The Marriott Bonvoy American Express credit card has the best welcome bonus in years - up to 110,000 points!
Jump to:
Marriott Bonvoy is one of the best hotel points program for Canadians. They have a global portfolio of 30 hotel brands all around the world, and you can easily earn points through one or both of Marriott Bonvoy credit cards with Amex.
There is a $120 annual award for this credit card but it's easily offset with the annual night award you get each year after your cardmember anniversary!
Welcome Offer
New Marriot Bonvoy American Express cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 points as follows:
- 65,000 points when you spend $3,000 on your card in your first 3 months
- 30,000 points when you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months
- 15,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months
- Offer ends August 18, 2025
I personally would stick to the first and last step of this welcome bonus, unless there is a huge renovation project, a wedding to plan, or something you would organically spend $20,000 in a year. 80,000 points is a very good amount for a welcome bonus if you stick to the first and third steps of this welcome offer.
You don't want to go in debt for any credit card welcome bonus steps. Credit cards will take your points away if you are late at paying your bill a few times, and the points are not worth it if you are paying interest each month.
This card has an annual fee of $120. This is not rebated in the current offer.
Additional cards are free. American Express allows nine supplementary cards with each card account.
Earning Rates
- Earn 5x points on spent at all Marriott hotels
- Earn 2x points on everything else
Card Benefits
You receive an annual free night award for up to 35,000 points every year after your first anniversary. You can add up to 15,000 of your Marriott Bonvoy points to that if you want to redeem for a higher point hotel!
The credit card also gives you 15 qualifying nights with the program, which gives you Silver Elite Status. Silver Elite status gives you 10% more on every eligible hotel purchase, and priority late checkout.
To get to Gold Elite status, you need 10 more qualifying nights on top of the 15 qualify nights that you get with this card. Note that the qualifying nights you get from the personal Marriott Bonvoy card and the business Marriott Bonvoy card do not stack.
Redeeming Rewards
You can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at any of their hotels around the world. Marriott Bonvoy has a "stay for 5, pay for 4" policy. Members you redeem points for 5 consecutive nights, will receive the lowest point-value night free. This works at any Marriott hotel, including ones that are all inclusive resorts!
You can also redeem Marriott Bonvoy points on travel or gift cards, however, the points are worth more when you use them for hotel stays.
Amex Offers
Amex offers rewards for dining, shopping, travel, and more. Check your account regularly for new offers. These rewards are usually bonus points or statement credits.
Insurance Coverage
- Flight Delay Insurance: up to $500 in coverage for accommodations, restaurant expenses, and sundry items.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: up to $500 for clothing and sundry items.
- Travel Accident Insurance: up to $500,000
- Car Rental Theft and Damage insurance: up to $85,000 for theft, loss, or damage.
The card also has a Purchase Protection Plan which covers items purchased with the card for 90 days in the event of accidently physical damage or theft for up to $1,000 per occurrence.
Opinion
This Marriott Bonvoy American Express card has it's highest offer yet, so it's a great time to get it, especially if you have some high purchases coming up to organically reach all the tiers of the welcome bonus.
I recommend keeping this card year after year because you get an annual free night reward worth 35,000 points, easily offsetting the $120 fee, as well as 15 Elite nights a year, giving you Silver Elite Status.
You will earn 5x points per dollar spent at Marriott properties, including dining and spas, if they are part of the hotel. You also get 2x the points per dollar spent on anything else, including groceries.
Take advantage of this incredible offer! It expires August 18, 2025!
Leave a Reply