Free nights and easy status: Why I have 3 Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and pay over $1,200 in annual fees
Editor's Note
Many friends and family members often ask me if airline and hotel cobranded cards are worth it. The short answer is that they often are — especially if you're a semi-frequent customer of a given travel provider. But in some cases, you may actually want to have multiple cards associated with a single loyalty program.
That's exactly the situation I'm in with Marriott Bonvoy. In fact, I currently have three active Marriott credit cards, and I pay $1,225 in annual fees to keep them open.
That may seem like a steep price, but I easily recoup that value (and then some) each and every year.
Here's why I have these cards — and why you may want to consider a similar strategy.
Overview of Marriott credit cards
Let's start with a quick overview of the portfolio of Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Right now, there are six available to new applicants. Three are from American Express, and the other three are from Chase:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn up to 125,000 bonus points. Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership and an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending an additional $3,000 in the first six months of card membership.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Earn 85,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first three months from your account opening.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): 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.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Beyond these six cards, there are still some legacy products from before the integration of Marriott, Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton — including the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card, which isn't available to new applicants but may be an option for a product change.
The information for the Bonvoy Bountiful card and Ritz-Carlton 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.
My three Marriott cards
From this list, I have the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex with a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Bonvoy Business Amex with a $125 annual fee (see rates and fees) and the Ritz-Carlton card with a $450 annual fee.
In addition, it's worth noting that none of these are new. The two Amex cards were originally SPG-branded, and I got the Ritz-Carlton card in 2018, just days before it closed to new applicants.
When you add those fees together, I fork over $1,225 per year just to keep the cards open; here's why.
Earning elite status
I travel a decent amount during the year but like to keep my options open. That's why I love how these cards make it easy to not only enjoy Marriott Bonvoy elite status but also unlock even more perks.
In September 2022, the Bonvoy Brilliant underwent a significant overhaul, including an upgrade to the card's automatic status. Cardmembers now enjoy Marriott Platinum Elite status instead of Gold Elite. This includes perks like complimentary breakfast and space-available room upgrades.
However, it doesn't come with the Marriott Choice Benefit selection that's granted for reaching 50 nights in a calendar year — which is why the other status-related benefits on these cards are so valuable to me.
In addition to automatic Platinum Elite status, the Bonvoy Brilliant comes with 25 elite night credits every year. Meanwhile, the Bonvoy Business Amex comes with 15 — and you can stack credits from a personal and business card. That means I start every year with 40 elite nights, just with these two cards. (The Ritz-Carlton card also includes 15 nights, but those don't stack with other personal cards.)
In other words, after just 10 nights in Marriott properties during a calendar year, I reach Platinum Elite status the "hard way" and can select a Choice Benefit — which for me is almost always five Nightly Upgrade Awards. And with just 35 nights, I can reach Titanium Elite status and unlock another Choice Benefit.
In essence, these cards offer a shortcut to unlocking higher tiers of status, more elite perks or both.
Related: Here’s why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Redeeming free nights
But it's not just elite status that keeps these cards in my wallet. The main value I get yearly comes from their annual free night certificates.
On both the Bonvoy Brilliant and Ritz-Carlton cards, I receive a free-night award valid for up to 85,000 points every year when I renew my card. Meanwhile, the Bonvoy Business Amex includes a free night valid for up to 35,000 points upon renewal, and I also have the chance to earn a second by spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year (certain hotels have resort fees).
In 2022, Marriott even added the ability to top up these certificates with up to 15,000 additional points — offering even more flexibility to book high-end properties.
Over the next year, I have reservations booked using these certificates at the following properties:
- St. Regis Bal Harbour: A standard room on the date I'm traveling was $984 (excluding the $55 resort fee), and my 85,000-point certificate covered the entire stay.
- Sheraton Miami Airport: A standard room on the date I'm traveling (with a late-night flight arrival) was $231, and my 35,000-point certificate covered the entire stay.
After my cards renew this fall, I will have another two 85,000-point certificates, and I'm looking forward to planning another luxury stay (or two) with them.
Other perks
Finally, each of these cards features at least one other perk that makes them worth keeping:
- Up to $25 monthly dining statement credit on the Bonvoy Brilliant: While this isn't as easy to use as the $300 annual Marriott credit it replaced, it nevertheless gets me $25 off worldwide restaurant purchases every month. I try to use it on inexpensive, fast-casual meals or for a round of pre-dinner drinks to get as close to my $25 statement credit as possible since I prefer earning 4 points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases with my American Express® Gold Card (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar).
- $300 annual travel credit on the Ritz-Carlton card: Every year, I enjoy $300 off qualifying airline incidental purchases — including in-fight Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks or seat assignment fees.
- Discounted room rate on the Bonvoy Business Amex: As a Bonvoy Business cardholder, I can enjoy a 7% discount on eligible bookings made directly with Marriott at participating properties worldwide when using the card.
- While I've sometimes found that AAA rates are slightly cheaper, I've used this twice in the past year to save a total of ~$50 off paid stays.
Finally, I can add authorized users to my Ritz-Carlton card for no additional annual fee — which I've done with my wife. This grants her an individual Priority Pass Select membership but also unlocks primary car rental coverage when renting a car in her name.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Bottom line
It may be shocking to hear that I'm paying over $1,200 per year in annual fees just for three Marriott Bonvoy credit cards — but as you can see from the above, I get a ton of value. Whether leveraging the elite status perks, saving hundreds of dollars with free-night certificates or utilizing other perks on the cards, I have very little trouble justifying this out-of-pocket expense. And I'll be keeping these three cards in my wallet for years to come.
With multiple Marriott cards currently offering lucrative welcome bonuses and summer travel prices remaining high, now could be a great time to unlock some of the above perks by adding a new Marriott credit card to your wallet.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, click here.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
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.