The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards, offering a range of benefits tailored to frequent travelers, especially those who are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy hotel program. This card, issued by Chase, not only helps cardholders accumulate points for stays at Marriott properties worldwide but also unlocks a series of travel-related perks, making it a great option for anyone looking to earn rewards for their vacations or business trips.
In this guide, we will walk you through the key features of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, its benefits, how to use it efficiently, and how to apply for it.
Key Features of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
1. Generous Sign-Up Bonus
One of the most attractive features of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is its generous sign-up bonus. As of now, the card offers a 100,000 Bonvoy points bonus after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points can be used for free nights at Marriott hotels worldwide, and since Marriott’s Bonvoy program includes a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, the value of this bonus can be substantial.
2. Earning Points
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card allows cardholders to earn 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Whether you’re booking a weekend getaway or a luxury vacation, staying at Marriott properties will help you earn points quickly.
Additionally, cardholders earn:
- 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on every purchase that doesn’t fall into the categories above.
This makes the card highly rewarding for both travel and everyday spending, especially if you stay at Marriott hotels regularly or use it for other large purchases.
3. Annual Free Night Award
One of the most coveted benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is the Annual Free Night Award. Every year after your account anniversary, you will receive a free night stay at a Marriott hotel, which is valid at properties costing up to 35,000 Bonvoy points. This can be a great way to enjoy a luxury stay at no additional cost, effectively offsetting the card’s annual fee.
The free night certificate can be used at a wide variety of Marriott properties worldwide, and you can even use it for a higher-tier hotel by topping up with points. This benefit alone can more than justify the cost of the card’s annual fee.
4. Automatic Silver Elite Status
Cardholders receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status automatically, which grants several advantages when staying at Marriott hotels, including:
- 10% bonus points on stays.
- Priority late checkout (subject to availability).
- Enhanced internet access.
While Silver Elite Status isn’t the highest tier in the Marriott Bonvoy program, it still offers valuable benefits that improve your hotel experience.
5. 15 Elite Night Credits Each Year
In addition to automatic Silver Elite Status, the card provides 15 Elite Night Credits each year, which helps you progress toward higher levels of Marriott Bonvoy elite status (Gold, Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador). Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program comes with enhanced perks such as room upgrades, free breakfast, lounge access, and more, making this feature especially useful for frequent Marriott guests.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Another advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is the no foreign transaction fees benefit. This is especially important for travelers who frequently visit international destinations. You can use the card abroad without worrying about extra charges, which makes it an excellent companion for global travel.
7. Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card comes with several travel protections, including:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimburses you for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Offers reimbursement for essential items if your luggage is delayed for more than 6 hours.
- Car Rental Insurance: Coverage for rental cars in case of collision or theft when you pay for the rental with your card.
- Purchase Protection: Protects eligible purchases made with the card against damage or theft for a set period after purchase.
These protections can provide peace of mind when traveling or making big-ticket purchases with the card.
How to Maximize Your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Benefits
To get the most out of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, here are some tips:
- Stay at Marriott Hotels: As the card earns 6 points per dollar spent on Marriott purchases, staying at Marriott hotels will allow you to rack up points quickly.
- Use the Free Night Certificate Strategically: Use your Annual Free Night Award at hotels that normally require more points, or apply it for high-value stays like those at Marriott’s luxury brands.
- Take Advantage of the Elite Night Credits: The 15 Elite Night Credits can help you quickly achieve a higher status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, unlocking benefits like free breakfasts and room upgrades.
- Combine Points and Free Nights: You can combine the points you earn through the card with your free night certificate for even higher-value stays.
- Use the Card for Travel-Related Purchases: Earn 2 points per dollar on all other purchases, which can quickly add up, especially if you use it for large travel-related expenses such as flight tickets, rental cars, or excursions.
How to Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
If you’re interested in applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, the process is straightforward and can be done entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Check Your Credit Score
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card typically requires good to excellent credit, which generally means a FICO score of 700 or higher. Before applying, it’s a good idea to check your credit score to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Gather Required Information
To apply for the card, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your full name, address, and contact details.
- Social Security number (for identity verification and credit check).
- Employment information and annual income.
- Financial obligations (e.g., monthly housing payments, other debts).
3. Submit Your Application
Visit the Chase website or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card application page, and complete the application form. Make sure all information is accurate, as any discrepancies may delay the process.
4. Wait for Approval
Once your application is submitted, Chase will perform a credit check and process your request. Approval is usually quick, but it may take a few days. If approved, your new Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card will be mailed to you.
5. Start Earning Rewards
After activation, you can start earning points right away. Be sure to use the card for both Marriott stays and everyday purchases to maximize your rewards.
Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers an impressive combination of rewards, benefits, and travel perks, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers, especially those who are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy program. With its generous sign-up bonus, Annual Free Night Award, and travel protections, this card provides plenty of value for those who enjoy staying at Marriott properties or want to earn points for future travel.
To apply for the card, make sure you meet the credit score requirements and gather the necessary personal and financial information. Whether you’re looking for a way to earn free hotel stays or unlock additional travel benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a great option to consider.
