Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®: You simply deserve it

Chase and American Express united to bring an out of norm rewards credit card that will leave you with a need to travel. If you’re a fan of the Marriott hotel experience, this seems like the obvious choice to keep traveling without giving up confort. But there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to this card, as you’ll see below. 

As you use this credit card you’ll earn points after every dollar spent and have access to a robust rewards program. There are also some perks for frequent travelers that allow you to spend luxurious nights in the hotels for just a few points. 

You’ll find that there’s an interesting initial offer for most credit card holders. If you were already counting down the days until your next Marriott stay, don’t worry: we’ll explain everything you need to know about this credit card. Learn about the rewards program, main benefits, fees and APRs and other curiosities below. 

How does Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card work?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card is a rewards card that is aimed at frequent travelers who often stay in hotels. That’s why most of its rewards and benefits will be better appreciated by those of us who are on the road frequently, but we’ll explain more about that below. 

This is a combo of Chase and American Express credit card magic: the two companies united to offer this special card for Marriott clients and now it’s available for anyone eligible. However, there’s a catch here: if you choose to apply for Marriott as your rewards card of choice you won’t be eligible for other Chase offers anymore. So study this card closely before making your final decision. 

Some of the rewards are indeed tempting, since you can change your points for hotel nights and even upgrade your rooms. You’ll also be able to get benefits while shopping in retail partners all over the country. 

Who should get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card? 

Since the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is stacked with rewards, Chase limits who can be approved if you already have one of its products. This means that if you’ve been approved for 5 or more of them in the past 24 months, this won’t be available for you. Other than that, we recommend that you think carefully before actually applying. 

If you have your sights on other Chase rewards cards, compare their pros and cons since you likely won’t be eligible for it either after getting the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. 

You should also consider the probability of you actually using every benefit that comes with this card. Unless you travel at least once a year to a place with a Marriott hotel (of which there are plenty to choose from), maybe you won’t be able to get value for your fee’s money. 

This fits great in your wallet if you’re a frequent flier as well. Most of the Marriott points can be transferred to your favorite airlines. 

Main benefits for this credit card

As soon as you’re approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless you’ll start earning rewards. Starting with their welcome offer, that we explain in the next topic, as well as some ongoing rewards: 

• 6 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels; 
• 3 points per $1 spent in gas stations, grocery stores and dining (limited to $6.000 spent every year); 
• 2 points per $1 spent in gas, groceries and dining after your first $6.000 spent. 

Once you have this card you also become a Marriott Silver Elite that earns some benefits on every night spent at these hotels. 

Welcome offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comes with a welcome offer at the value of about $1.200. This more than makes up for the annual fee you’ll pay for the first year, at least if you spend $3.000 or more in your first three months. After this amount, you’ll earn 3 free nights at a Marriott hotel of your choice. 

You can choose any stay that amounts to 50.000 points a night. Be aware that you can’t use all 150.000 for an extra luxurious night at a hotel, just 50.000 per stay. 

Rewards program for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless also has an enticing rewards program that is ongoing. You’ll continue getting points forever if you continue spending on Marriott hotels or partner retailers. 

Firstly, you’ll get an anniversary reward every year at the time of account renewal. This gives you a 35.000 points worth stay at any Marriott hotel. You’ll also be able to redeem this reward for a few less points if you’d like to spend it a different way. 

With this credit card you automatically gain Silver Elite status at Marriott hotels. Which means 10% points bonus at purchases in these hotels, late checkout and free wifi at every room. If you spend at least $35.000 every year you’ll be upgraded to Gold Elite status. 

Rewards potential and how to redeem them

The best rewards for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless come when you spend directly at Marriott properties. You’ll get 6 points per $1, which is a lot if you compare it with other credit cards. Other than that, you’ll have about 2 or 3 points per dollar, depending on how much you already purchased in the year. 

Your points will be automatically deposited on your Bonvoy account. They won’t expire at all if you keep this account active. This is where your other Bonvoy programs’ rewards will be deposited. So if you already have one of their products, you’ll find it easier to start redeeming rewards since the points combine. 

APRs and fees

The main problem with any rewards credit card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, are the high fees. Unless you’re able to use its rewards, the credit card could be costly. You’ll have to pay the following: 

• $95 annual fee; 
• 16,24% – 23,24% variable APR; 
• 13,24 – 23,24% variable APR for balance transfers;
• 25,24% cash advance rate;
• 29,99% penalty APR;
• $5 or 5% balance transfer fee;
• $10 or 5% cash advance fee;
• No foreign transfer fee;
• $40 late payment fee;
• $40 return payment fee. 

If this is the ideal credit card for you, there’s a possibility to apply at either Chase’s or Marriott’s official website. You must have an excellent credit score to be eligible, as well as not hold more than 5 of Chase’s other products. 

Conclusion

In summary, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a strong choice for frequent travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Rewards and Benefits:
   • High Rewards Rate: Earn up to 6 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels and additional points on other categories.
   • Welcome Offer: Significant value with 3 free nights at Marriott hotels after meeting the spending requirement.
   • Ongoing Perks: Annual anniversary reward, automatic Silver Elite status, and potential upgrade to Gold Elite.
2. Fees and APRs:
   • Annual Fee: $95.
   • Variable APRs: 16.24% – 23.24% for purchases and balance transfers; 25.24% for cash advances; 29.99% penalty APR.
   • No Foreign Transaction Fees: A benefit for international travelers.
3. Eligibility and Application:
   • Credit Score: Requires an excellent credit score.
   • Chase’s 5/24 Rule: Limited to individuals who have fewer than 5 Chase credit cards in the past 24 months.
4. Considerations:
   • Frequent Marriott Stays: Best suited for those who regularly stay at Marriott properties.
   • Impact on Chase Eligibility: Applying for this card may affect your ability to qualify for other Chase cards.

Overall, if you’re a loyal Marriott guest and can maximize the card’s benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers substantial rewards and perks. However, if you travel infrequently or prefer other Chase cards, it’s worth evaluating other options to ensure you get the most value from your credit card choice.