[Limited Time] Unique Offers for New and Current Marriott Cardholders – NerdWallet

With hotel costs soaring thanks to pent-up demand and inflation, using points to cover stays away from home can help stretch your budget.

For a limited time, new and existing Marriott Bonvoy cardholders can grow their points balances by combining a unique set of limited-time offers.

Some travel brands offer one credit card, but Marriott offers an entire portfolio of cards spanning two different issuers.

Starting June 8, new applicants of the following Chase and American Express cards can earn up to 150,00 points (depending on which card you apply for) when they are approved and meet spending requirements. (Plus, the chance for an extra 50,000 points; keep reading for details.)

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. This card comes with a $95 annual fee, not waived the first year. Terms apply.
  

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. This card comes with a $0 annual fee. Terms apply.

The American Express offers will be available through August 9, while the Chase offers expire on August 10.

In addition to those limited-time sign-up offers, new and existing cardholders can earn an extra 50,000 points for completing six eligible paid night stays at participating Marriott hotels. Stays must be completed by January 31, 2024. Existing cardholders need to register online through their Marriott Bonvoy account, while new cardholders will be automatically registered.

You won’t need to use your Marriott card to pay for your stay, but you will need to book directly with Marriott under your eligible Marriott Bonvoy account number. Stays booked using points, cash and points or free-night certificates do not qualify as eligible stays for this promotion.

If you’re already planning paid hotel stays within the promotional period, this could be a good way to rack up some extra Marriott points. But be sure to crunch the numbers — paying more for a Marriott stay may not make sense because of this points promotion if the hotel next door costs less. NerdWallet values Marriott Bonvoy points around 0.9 each, making 50,000 points worth around $450.

If you are a Marriott loyalist and value perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades and lounge access, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card could be worth the massive annual fee. Cardholders earn automatic Platinum elite status, which NerdWallet values at an estimated $3,300 per year (depending on how frequently you stay with Marriott). You’ll also earn an annual free night certificate (up to 85,000 points) and $25 in dining credits each month. Terms apply.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card has a nice introductory offer but lacks long-term value compared with other hotel cards. You’ll need to pay the $250 annual fee and spend $15,000 on eligible purchases per year to earn a free night certificate. By comparison, the $95-annual fee Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers a free night award (up to 35,000 points) with no spending requirement. Terms apply.