Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
American Express
Marriott loyalists who want an annual free hotel night and faster Elite status.
VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and income requirements — not an official issuer cutoff. Approval also depends on income, debt, and credit history.
Our verdict
A keeper card for anyone who stays at Marriott properties even once or twice a year: the anniversary free night reliably beats the $120 fee, with status perks on top.
Reward rates
Marriott Bonvoy hotels | 5x |
Everything else | 2x |
VaultNerd values these points at ~0.9¢ each.
Welcome bonus
Up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (60,000 in year one plus 10,000 in month 13); first-year value reflects the 60,000 points
Requirement: Spend $3,000 in the first 3 months (60,000 pts), plus $500 in month 13 (10,000 pts)
Pros
- Annual free night (up to 35,000 points) alone outvalues the $120 fee
- Solid 2x base earn into the world's largest hotel program
- 15 Elite Night Credits fast-track Marriott status
Cons
- Bonvoy points are worth less per point than airline programs
- No travel emergency medical insurance
Perks
- Annual Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points every year after your first anniversary
- 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status; Gold Elite with $30,000 annual spend
- No annual fee on additional cards
- Redeem at 7,000+ hotels with no blackout dates
Insurance
- Travel accident insurance $500,000
- Flight delay, baggage delay and lost/stolen baggage ($500 each)
- Rental car theft and damage (vehicles up to $85,000, 48 days)
- Hotel/motel burglary $500
- Purchase protection (90 days) and extended warranty (+1 year)
Researching and writing about Canadian credit cards and rewards since 2026.
“Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Review — VaultNerd” — VaultNerd, https://www.vaultnerd.com/credit-cards/amex-marriott-bonvoy, updated June 2026.
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