The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
12 dream trips I'd take with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless sign-up bonus
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
October 5, 2020 • 19 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
A new hotel card sign-up bonus offers five free night certificates, each valid for stays costing up to 50,000 points per night at participating properties.
These certificates can be redeemed at a wide range of hotels globally, including luxury resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Mexico, Turkey and Dubai.
Award night pricing varies by property and date, with higher-category hotels sometimes available on off-peak or standard dates.
The article provides detailed suggestions for maximizing the value of these certificates, including hotel-hopping strategies and destination highlights.
What to consider
Eligibility for the bonus is restricted by previous card ownership, recent bonuses and certain application rules.
Free night certificates expire one year after issuance, so travel plans should account for this window.
Additional costs such as resort transfers, taxes and fees may apply, especially in remote destinations.
What you'll miss from the article
Specific examples of high-value hotel redemptions and tailored trip ideas for making the most of five free night certificates.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The new sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is genuinely remarkable. Usually, I prefer a points or miles sign-up bonus instead of free nights. After all, points allow you to decide whether you want to redeem for a night or two at a Marriott luxury hotel or many nights at a low-category Marriott property.
I'd surely take the Boundless Card's current sign-up bonus of five up to 50,000-point free night awards over the previous 100,000-point bonus. But, I was approved for the Boundless Card shortly before this new bonus offer launched. So, today I thought it would be fun to dream about how I'd use the five 50,000-point free night awards if I'd gotten that bonus.
So, in this guide, I'll focus on a couple of trips I'd take to maximize the Boundless Card's new sign-up bonus in destinations Americans can visit now.
The new sign-up bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is incredible. You can earn five free nights after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. And, these nights are worth up to 50,000 points each.
So, the bonus could be worth as much as 250,000 points if you redeem each free night for 50,000 points. And, based on TPG's valuations, 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy points are worth $2,000.
Many potential applicants won't qualify for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or its sign-up bonus. First off, you'll need to be under Chase's 5/24 rule. So, you won't be eligible for the Boundless if you've opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the last 24 months. Second, Boundless applicants usually need good or excellent credit to be approved.
Finally, you won't be eligible for the Boundless if you currently have, or previously had and received a sign-up bonus within the last 24 months, any of the following cards:
Marriott Bonvoy Premier credit card (also known as Marriott Rewards Premier)
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (also known as Marriott Rewards Premier Plus)
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
Additionally, you may be eligible for the Boundless but won't qualify for its sign-up bonus if you are a:
Current cardmember, or were a previous cardmember within the last 30 days, of the Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card (also known as The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express)
Current or previous cardholders of either of the following cards which (1) received a welcome bonus or upgrade bonus in the last 24 months or (2) applied for and were approved in the previous 90 days:
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (previously known as The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (previously known as the Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card)
But, if you're eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and it's five free nights sign-up bonus, you should certainly consider applying. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic will continue to be a factor in travel decisions for the foreseeable future. So, you may not want to apply if you don't think you'll be comfortable traveling and staying in a hotel before the free nights expire one year after they're issued.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort (Photo by Samantha Rosen/The Points Guy)
Honestly, if we're talking about dream trips and getting maximum value from these free nights, we have to start with the Maldives. And, I'd likely use the five 50,000-point nights in the Maldives. Specifically, there are three options to consider:
Even if you're looking at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, you'll find some blocks of five nights priced at 50,000 points next summer. So, using five 50,000-point free night certificates in a row at these resorts is certainly possible. Also, cash prices range from $252 per night at the Sheraton to $855 per night at the Westin before taxes and fees.
St. Regis Mexico City (Photo by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy)
My last trip to Mexico City was back in 2012, and I can't believe I haven't returned yet. The city has excellent tourist sites and fantastic food. Plus, there are multiple posh hotels in Mexico City where you could use 50,000-point free night certificates. At the top of my list are:
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City (Category 6)
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City (Category 7, opening March 2021)
If I traveled to Mexico City to use the Bonvoy Boundless' free night certificates, I'd likely hop between a few of these hotels. That way, I could try a few different hotels. Hotel hopping could also help me find off-peak dates for the Category 7 hotels and standard or off-peak dates for the Category 6 hotels.
Mexico can be an appealing destination during the coronavirus pandemic. For many of us, Mexico City requires less flight time than many U.S. destinations. And, you'll have less jet lag to contend with than most international destinations. So, if you're willing to travel domestically during the pandemic, you may get better value by traveling to Mexico.
JW Marriott Cancun (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)
A beach trip to Mexico has been on my mind a lot recently. After all, I'm still seriously considering a trip to Cancun or other Mexico resort areas to maximize some current hotel promotions. But, the Bonvoy Boundless' sign-up bonus would be another reason to consider a Canun trip. Specifically, the following Cancun properties look appealing:
TPG's Zach Griff strongly preferred the JW Marriott Cancun when he stayed at both resorts in 2019. But, as with the Mexico City hotels, I'd likely hop between resorts using my nights.
There are many resorts in Cancun that offer relatively low prices for paid nights currently -- including some of the best hotels in Mexico. So, you can extend your trip by mixing in some paid stays, which may also help you maximize hotel promotions.
Bodrum Edition in the Turkish Riviera (Photo by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy)
I'm currently in Turkey as part of a trip I've had planned for almost a year. And, on this trip, I'm getting my last five nights with Marriott to earn Platinum Elite status this year.
But Turkey is one of my favorite countries to visit. So, I'd certainly consider returning if I had five 50,000-point free night certificates from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. And, if I did so, I'd stay at one or more of the following hotels:
TPG's Nick Ellis loved his stay at The Bodrum Edition. So, if I ventured outside Istanbul, I'd likely check out this property. But, in Istanbul, you can't beat the location of the JW Marriott.
I'd likely split my 50,000-point nights into a few different stays to try a variety of hotels. And, on an extended trip, I'd likely mix in some paid stays as well. But, depending on what you want out of your Turkey trip, I could see spending all five nights at any of the six properties listed above.
Copacabana Beach and Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by f11photo / Getty Images)
I've visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a few times, including this past spring for Carnival. And, each time, I've enjoyed walking along Copacabana Beach. But, it'd certainly be fun to visit again and stay at the Category 5 JW Marriott Hotel Rio De Janeiro on Copacabana Beach.
Although this property is well-located, the cash prices are currently $151 per night during the week and $118 per night on the weekends. So, you'll likely find more lucrative uses for your free nights. But, this property is undoubtedly appealing if you have a trip planned to Rio de Janeiro.
This Sheraton is a beautiful property that seemingly plans to reopen on Apr. 1, 2021. The hotel is just outside Dubrovnik, has excellent views overlooking the Adriatic and has a private beach. But, rates range from $145 to $251 per night, which doesn't provide an excellent value for a 50,000-point free night certificate.
So, it could be fun to use a few of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card's 50,000-point free nights at the Category 6 Westin Puntacana Resort & Club as part of a more extended trip. The Westin has three miles of beach, golf courses and three restaurants. But, cash rates usually range from $128 to $241. So, you may not get a very high value from your 50,000-point free nights in the Dominican Republic.
Stay along the Nile River at the Ritz-Carleton or St. Regis in Egypt
Check out the pyramids when visiting Cairo. (Photo by Omar Elsharawy/Unsplash)
Before the coronavirus pandemic halted travel, I had a trip planned to Egypt this summer. After all, there are some great low-category World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy properties in Egypt.
Egypt is one of the countries where U.S. passport holders can currently travel. Plus, there are Category 5 Ritz-Carleton and St. Regis hotels located along the Nile River in Cairo. So, you can use the 50,000-point free nights from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card's sign-up bonus even for peak nights at these hotels.
Cash rates usually range from $86 to $185 for the Ritz-Carleton and are generally around $215 per night for the St. Regis. So, although you'd likely get a great experience from your 50,000-point free nights at these properties, you wouldn't be redeeming them for a very high rate.
On the other hand, if you have Ritz-Carleton Club Level upgrade certificates, you may want to consider an inexpensive paid stay at the Ritz-Carleton that is eligible for these certificates.
Old San Juan City Walls in Puerto Rico (Photo by Maremagnum/Getty Images)
If you're looking for a tropical vacation, but don't want to go all that far, Puerto Rico may be a good option. And, several Marriott options in Puerto Rico may be a good use of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card's sign-up bonus of five 50,000-point free night certificates:
Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort (Category 5)
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (Category 6)
La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort (Category 6)
All of these resorts have beaches and resort amenities, so it comes down to which rooms and resort amenities you prefer. I'd choose the La Concha Renaissance since you can use the free night certificates to book into an oceanview room. But, I also might spend a few nights at one resort and then a few nights at another resort. Cash rates are in the $200-$300 range for most nights at these resorts, so you'd be getting a decent, but not excellent, value for your free night certificates.
W Dubai - The Palm (Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy)
Dubai is currently accepting U.S. passport holders. And, there are 16 Marriott hotels in the city that are Category 5, 6 or 7. So, you have ample options if you want to see Dubai and even hop from hotel to hotel using your five 50,000-point free nights. My top choices would be:
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Category 7)
I'd likely choose one of the properties located on The Palm for the experience. But, check current tourist restrictions before traveling, especially if you plan to explore outside Dubai at all.
Both properties are Category 6, though. So, I'd need to look for off-peak or standard nights. It's also worth noting that cash prices for almost every date at these properties are currently sub-$250. So, redeeming your 50,000-point free nights for a Disney World trip isn't the most lucrative way to use your nights.
I've planned a few trips around using hotel free night certificates in the past. I usually only have one or two free night certificates as a perk of a hotel credit card, though. So, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card's current sign-up bonus provides a unique opportunity: five free night certificates to use at Marriott Hotels for nights costing 50,000 points or less. And, five nights is certainly enough to justify planning a dream trip.
However, as with all Marriott hotels, be sure to check the What to Expect webpage for your property. After all, some Marriott properties have closed restaurants, lounges and spas and many offer decreased elite perks. But, if I'm going to use my 50,000-point certificate for an aspirational stay, I want to get the full experience.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
