Card Score: ✅✅✅ 3.35/5
*The credit card score is based on the sole opinion of Credit Mileage without input or influence from the card issuer.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Overview
For Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is designed to maximize points on stays, offer elite status, and provide exclusive benefits for travelers. With a strong sign-up bonus, attractive point-earning potential, and automatic Silver Elite status, this card promises solid value for frequent Marriott guests.
But how does it compare to other hotel cards or travel reward cards? In this in-depth review, we will explore everything the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless offers, from rewards structure to perks, fees, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Key Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
- Earn 6x points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy purchases.
- Earn 3x points on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 2x points on all other purchases.
- Free anniversary night every year, valid at properties worth up to 35,000 points.
- Silver Elite status automatically.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year toward higher status.
Rewards Program: Earn Points Fast at Marriott Bonvoy Properties
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card’s rewards program is structured around Marriott stays and everyday spending, making it a high-value option for those who regularly visit Marriott hotels.
Earning Points:
- 6x points on Marriott Bonvoy purchases: This includes stays at any of the 30+ Marriott brands, such as Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Sheraton, and Westin.
- 3x points on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining: Ideal for earning rewards outside of hotel stays.
- 2x points on all other purchases: While not as high as some competitor cards, the ability to earn extra points on everyday spending is still a nice perk.
Sign-Up Bonus:
The sign-up bonus varies, but typically it offers 100,000 – 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. This bonus can be worth several nights at Marriott hotels, depending on the redemption value of each property. Often, you can stretch the value of the sign-up bonus to upwards of $900 in free stays, especially when redeeming at mid-tier Marriott properties.
Redemption Flexibility: How to Use Your Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy points are best redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels, where you can find a wide range of properties from budget-friendly brands like Fairfield Inn & Suites to luxury stays at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. Here’s what you need to know about the flexibility of Bonvoy points:
Hotel Stays:
- Points are most valuable when redeemed for hotel stays. Depending on the property, you can expect a value of 0.7 to 0.9 cents per point, but you can get even more value at high-end or off-peak redemptions.
Fifth Night Free:
- Marriott Bonvoy offers a fifth night free when you redeem points for five consecutive nights. This boosts the value of your points when booking longer stays.
Point Transfers:
- Marriott points can be transferred to over 40 airline partners, but the transfer ratio (typically 3:1) makes this less valuable than using points for hotel stays.
Other Redemption Options:
- You can also redeem points for travel packages, car rentals, gift cards, or even experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, though these options usually don’t provide as high a return as hotel stays.
Fees and Costs: Is the Annual Fee Worth It?
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $95, which is relatively low considering the benefits offered. If you use the anniversary free night (which can be worth up to $300 depending on the property), the card can easily pay for itself year after year.
Foreign Transaction Fees:
- The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent option for international travelers staying at Marriott hotels abroad.
APR:
- The APR ranges from 20.99% to 27.99%, which is fairly high, so it’s not a good card for carrying balances. There is also no intro 0% APR period for purchases or balance transfers.
Cardholder Benefits: Maximizing Travel Perks
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comes with a host of benefits designed to enhance your travel experience.
Silver Elite Status:
Upon receiving the card, you’ll automatically enjoy Silver Elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program. Benefits include:
- Priority late checkout.
- 10% bonus points on Marriott stays.
- Enhanced room upgrades (when available).
While Silver Elite is the entry-level status, it’s a valuable perk for frequent Marriott guests, and the 15 Elite Night Credits you receive annually bring you closer to achieving Gold or Platinum Elite status.
Free Anniversary Night:
Every year on your cardholder anniversary, you’ll receive a free night award valid at properties costing up to 35,000 points. This can be worth up to $300 depending on the property, making it one of the card’s most valuable perks.
Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty:
The card also comes with some consumer protection benefits, such as purchase protection (up to 120 days for damage or theft) and an extended warranty on eligible purchases.
Pros and Cons of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Pros:
- High earning potential at Marriott Bonvoy properties (6x points).
- Generous sign-up bonus often worth hundreds in free nights.
- Free anniversary night award each year.
- Automatic Silver Elite status, including perks like priority late checkout and enhanced room upgrades.
- No foreign transaction fees, ideal for international travelers.
- 15 Elite Night Credits per year help you reach higher status faster.
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95, which might be high for occasional Marriott travelers.
- Limited redemption options outside Marriott hotels.
- No intro 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers.
- Points aren’t as flexible as transferable points (e.g., from Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Comparison to Other Credit Cards: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Worth It?
Let’s compare the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card to some similar travel and hotel credit cards:
1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card:
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant comes with more premium benefits, including Gold Elite status, Priority Pass lounge access, and a higher-value $300 Marriott statement credit. However, it also has a hefty $650 annual fee, making it a better option for heavy Marriott travelers.
2. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card:
Read our review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card here.
For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers similar benefits, including Gold status at Hilton, 10x points on Hilton purchases, and Priority Pass Select membership. However, Hilton points tend to be less valuable than Marriott Bonvoy points, and the Surpass card’s annual fee is $150, the same as the Boundless card.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred®:
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card here.
If you prefer flexibility in earning and redeeming points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® might be a better option. It offers 2x points on travel and dining and allows you to transfer points to multiple travel partners, including Marriott Bonvoy. The card has a $95 annual fee, but offers broader travel rewards and redemption flexibility.
Conclusion: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Right for You?
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and want to maximize their rewards. With strong point-earning potential, an attractive sign-up bonus, automatic Silver Elite status, and valuable travel perks, this card is tailored to Marriott loyalists.
The $95 annual fee is more than justified by the free anniversary night, which can be worth up to $300, and the no foreign transaction fees make it a smart choice for international travelers. However, if you’re not committed to Marriott properties or want more flexible redemption options, a more general travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® might be a better fit.
Ultimately, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless delivers excellent value for its target audience—those who love staying at Marriott hotels. But if you’re looking for flexibility beyond the Bonvoy ecosystem, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Get This Card?
- Frequent Marriott travelers: If you stay at Marriott hotels regularly, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card offers significant rewards and perks that enhance your travel experience.
- Occasional Marriott guests: If you only stay at Marriott hotels a few times a year, the free anniversary night alone can offset the annual fee, making this card a great value even for occasional travelers.
- Points maximizers: If you’re a rewards enthusiast who loves squeezing the most value out of points, the Bonvoy Boundless offers numerous opportunities to earn and redeem points for free stays.
For those who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a top-notch option that provides solid rewards, exclusive perks, and travel benefits that make every stay more rewarding.