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Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Review
February 6, 2025
Planning your next getaway? The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card might be your ticket to better hotel stays. This Chase-issued Visa Signature card offers travelers a way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without paying an annual fee. But is it the right choice for your wallet? Let's find out.
What Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is Chase's entry-level hotel rewards card, designed for occasional travelers who want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without committing to an annual fee. As a Visa Signature card, it comes with valuable travel benefits and protection features.
New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. These points can be used for hotel stays, transferred to airline partners, or redeemed through Marriott Bonvoy Moments™ for exclusive events and experiences.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Pros & Cons
Let's examine the key advantages and drawbacks:
Pros:
- No annual fee while still earning Marriott Bonvoy points
- Automatic Silver Elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 15 Elite Night Credits annually
- 3 points for each $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties
- Strong travel insurance benefits for a no-annual-fee card
- Compatible with digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Cons:
- Lower earning rates compared to premium Marriott cards
- No free night award certificate
- Limited elite benefits with Silver status
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- Higher qualification requirements for creditworthiness
Who Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card For?
This card is ideal for:
- Occasional Marriott hotel guests who want to earn points without paying an annual fee
- Travelers seeking basic hotel elite status benefits
- Those new to hotel rewards programs
- Budget-conscious travelers who want travel protection benefits
- People who prefer using digital wallet options like Apple Pay or Google Pay
Comparing the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Marriott Bonvoy Bold®, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® excels in providing valuable travel benefits and protection features to travelers
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers solid benefits, you can maximize your rewards even further by using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos automatically recommends the best credit card to use for each purchase, ensuring you're always earning the highest possible rewards.
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Our Expert Takeaway
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card serves as a solid entry point into the Marriott Bonvoy program without requiring an annual fee. While it may not offer the extensive perks of premium cards, it provides valuable benefits for occasional travelers, including Silver Elite status and travel protection benefits.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card FAQ
What credit score do you need for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card?
A credit score of 690 or higher (good to excellent) is typically required. JPMorgan Chase Bank considers various factors including your credit report, account behavior, and overall creditworthiness.
Can I transfer points to airline partners?
Yes, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline partners, typically at a 3:1 ratio.
Does the card offer instant access upon approval?
Yes, you may receive instant access to your card number for digital wallet use with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay upon approval.
How do I reach Platinum Elite status with this card?
While the card provides 15 Elite Night Credits annually, you'll need to earn additional nights through hotel stays to reach Platinum Elite status, which requires 50 nights per year.
Can I add authorized users to the card?
Yes, you can add authorized users at no additional cost, and their purchases will earn points for your account.
What happens to my points if I cancel the card?
Your points are stored in your Marriott Bonvoy program account and won't expire as long as you have qualifying activity every 24 months.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
