3 reasons why the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is worth the $95 annual fee

Hotel credit cards come in many shapes and sizes, proverbially speaking.

You can splurge on ultra-premium high-annual-fee cards loaded with perks or find options charging less than $100. These cards can be a fantastic addition to any traveler's wallet, whether you're frequently on the go or hoping to save up some points for your annual vacation.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is one of the best options out there for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists looking to keep annual fees low.

For $95 a year, you can expect a solid number of perks. Plus, new cardholders can earn three free night awards (each valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening. Note: Certain hotels have resort fees. TPG's November 2025 valuations peg Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents apiece, making this bonus worth $1,050.

Aside from the welcome offer, here are three other reasons the Bonvoy Boundless card is worth its annual fee.

Free night award

The annual free night award on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is one of the card's most useful perks. If you maximize its value, it could potentially offset the card's annual fee on its own.

That's because each year, upon account renewal, cardholders receive an award night certificate valid at Marriott hotels valued at up to 35,000 Bonvoy points a night (certain hotels have resort fees).

While you certainly can't redeem this award night everywhere, there are thousands of options at 35,000 points a night or less. Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, the 35,000-point annual free night award is worth $245, which is almost triple the $95 annual fee.

With Marriott devaluing their points earlier this year, you may find it harder to use these certificates, especially during high-demand periods. However, you can combine a certificate with up to 15,000 points from your account to "upgrade" to a higher-priced award room (up to a total of 50,000 points), which should provide some added flexibility.

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Related: When you should redeem free night certificates instead of hotel points

Automatic elite status and 15 elite night credits

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardholders also receive automatic Silver Elite status in the program.

While this is considered an entry-level status tier, Silver elite members do receive 10% bonus points on eligible paid stays and priority late checkout.

With this card, you'll also receive 15 elite night credits every calendar year toward the next tier of Marriott status. You can also earn an additional credit toward elite status for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

Even better, you can get one set of elite night credits from a Marriott personal card and one more set of elite night credits from a Marriott business card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

Combining the Boundless with the business card would earn you Gold status — and place you just 20 nights away from Platinum.

TPG staffers are also fans of the benefits that come with the Bonvoy Boundless. Lead writer Katie Genter says:

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is an easy choice for me to renew each year. In exchange for its $95 annual fee, I get 6 points per dollar spent when I use my card at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, a free night award valid for a night at a property with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points every year after your account anniversary [certain hotels have resort fees], 15 elite night credits each calendar year toward higher tiers of Marriott Bonvoy status and more. But honestly, the free night award valid for a night costing up to 35,000 points provides enough value to justify the card's annual fee, so I expect to keep this card for the long term.

Trip and baggage insurance coverage

The insurance protections offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless are robust and valuable.

Even though you may not consider travel hiccups when applying for a card, if you're ever in a challenging situation, you'll appreciate what the Boundless provides. These perks include:

• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Trip delay reimbursement

The card also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for travelers abroad.

Related: Credit card travel insurance: When it will and won't help

Bottom line

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless can be a fantastic option for anyone from Bonvoy fanatics to travelers who occasionally stay with the brand, thanks to its useful perks at a low annual fee.

If you're interested in applying, be sure to check your eligibility and remember Chase's application restrictions, including the infamous 5/24 rule.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Related: Does it make sense to hold multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?