Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is a mid-tier hotel rewards credit card designed for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties and seek to enhance their rewards and benefits within the Marriott Bonvoy program. With a $250 annual fee, the card offers a range of perks, including elevated earning rates on Marriott stays and select everyday purchases, as well as automatic elite status.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• 6X Points at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels:
• Earn 6 points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• 4X Points on Dining and U.S. Supermarkets:
• Earn 4 points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year; thereafter, earn 2 points per $1.
• 2X Points on Other Eligible Purchases:
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Annual Fee: $250.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply.
Additional Benefits:
• 1,000 Bonus Points Per Stay: Receive 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points for each eligible paid stay booked directly with Marriott.
• Automatic Gold Elite Status: Enjoy complimentary Gold Elite status, which includes benefits like enhanced room upgrades (when available), 2 p.m. late checkout, and 25% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, accelerating progress toward higher Marriott Bonvoy status tiers such as Platinum Elite.
• Free Night Award Opportunity: Earn a Free Night Award valued at up to 50,000 points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. Note that this benefit requires meeting the spending threshold; it is not an automatic annual perk.
• Travel Protections:
• Trip Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for expenses incurred due to trip delays of a specified duration.
• Baggage Insurance Plan: Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage.
• Secondary Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Provides coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring additional fees.
Pros:
• Generous Welcome Offer: The substantial initial bonus can provide significant value, especially when redeemed for Marriott stays.
• Enhanced Earning Rates: High rewards on Marriott purchases, dining, and supermarket spending make it easier to accumulate points.
• Gold Elite Status: Automatic Gold Elite status offers valuable perks during Marriott stays without requiring a minimum number of nights stayed.
Cons:
• High Annual Fee: The $250 annual fee may be steep for some, especially when compared to other Marriott cards with lower fees.
• Spending Requirement for Free Night Award: Unlike some other hotel cards that offer an automatic annual free night, this card requires $15,000 in annual spending to earn the Free Night Award.
• Limited Premium Benefits: Lacks some premium perks found in higher-tier cards, such as airport lounge access or statement credits for travel services.
Considerations:
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is well-suited for individuals who frequently stay at Marriott properties and can leverage the card’s elevated earning rates and Gold Elite status benefits. However, the requirement to spend $15,000 annually to earn a Free Night Award and the absence of certain premium benefits may lead some to consider other options within the Marriott Bonvoy card lineup or alternative travel rewards cards.