Quote from Savings Beagle on March 5, 2024, 4:39 pm

Both of the Marriott Bonvoy credit cards issued by American Express have massive sign-up bonuses available now through May 1, 2024.

If you're not familiar with American Express's Marriott credit cards, it's important to know both of these cards come with significant annual fees that will be billed on your first statement.

But, depending on your tolerance for taking full advantage of each and every card benefit, the annual fees can make sense for some.

Here's a quick overview of the cards, the increased sign-up bonuses and thoughts on making a large annual fee worthwhile.

American Express Marriott Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 within the first 6 months from card approval.

Annual Fee: $250

Ongoing Spend and Benefits

• Earn 6x on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• Earn 4x at worldwide restaurants and U.S. supermarkets on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year
• Earn 2x on all other purchases

Complimentary Marriott Gold Elite Status (limited benefits aside from earning 25% more points on Marriott Bonvoy hotel purchases).

15 Elite Night Credits toward Bonvoy's next status tier.

If you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year you'll receive a Free Night Award to use at properties pricing at 50,000 Marriott points or below.

If you've held any Marriott credit card in the past, or currently, (remember, Chase also offers Marriott credit cards) then you need to read the application restrictions under the Offer Terms on this linked page very carefully to see if they apply to you. Not meeting the requirements will result in not receiving the sign-up bonus.

Annual Fee Justification - The $250 annual fee is mid-range when considering travel rewards cards. If you stay at Marriott branded hotels for most of your travel and you spend a sizable amount on restaurant and grocery purchases, an argument can be made this is a decent card to apply for, especially considering the increased sign-up bonus.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months from card approval.

Annual Fee: $650

Ongoing Spend and Benefits

• Earn 6x on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• Earn 3x at restaurants worldwide
• Earn 3x on flights booked directly with airlines
• Earn 2x on all other purchases

Get a $300 dining credit each calendar year in the form of up to $25 a month credits.

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status. Platinum status may provide an upgraded room, lounge access if available and breakfast (depending on hotel and what it offers) among other benefits.

Receive a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book directly using a special rate for a 2 night minimum stay.

Priority Pass Select membership which provides unlimited airport lounge visits at Priority Pass lounges for the cardholder and up to two guests.

25 Elite Night Credits.

Receive a Free Night Award every year after your card renewal month. Free Night Award is good at Bonvoy properties pricing at or under 85,000 points.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit.

As with any Marriott credit card, you need to read the Offer Terms closely to ensure you are eligible for the sign-up bonus. Holding, or previously having held within specific periods of time, other Marriott cards will likely disqualify you from receiving the sign-up bonus. Check this card's restrictions under the Offer Terms on this linked page.

Annual Fee Justification - If you take full advantage of the $25 per month dining credit, that effectively brings the annual fee down to $350. If you were to use the $100 credit on a 2-night stay at a Ritz or St. Regis, then you're down to $250. If you use the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit ($100) then you're down to $150. The Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status and Priority Pass membership might provide $150 worth of value each year. But, that's a lot of "ifs" and "mights." Yes, the points sign-up bonus goes a way toward justifying the annual fee the first year, especially when all other benefits are factored in. Whether that $650 out of pocket is worthwhile to you, though, is a question only you can answer.

The links for both the Bonvoy Bevy and Bonvoy Brilliant Amex cards in this post are Savings Beagle's referral links. Using these links will provide us a points bonus for each approved application. Thank you for using our links to apply.