy, Brilliant, and Business), so depending on your situation, you may want to look at both families before applying.
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Terms apply. See www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi for more information
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status
- Each calendar year, receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards 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.
- Free Night Award - worth up to 50,000 points at participating Marriott hotels - after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
- Car Rental Loss and Damage, Global Assist Hotline, Trip Delay, Baggage Insurance, and more
- No foreign transaction fees
Terms apply. Enrollment is required for certain benefits. 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.
My thoughtsThis mid-tier Amex Marriott card is good for people who want to boost their Marriott points stash. The annual fee is on the higher side for a mid-level card and the benefits are somewhat limited. If possible, it's best to get this card during an elevated bonus offer.
Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Up to $300 in annual dining statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (up to $25 per month)
- Free Night Award every year after card renewal - up to 85,000 points - at participating Marriott hotels
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status. With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit
- 25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year toward next status level
- Use your card to enroll in Priority Pass™ Select and get an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport 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.
- 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.
- 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 2-night minimum stay
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Premium Global Assist Hotline, Baggage Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Trip Delay, and more
- No foreign transaction fees
Terms apply. Enrollment is required for certain benefits. 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.
My thoughtsThis is for the die-hard Marriott fans. The annual fee is steep, but Platinum Elite status, an annual free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, lounge access, and the dining credits go a long way toward making it worth it. If you stay at Marriott regularly and want premium benefits, this is your card.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points and a $125 statement credit after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/15/26.
- Free Night Award every year after card renewal - worth up to 35,000 points at participating hotels
- Extra Free Night Award after $60,000 in spending in a calendar year
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status
- 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year toward next status level
- Receive a 7% discount on eligible cash bookings at participating hotels when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate
- Baggage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, and more
- No foreign transaction fees
Terms apply. Enrollment is required for certain benefits. 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.
My thoughtsThis is a great option for those who don't want the card counting toward their 5/24 number. The annual fee is the lowest of the Marriott lineup and the welcome offer is unique — you get up to 5 free night certificates instead of points, which can be incredibly valuable for hotel stays. It's a great first-year card!
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Opinions expressed here are the author's 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.