When it comes to credit cards, the options are endless. Cash back, travel, co-branded hotel and airline cards – the list goes on. But today, let me introduce you to the hidden gem of loyalty cards: the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card, issued by Chase. This little beauty offers exclusive perks and benefits at Marriott properties, making it a must-have for all you savvy travelers out there. So, if you’re a frequent guest at any of Marriott’s 8,500 properties, keep reading because this card might just be your ticket to a world of fantastic rewards and premium experiences.
TIME’s Take
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card comes loaded with excellent benefits for all you loyal Marriott customers. Yes, there is an annual fee of $95, but trust me, it’s worth it. This card practically pays for itself. However, it’s important to note that while Marriott points are valuable, they’re not the most valuable in the market. In addition, this card might lack the flexibility that some competing cards offer. But hey, with all the perks it brings to the table, it’s definitely a winner in my book!
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Pros and Cons
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, shall we?
Pros
- Annual “Free Night Award” (from the second year onward) – a dream come true for frequent travelers!
- Earn up to 17x points per dollar spent at Marriott properties – talk about sweet rewards!
- Automatic Silver Elite status – because you deserve that VIP treatment!
Cons
Now, let’s address the cons, shall we?
- This card is best suited for those who expect to stay with Marriott brands throughout the year. So, if you’re not a Marriott fan, this might not be the card for you.
- Keep in mind, there is a $95 annual fee. But considering the perks, it’s a small price to pay for those premium benefits.
- This card is more affordable compared to its siblings, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ ($250 annual fee) and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® ($650 annual fee) cards.
Chase doesn’t specify a minimum credit score required for the Boundless card. However, it’s a mid-tier travel card, so it’s best to aim for a credit score in the “good” to “excellent” range. Remember, the higher your credit score, the better your chances of approval.
Features
Now, let’s take a closer look at the features that make the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card so enticing:
Free Night Awards
Prepare to be amazed! You can earn three Free Night Awards, valued up to 50,000 points each, after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months. But wait, there’s more! Starting from your first account anniversary, you’ll receive a Free Night Award valued up to 35,000 points every year. It’s like an endless stream of free nights at your favorite Marriott properties.
High Earning Rates
Earning points has never been easier. Here’s how you can accrue points at Marriott properties with the Boundless card:
- Earn 6x points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, adding more points to your balance with each stay.
- As a member, earn an impressive 10x points for every dollar spent at Marriott, ensuring that those points rack up quickly.
- Plus, enjoy up to 1x point with your Silver Elite status because you deserve that extra boost!
But it doesn’t stop there. You can also earn 3x points per dollar on the first $6,000 in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. For all other purchases, you’ll earn a respectable 2x points per dollar. And the best part? Points don’t expire as long as you make a purchase on your card at least once every 24 months.
Earn Elite Status
Get ready to elevate your status in the loyalty game. The Boundless card automatically grants you Silver Elite status. But that’s not all! By spending $35,000 each calendar year, you can reach Gold Elite status. And here’s another perk – you earn 15 Elite Night Credits (ENCs) annually, giving you a nice head start toward higher membership levels. With just 25 qualifying nights, you can attain Gold Elite status. It’s like leveling up in a video game!
Reasonable APR
The ongoing annual percentage rate (APR) for this card is comparable to the best hotel credit cards available today. While it’s possible to find lower APRs, most hotel credit cards will likely have similar rates. Remember, you can reduce your interest payments by improving your credit score and paying your bill in full every month. Smart move, right?
Transferable Points
Now, here’s where it gets really exciting. Despite being a co-branded hotel card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card allows you to transfer your hard-earned points to dozens of airline partners, including Delta, United, American Airlines, and many more. Points typically transfer at a three-to-one ratio, meaning every three Marriott points become one airline mile.
But wait, there’s a bonus! Marriott adds 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points you transfer. And for United MileagePlus®, you get a fantastic 10,000 bonus miles for 60,000 points. Talk about maximizing your rewards!
The Fine Print
Let’s quickly go over the essential details you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card:
- Annual fee of $95 – a reasonable investment for all the perks you’ll enjoy.
- Regular APR ranges from 21.49% to 28.49% (variable) – make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
- Cash advance fee of 29.99% (variable) – best to avoid cash advances whenever possible.
- Penalty APR of up to 29.99% – stay on top of your payments to maintain a good standing.
- Foreign transaction fee is $0 – no worries about extra charges when using your card abroad.
- Late fees of up to $40 – always pay your bill on time to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Returned payment fee of up to $40 – make sure you have sufficient funds in your account to cover your payment.
Additional Hidden Perks
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the extra goodies this card offers. As a Chase cardholder, you get access to the following benefits:
- Baggage delay insurance – if your baggage is delayed more than six hours by a passenger carrier, you can be reimbursed up to $100 a day for five days. That’s some peace of mind during those unexpected travel hiccups.
- Lost luggage reimbursement – if you or an immediate family member has luggage lost or damaged by the carrier, you can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per passenger. Say goodbye to the stress of losing your precious belongings.
- Trip delay reimbursement – if your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you can be reimbursed for expenses such as meals and lodging up to $500 per ticket. It’s like having your travel headaches covered.
- Purchase protection – your purchases are protected for up to 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account. Shop with confidence knowing you’re covered.
- Visa concierge – enjoy complimentary Visa Signature® Concierge Service, available 24 hours a day. Need tickets to a sports event? A dinner reservation? Help with gift shopping? The concierge is at your service.
These benefits are standard for Visa Signature cards, but they can be a game-changer when something unexpected happens during your trip.
What Could Be Improved
Like any card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card has room for improvement. One aspect to note is the point valuation. While estimates vary, the value of Marriott points generally falls in the 0.7 cent to 0.9 cent range. This puts them at a lower value compared to other cards like the Chase Sapphire cards, which often exceed two cents per point. While hotel points tend to be worth less than airline miles or transferable points, it would be great to see more value in Marriott’s point system.
Transferring points to airlines also reduces their value. The ratio of three Marriott Bonvoy points to one airline mile might not sound as enticing as the one-to-one ratio offered by Chase Ultimate Rewards when transferring to airline partners.
Finally, let’s talk about the status that comes with the card. While it’s nice to have Silver Elite status, it’s the lowest of the five membership tiers in the Bonvoy program. Considering that the Bonvoy Bold card offers the same status without an annual fee, it would be logical for the Boundless card to come with Gold Elite status. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Card Alternatives
If you’re still not convinced, let me present you with some card alternatives:
-
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Up to 17X at Marriott properties, 3X on gas, groceries, and dining, 2X on all other purchases
- 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months
-
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card
- Up to 14X at Marriott properties, 2X on travel, 1X on all other purchases
- 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months
Marriott has a variety of credit cards to suit different needs, so make sure to explore all your options.
Bottom Line
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card offers a wide range of benefits to its card members. From the coveted annual Free Night Award to the high earning rates and automatic Silver Elite status, this card is a dream come true for Marriott enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that the value of Marriott points might not be as high as other options, and transferring points to airlines might not give you the best redemption rates. But fear not! If you’re a loyal Marriott customer, the value you’ll get from this card will likely exceed the cost of the annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card:
Is the Boundless card worth it?
Absolutely! If you frequently stay with Marriott and take advantage of the annual Free Night Award, this card is definitely worth it. The value of the award alone can cover the $95 annual fee. However, if you don’t travel often or prefer to avoid annual fees, the Bonvoy Bold card might be a more suitable choice.
What credit score do you need for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card?
Chase doesn’t specify a specific credit score requirement for this card. However, aiming for a credit score in the “good” to “excellent” range (690 to 850) will increase your chances of approval. Remember, a higher credit score will always work in your favor.
What is the minimum credit limit for Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
Chase doesn’t state a minimum credit limit for this card. Rest assured, they’ll determine your credit limit based on various factors, including your credit history and financial situation.
What is the maximum credit limit for Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
Similarly, Chase doesn’t provide a maximum credit limit for this card. Your credit limit will depend on several factors, including your creditworthiness and income.
Now that you’re armed with all the juicy details about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, it’s time for you to make an informed decision. Remember, this card is all about maximizing your loyalty to Marriott and unlocking a world of exclusive perks. So, if you’re ready to take your travel experiences to the next level, head over to Personal Finances Blog and explore the endless possibilities that await you!