American Express Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Maximizing Travel Rewards

Travelers seeking to maximize rewards often choose co-branded credit cards that offer points for everyday spending. American Express Marriott Bonvoy credit cards combine the rewards of Marriott Bonvoy with American Express perks, making them ideal for frequent Marriott guests. These cards offer points that can be redeemed for free hotel stays, upgrades, and other travel perks.

This article explores the benefits of the AmEx Bonvoy cards, how they work, and their pros and cons.

What Are AmEx Marriott Bonvoy Cards?

American Express offers several co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® and Marriott Bonvoy Business® cards. These cards help users earn Marriott Bonvoy points on purchases, which can be redeemed for stays at Marriott hotels, flights, and more.

The Bonvoy Brilliant Card targets luxury travelers with premium benefits, while the Bonvoy Business Card helps small business owners earn rewards on business expenses. Both cards offer travel perks, including free annual hotel nights and elite status upgrades within the Bonvoy program.

Why Are AmEx Bonvoy Cards Useful?

1. Fast Points Earning
   Cardholders earn 6X points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels, plus 3X points on certain categories like U.S. restaurants and flights, and 2X points on other purchases. This accelerated earning allows travelers to build points quickly for free stays and upgrades.

2. Free Night Awards
   Bonvoy Brilliant cardholders receive an annual free night award, which can be redeemed for stays at participating Marriott hotels. This benefit alone can offset the card’s annual fee, making it a valuable perk for frequent travelers.

3. Elite Status Benefits
   Both the Brilliant and Business cards offer automatic Gold Elite status, which provides perks such as room upgrades, bonus points, and late check-out. Cardholders also get 15 elite night credits each year, helping them achieve higher Marriott Bonvoy status faster.

4. Travel Protections and Credits
   The Bonvoy Brilliant card includes up to $300 in statement credits for purchases at Marriott properties annually, along with travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and baggage insurance, making it a great card for frequent travelers.

5. Airport Lounge Access
   The Bonvoy Brilliant card offers Priority Pass Select membership, giving cardholders access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide—ideal for those who travel often.

Pros of AmEx Bonvoy Cards

1. High Points Earning Potential
   With up to 6X points at Marriott properties and 2-3X points in other categories, cardholders can accumulate points quickly, especially when traveling frequently.

2. Free Annual Night
   The free night offered by the Bonvoy Brilliant card is a valuable benefit, especially when redeemed for stays at premium Marriott hotels.

3. Elite Status Perks
   Automatic Gold Elite status provides benefits like room upgrades and late check-out. The 15 elite night credits help cardholders fast-track to higher elite levels for even better perks.

4. Travel Protections
   Both cards offer robust travel protections, including trip delay insurance and lost baggage reimbursement, making them useful for frequent travelers.

5. Lounge Access
   The Priority Pass membership provided by the Bonvoy Brilliant card is a great perk for frequent flyers who enjoy relaxing in airport lounges.

Cons of AmEx Bonvoy Cards

1. High Annual Fees
   The Bonvoy Brilliant card has a $650 annual fee, which may be too high for casual travelers. While the card’s benefits can offset the fee, it may not be worth it for those who don’t travel often.

2. Limited Value Outside Marriott
   The card is most valuable when staying at Marriott hotels. Those who don’t frequently stay at Marriott properties may struggle to maximize the card’s benefits.

3. Points Devaluation
   Like many rewards programs, Marriott Bonvoy points have been devalued over time, requiring more points for the same rewards. This can reduce the overall value of the points earned.

4. Annual Free Night Restrictions
   While the free night is valuable, it’s limited to hotels within a certain point range. This can make it difficult to redeem at high-end properties or during peak times.

5. Travel Protections Limited to AmEx Purchases
   The card’s travel protections only apply to purchases made with the AmEx Bonvoy card. This limits the protections to trips and stays booked using the card.

Conclusion

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy credit cards provide excellent rewards and perks for frequent Marriott guests. With high earning potential, free night awards, and elite status perks, these cards offer significant value for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. The Bonvoy Brilliant card, in particular, stands out with its $300 statement credit and lounge access, making it ideal for luxury travelers.

However, the high annual fee, limited redemption value for non-Marriott stays, and the potential for points devaluation make the card less appealing for occasional travelers. For those who stay frequently at Marriott hotels, though, the AmEx Bonvoy cards can provide valuable rewards and perks that enhance their travel experiences.