Marriot Bonvoy Bold
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option tailored for travelers seeking to earn rewards within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program without incurring additional costs. While it offers modest benefits compared to its counterparts with annual fees, it serves as an accessible entry point for those new to hotel rewards cards.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Up to 14X Total Points at Marriott Properties:
• 3X points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy membership.
• 1X point from Silver Elite Status, automatically granted to cardholders.
• 2X Points on Select Categories:
• Earn 2X points per $1 spent on purchases at grocery stores, select food delivery services, rideshare services, select streaming services, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X Point on All Other Purchases:
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $0.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Additional Benefits:
• Automatic Silver Elite Status: Enjoy benefits like priority late checkout (where available) and a 10% bonus on base points earned during Marriott stays.
• 5 Elite Night Credits: Receive 5 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, aiding in the pursuit of higher Marriott Bonvoy status tiers.
• Travel Protections:
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: Reimburses expenses up to $500 per ticket if your travel is delayed by 12 hours or more.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Provides reimbursement for essential purchases up to $100 per day for five days if your luggage is delayed by six hours or more.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage up to $3,000 per passenger for lost or damaged luggage.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring additional fees.
Pros:
• No Annual Fee: Offers an entry point into the Marriott Bonvoy program without the burden of an annual fee.
• Automatic Silver Elite Status: Provides basic elite perks, including priority late checkout and bonus points on stays.
• Travel Protections: Includes valuable travel insurance benefits uncommon in no-annual-fee cards.
Cons:
• Limited Bonus Categories: The 2X points on select categories may not cover all everyday spending areas.
• No Annual Free Night Award: Unlike some Marriott cards with annual fees, this card does not offer a free night certificate.
• Modest Point Valuation: Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at approximately 0.7 cents each, which may be lower compared to other hotel loyalty programs.
Considerations:
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is suitable for individuals who prefer a no-annual-fee card while still earning rewards within the Marriott Bonvoy program. However, for those seeking more substantial benefits, such as annual free night awards or higher earning rates, exploring Marriott’s other credit card offerings with annual fees may be more advantageous.