Choosing the right travel credit card can feel overwhelming, especially when you are deciding between a mid-tier and a premium option. If you’re a Marriott enthusiast, you’re likely considering the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Both offer unique benefits, but understanding their differences is crucial to making the right choice. As a seasoned travel credit card user, I’ll break down the key aspects of these cards to help you determine which aligns best with your spending habits and travel goals.
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Card Overview: A Quick Comparison
The Marriott Bonvoy program is unique because they have partnered with two of the major credit card issuers; Chase and American Express. This means that when it comes to selecting the best Marriott Bonvoy credit card you can choose from either.
* Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: This is your mid-tier option, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. It carries a lower annual fee, making it attractive to those who are newer to travel rewards or have less frequent Marriott stays.
* Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: This is the premium offering, loaded with perks and benefits designed for the frequent Marriott traveler. However, this comes with a more substantial annual fee.
Deciding between these two cards can be tricky. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison.
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Decoding the Welcome Offers
Welcome bonuses provide a great incentive for signing up for a new credit card. They give you a substantial head start towards earning free nights and enjoying other travel perks. Let’s examine the welcome offers for each card:
* Bonvoy Boundless: Earn five free nights (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This offer provides great value for people who love to travel.
* Bonvoy Brilliant: Earn 100,000 bonus points after making $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership and an extra 50,000 bonus points after making an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first six months.
While the Boundless offer appears impressive with its free nights, the Brilliant’s points offer can be just as valuable, depending on how you redeem them. It’s also important to note that Chase’s 5/24 rule applies to the Boundless. That is something I always consider when applying for new credit cards. American Express also limits you to earning the welcome bonus on a given card once per lifetime. If you’ve earned a bonus on the Bonvoy Brilliant before, you won’t be eligible for a new bonus. Be sure to check all eligibility requirements before applying for either card.
Verdict: I lean towards the Bonvoy Boundless for the welcome offer. Maximizing each free night’s potential value can translate to significant savings on hotel stays, making it a potentially more lucrative start.
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Unveiling the Benefits Packages
Beyond the welcome offer, the ongoing benefits of a credit card are crucial in determining its long-term value. The Boundless and Brilliant offer a range of perks designed to enhance your Marriott experience.
Bonvoy Boundless:
* Annual Free Night Award: Receive one free award night (up to 35,000 points) every year after your account anniversary. I use mine for weekend getaways at Category 5 hotels.
* Silver Elite Status: Enjoy basic perks like priority late checkout and bonus points on stays.
* 15 Elite Night Credits: Jumpstart your path to higher elite tiers.
* Premium Wi-Fi: Complimentary access at Marriott properties.
* Travel and Purchase Protections: Peace of mind for unforeseen circumstances.
Bonvoy Brilliant:
* Annual Free Night Award: Receive one free award night (worth up to 85,000 points) every year after your account anniversary. This offers the opportunity to stay at luxurious properties.
* Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy substantial benefits such as room upgrades, lounge access, and enhanced bonus points. This is a game-changer for frequent travelers.
* 25 Elite Night Credits: An even bigger boost to achieving higher elite tiers.
* $300 Dining Credit: Up to $25 per month in statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. I use this for my daily coffees and weekend brunch.
* Priority Pass Select Membership: Access to airport lounges worldwide.
* Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: A statement credit for your application fee.
* $100 Luxury Property Credit: Valid on eligible stays of two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotels.
Verdict: The Bonvoy Brilliant easily wins in terms of overall benefits. The Platinum Elite status alone can be worth hundreds of dollars, and the various statement credits can significantly offset the annual fee. If you frequently stay at Marriott properties, the Brilliant’s benefits provide tangible value.
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Earning Points: Maximizing Your Spending
The earning structure of a credit card determines how quickly you accumulate points on your everyday spending. Here’s a breakdown of the earning categories for each card:
Bonvoy Boundless:
* 6 points per dollar spent on purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. * 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at gas stations and grocery stores and on dining. * 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Bonvoy Brilliant:
* 6 points per dollar spent on purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. * 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with the airline. * 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Verdict: I find the Bonvoy Brilliant slightly more rewarding. The uncapped dining earnings and bonus points on direct flight bookings are beneficial for frequent travelers. However, the Boundless can be valuable for those who spend heavily on gas and groceries, especially in the first $6,000 of combined spending each year.
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Redemption Options: Making the Most of Your Points
Both cards accumulate Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be redeemed for various travel and lifestyle rewards.
* Hotel Stays: Redeem points for free nights at Marriott properties worldwide. This is generally the most valuable redemption option.
* Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Access exclusive experiences and events.
* Airline Transfers: Transfer points to over 35 airline partners. While possible, I generally recommend against this, as the transfer ratios are often unfavorable.
Verdict: Both cards offer the same redemption options. The key is to maximize the value of your points by strategically redeeming them for hotel stays, especially during off-peak seasons or at properties with high cash rates.
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Annual Fee vs. Benefits: Is the Premium Card Worth It?
The $650 annual fee of the Bonvoy Brilliant can be a major deterrent for some. However, let’s consider how the benefits can offset this cost:
* $300 Dining Credit: Easily covers a significant portion of the annual fee with everyday dining expenses.
* Annual Free Night Award: Can be worth hundreds of dollars, especially when redeemed at high-end properties.
* Platinum Elite Status: Offers valuable perks like room upgrades, lounge access, and bonus points, which can translate to significant savings and enhanced travel experiences.
* Priority Pass Membership: Provides access to airport lounges, saving money on food and drinks during travel.
Verdict: For frequent Marriott travelers who can fully utilize the Brilliant’s benefits, the annual fee is easily justified. The dining credit, free night award, and elite status perks provide tangible value that exceeds the card’s cost.
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Final Recommendation: Which Card Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your individual travel habits and spending patterns.
* Choose the Bonvoy Boundless If: You are new to travel rewards, stay at Marriott properties occasionally, prefer a lower annual fee, or want a card that earns bonus points on everyday expenses like gas and groceries.
* Choose the Bonvoy Brilliant If: You are a loyal Marriott traveler, value elite status and premium benefits, can utilize the statement credits and free night award, and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for enhanced travel experiences.
My Personal Choice: As a frequent traveler who prioritizes luxury experiences, I personally prefer the Bonvoy Brilliant. The Platinum Elite status, generous statement credits, and valuable free night award more than justify the annual fee. The ability to access airport lounges through Priority Pass is also a significant perk that enhances my travel experience. I also find that as a card holder, the benefits are great and can elevate your entire travel experience.
By carefully evaluating your travel habits and spending patterns, you can confidently choose the Marriott Bonvoy credit card that best aligns with your needs and unlock a world of travel rewards. Happy travels!
