Marriott Bonvoy is not one credit card, it is a family of them, with annual fees that range from $95 to $650. Picking the wrong one means overpaying for perks you will not use, or missing free nights you would have loved.
The cards are split between two issuers: Chase and American Express. Each tier targets a different kind of Marriott guest, from the casual traveler to the road warrior. Here is how the main personal cards compare as of June 2026.
Key facts at a glance
| Card | Issuer | Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Free night value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonvoy Boundless | Chase | $95 | 125,000 points + free night | Up to 35,000 points |
| Bonvoy Bevy | Amex | $250 | 85,000 points | None standard |
| Bonvoy Brilliant | Amex | $650 | 100,000 points | Up to 85,000 points |
Welcome offers change often. APRs vary by creditworthiness. Terms and conditions apply.
The Bonvoy Boundless: the everyday pick
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is the most popular card for good reason. At a $95 annual fee, it earns 6X points at Marriott hotels, 3X on the first $6,000 a year in grocery, gas, and dining, and 2X on everything else.
Every account anniversary brings a Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points, which can cover the fee on its own. You also get automatic Silver Elite status and 15 Elite Night Credits toward higher tiers.
The Boundless carries a 19.24% to 27.74% variable APR, no foreign transaction fee, and reports to all three bureaus. A credit score of 700 or higher is recommended for approval.
The Bevy and Brilliant: stepping up
The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Bevy sits in the middle at $250 a year. It earns 6X at Marriott, 4X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets up to a cap, and 2X elsewhere. It comes with Gold Elite status but no standard annual free night, so it suits people who value higher earning over a free-night certificate.
The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is the $650 flagship. It includes a free night worth up to 85,000 points, Platinum Elite status, a $300 annual dining credit, and Priority Pass lounge access, making it the choice for frequent Marriott stays.
These cards reward Marriott loyalty, but they earn only 2X on non-hotel spending. For everyday purchases, a flat cash back card returns more. The Robinhood Gold Card earns an unlimited 3% cash back on everything with no foreign transaction fee. It is flat cash back, not transferable Bonvoy points, so use it to cover the spending these hotel cards reward weakly.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
How to choose between them
Start with how many Marriott nights you book a year. If it is a handful, the Boundless and its $95 fee plus annual free night is almost always the right call. The free night alone often covers the fee.
If you stay at Marriott often and want lounge access, dining credits, and Platinum status, the Brilliant's perks can outweigh its $650 fee. The Bevy is the middle ground for higher earners who do not need a free-night certificate.
All three want good to excellent credit, typically a 700-plus score. Before applying, it helps to know exactly where your score stands. Creditship is a free score monitor that lets you track your score and what affects it, so you can apply when your profile is at its strongest.
Creditship
Creditship
Get free credit monitoring and concrete advice how to improve your credit from Creditship AI.
Standout feature
AI Credit Coach. AI analyzes your credit report in depth and gives you tailored, actionable steps to raise your score.
Fees
Free
Pros
Free credit report access plus monitoring and alerts
Cons
No credit repair feature
Building toward a Bonvoy card
If your credit is not yet at the 700 level these cards expect, applying early usually means a denial and a wasted hard pull. Building first is the better path.
Focus on on-time payments, low balances, and a longer history before reaching for a premium hotel card. A starter card that reports to all three bureaus gives you that track record.
The Aspire Mastercard is one graduation-path option. It is unsecured with no deposit, lets you prequalify for up to $1,000 with a 580 FICO, earns up to 3% cash back, and reports to all three bureaus, so you build the credit a Marriott card will later want to see.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Marriott Bonvoy card is best?
For most people, the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is the best value. Its $95 annual fee is often covered by the annual Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points. Frequent Marriott guests who want lounge access and dining credits may prefer the $650 Brilliant.
Who issues the Marriott Bonvoy cards?
The cards are split between two issuers. Chase issues the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, while American Express issues the Bonvoy Bevy and the Bonvoy Brilliant. Each issuer sets its own terms and welcome offers.
Do Marriott Bonvoy cards give free nights?
Some do. The Boundless includes a Free Night Award each year worth up to 35,000 points, and the Brilliant includes one worth up to 85,000 points. The Bevy does not include a standard annual free night.
What credit score do I need for a Marriott Bonvoy card?
These are premium cards, so a credit score of 700 or higher is generally recommended. If your score is lower, building positive history with a starter card first can improve your approval odds before you apply.
