Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Which should you get?
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
There are currently six Marriott credit cards available to new applicants and several cards that no longer accept new applications. Chase offers three of the Marriott credit cards you can currently apply for, while American Express offers the other three.
These cards share some similarities but differ in key areas. If you’re thinking about applying for a Marriott credit card, you may be considering the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees). Both are offered by Chase and earn points and rewards with Marriott’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy.
Which should you choose? Let’s look at the similarities and differences between the Bountiful and Boundless cards to help you decide which option is better.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comparison
| Card | Bonvoy Bountiful | Bonvoy Boundless |
|---|---|---|
Annual fee | $250 | $95 |
Welcome bonus | Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. |
Welcome bonus value* | $595 | Up to $1,050 |
Rewards structure |
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Other benefits |
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Travel protections |
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*Point value is an estimated value calculated by TPG’s June 2025 valuations and not the card issuer.
Bonvoy Bountiful vs. Bonvoy Boundless welcome offer
New Bonvoy Bountiful cardholders can earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $595.
Meanwhile, new Bonvoy Boundless cardholders can earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,050.
Winner: Bonvoy Boundless. The current offer beats the Bountiful by a long shot.
Related: Are you eligible for a new Marriott Bonvoy card? This chart tells you yes or no
Bonvoy Bountiful vs. Bonvoy Boundless benefits
Both cards share many similar benefits.
- Elite night credits received each year: You’ll start each year with 15 elite night credits by holding either of these cards. Elite night credits are what you need to earn elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. For reference, you’ll need 50 elite nights per year to reach Platinum Elite status, where benefits like free breakfast and suite upgrades kick in.
- Fifth-night-free benefit: When redeeming points for hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy, you’ll get a fifth night free. So, booking a four-night stay with points gets you a fifth night free. Note that this benefit only applies to points redemptions and does not apply when paying cash or using free night awards.
- Credit card issuer and application rules: As both cards are issued by Chase, both are subject to Chase’s credit card application rules and restrictions. The most famous of these is the 5/24 rule, meaning you’ll likely be denied if you have opened five or more cards in the last 24 months across all issuers. Another rule is that you likely won’t be approved for more than two credit cards from Chase within 30 days.
- Access to Chase Offers
- Travel protections: Both cards offer baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement.
- Purchase protection: Both cards offer purchase protection on items you paid for with your card, available up to 120 days from the purchase date but subject to limits on the number of claims and per-claim value limits.
Bonvoy Bountiful cardholders receive:
- Automatic Gold Elite status
- An annual free night award worth up to 50,000 points after spending at least $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
- 1,000 bonus points per stay at participating eligible Marriott Bonvoy properties
Meanwhile, Bonvoy Boundless cardholders receive:
- Automatic Silver Elite status
- An annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points with no spending requirement. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Winner: Bonvoy Boundless. It offers an annual free night award every anniversary year that you don’t have to spend anything to receive and has a more affordable annual fee.
Related: Marriott elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Earning points on the Bonvoy Bountiful vs. Bonvoy Boundless
With the Bonvoy Bountiful, cardholders earn:
- 6 points per dollar spent on Marriott purchases
- 4 points per dollar spent on the first $15,000 per calendar year in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services (then 2 points per dollar)
- 2 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
These earning rates represent a 4.2%, 2.8% and 1.4% return on spending, respectively, based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations.
With the Bonvoy Boundless, cardholders earn:
- 6 points per dollar spent on Marriott purchases
- 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases per calendar year on gas stations, grocery stores and dining (then 2 points per dollar)
- 2 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
These earning rates represent a 4.2%, 2.1% or 1.4% return on spending, respectively.
Winner: Bonvoy Bountiful, as it earns more in dining and grocery store spending and comes with a higher spending cap.
Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category
Redeeming and transferring points on the Bonvoy Bountiful vs. Bonvoy Boundless
Both cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points that can be redeemed for Marriott stays. TPG’s June 2025 valuations place these points at 0.7 cents apiece. Unfortunately, the program has been devalued this year.
While the most obvious use of these points is for hotel stays with Marriott, there are other uses (though some are not very valuable), including transferring points to more than 35 airline partners to redeem them for flights.
In most cases, transferring Bonvoy points to airline partners does not offer good value, as the transfer ratio is not favorable.
TPG credit cards writer Chris Nelson likes to redeem his Marriott Bonvoy points on luxury properties in Eastern Europe. He routinely stays at The Ritz-Carlton Budapest for just 35,000 Bonvoy points per night.
Winner: Tie as both cards have the same redemption and transfer options.
Related: The award traveler’s guide to Marriott Bonvoy
Should I get the Bonvoy Bountiful or the Bonvoy Boundless?
Both cards earn the same on Marriott purchases, but the Bonvoy Boundless stands out with its annual free night — no spending required. Unless you need elevated elite status or higher earnings on groceries and dining, the Boundless offers better overall value.
Related: How to use a Marriott Bonvoy 35,000-point certificate
How to switch from the Bonvoy Bountiful to the Bonvoy Boundless
You can switch between the Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Bountiful through a product change, which lets you keep your account open without a new credit check. Call the number on the back of your card and request the change. Note that product changes don’t qualify for new welcome bonuses.
Related: 4 considerations before making a product change
Bottom line
The Bonvoy Bountiful and Bonvoy Boundless both earn valuable Marriott points, but they cater to different priorities.
If maximizing everyday spending and securing Gold status is your goal, the Bountiful may be worth the higher fee.
However, for most travelers, the Boundless offers significantly better long-term value — especially with its annual free night certificate that doesn’t require any spending.
To learn more, read our full Bonvoy Bountiful review and Bonvoy Boundless review.
Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful review
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.