For a limited time, new cardholders can earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. (Just remember: Certain hotels charge resort fees on award nights.) Plus, you’ll get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
That bonus essentially amounts to 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which are worth up to $1,750, based on TPG’s March 2026 valuations.
What’s also great is Marriott lets you top up each free night award with up to 15,000 of your own points, meaning you can book rooms that cost up to 65,000 points per night. I love the idea that this one bonus can cover almost an entire week’s stay, and I’ve already been researching some of the luxurious properties I can book with these awards, including:
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
W Osaka
Le Meridien Mexico City Reforma
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The St. Regis Istanbul
For just a $95 annual fee, I also get an annual free night certificate (in addition to the ones in the welcome bonus) valid for one award night of up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits every year, which, in my mind, more than justifies the annual fee, so I suspect I’ll be holding on to this card long-term.
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