[wpcode id=\"6346\"]
{{card.name}} Review
![\"\"](\"https://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Marriott-Bonvoy-American-Express-Card.png\")
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Annual Fee
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Annual Rewards
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Intro Offer
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Annual fee
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Annual rewards
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Intro offer
Pros
{{Pros}}
Cons
{{Cons}}
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Performance test results
At DollarWise, for each credit card we test 7 different factors including the rewards, value for money, perks, insurance, strengths and weaknesses of the card.
You can see our full testing methodology here to learn why we're the most trusted source for credit card reviews.
The {{card.name}} has earned a {{ranking}} DollarWise Rating out of 5. This score is based on a weighted average of the two highest scoring factors (excluding acceptance and approval).
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Rewards
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Fees
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Perks
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Interest rates
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Insurance
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Acceptance
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Approval
The highest scoring categories for the {{card.name}} are {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.
These factors are weighted 70% to the highest scoring factor and 30% to the second highest score to get an overall review score.
This weighting allows us to judge cards on their merits and the customers they are designed for.
For the {{card.name}} the most important factors for scoring this card are its {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.
Rewards
With the {{card.name}}, here's the rates at which you earn rewards for different spending categories per dollar you spend:
| Bills | {{reward_bills}} |
| Pharmacy | {{reward_drug}} |
| Gas | {{reward_gas}} |
| Groceries | {{reward_grocery}} |
| Restaurants | {{reward_restaurant}} |
| Specific Stores | {{reward_store}} |
| Travel | {{reward_travel}} |
| All Other Spend | {{reward_other}} |
Calculating your annual rewards
We estimate that spending {{monthlyspend}} per month with the {{card.name}} would earn {{card.rewards}} in rewards over the year.
Our performance testing research uses an accurate estimation of the average Canadian households spending patterns to predict the rewards a card will earn.
We found that you'd earn this per category:
| Bills | {{bills_dollarrewards}} |
| Pharmacy | {{drug_dollarrewards}} |
| Gas | {{gas_dollarrewards}} |
| Groceries | {{grocery_dollarrewards}} |
| Restaurants | {{restaurant_dollarrewards}} |
| Specific Stores | {{store_dollarrewards}} |
| Travel | {{travel_dollarrewards}} |
| All Other Spend | {{other_dollarrewards}} |
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Marriott-Bonvoy-Business-American-Express_dollar_rewards.svg\")
Our study investigating the value found that each dollar spent on the {{card.name}} is worth up to {{card.max_reward}}, depending on how you redeem.
This {{card.rewards}} in rewards value puts the {{card.name}} in the {{decile.annual_rewards}} of credit cards in Canada based on rewards earned.
The average credit card in our database earns {{averages.mean_annual_rewards}} in rewards for the same spend that the {{card.name}} earns {{card.rewards}} in rewards value.
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Marriott-Bonvoy-American-Express_rewards_comparison.svg\")
We can compare this card to other options by looking at the earn rate by category.
This earn rate is the percentage return that you would get when you spend on this card, assuming you redeem at the predicted maximum value.
For example, if a card earned 5 points per dollar on gas and each point is worth up to $0.02, then the earn rate is 5 points multiplied by $0.02 each, divided by the dollar you spent.
In this example, that's a 10% earn rate on gas.
| Spend | This Card | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bills | {{bills_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_bills_earnrate}} |
| Pharmacy | {{drug_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_drug_earnrate}} |
| Gas | {{gas_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_gas_earnrate}} |
| Groceries | {{grocery_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_grocery_earnrate}} |
| Restaurant | {{restaurant_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_restaurant_earnrate}} |
| Store | {{store_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_store_earnrate}} |
| Travel | {{travel_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_travel_earnrate}} |
| Other | {{other_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_other_earnrate}} |
| Redemption method | Annual rewards |
|---|---|
| Transfer to partner airlines | {{transfer_airlines}} |
| Fixed points travel | {{fixed_points_travel}} |
| Transfer to partner hotels | {{transfer_hotel}} |
| Redeem for travel | {{redeem_travel}} |
| Apply to statement credit | {{statement_credit}} |
| Ticketmaster | {{ticketmaster}} |
| Charity | {{charity}} |
| Gift cards | {{gift_cards}} |
| Amazon.ca | {{amazon}} |
| Merchandise | {{merchandise}} |
| Make investments | {{investments}} |
| Enjoy experiences | {{experiences}} |
| Car rentals | {{car_rental}} |
| Vacations | {{vacation}} |
| Attractions | {{attractions}} |
| Cash rewards | {{cash_rewards}} |
| Grocery rewards | {{grocery_rewards}} |
| Restaurant rewards | {{restaurant_rewards}} |
| Movie rewards | {{movie_rewards}} |
| Apple / BestBuy | {{apple_bestbuy}} |
| Flight rewards | {{flight_rewards}} |
| Airlines Rewards (Charts) | {{airlines_rewards_chart}} |
| CIBC financial products | {{cibc_financial_products}} |
| Air travel - redemptions (scheduled) | {{air_travel_redemptions_schedule}} |
| RBC travel | {{rbc_travel}} |
| Transfer to WestJet | {{transfer_westjet}} |
| Transfer to Hudson Bay | {{transfer_bay}} |
| RBC financial products | {{rbc_financial_products_rewards}} |
| Air Canada gift cards | {{aircanada_gift_card}} |
| Air Canada vactions | {{air_canada_vacations}} |
| Electronics gift cards | {{electronics_gift_cards}} |
| Cash - World Elite | {{cash_worldelite}} |
| Cash - Platinum Plus | {{cash_platinumplus}} |
| Banking plans | {{banking_plans}} |
| Desjardins financial products | {{desjardins_financial_products}} |
| Expedia travel | {{expedia_td}} |
| Educational rewards | {{education_rewards}} |
| HSBC financial products | {{hsbc_financial_products}} |
| Walmart | {{walmart_rewards}} |
| Triangle (Canadian Tire) | {{triangle_rewards}} |
| Meridian travel | {{meridian_travel}} |
| Direct deposit | {{direct_deposit_rewards}} |
| Costco gift cards | {{costco_gift_cards}} |
| Wireless Rogers rewards | {{wireless_rogers_rewards}} |
| 1 Rogers rewards | {{1_roger_rewards}} |
| Other Rogers rewards | {{other_roger_rewards}} |
| Other 1 Rogers rewards | {{other_1_roger_rewards}} |
For an annual spend of {{annualspend}}, we estimated annual rewards value at up to {{total_net_rewards}}.
That's equivalent to a {{total_earn_rate}} return on spending.
The {{card.name}} has an annual fee of {{card.annualFee}}. After deducting this, we predicted net annual rewards of {{net_after_fee}}.
This puts it in the {{decile.net_annual_rewards}} of credit cards for net rewards after fees.
In comparison, the average card earns net annual rewards of {{averages.mean_net_annual_rewards}}.
Fees
The {{card.name}} has a {{card.annualFee}} annual fee.
The average card charges {{averages.mean_annual_fee}}. So, the {{card.name}} is in the {{decile.annual_fee}} of cards based on the cost of the annual fee.
Perks
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Marriott-Bonvoy-American-Express_perk_score.png\")
We manually review the perks of each credit card to determine how they compare to other cards.
The {{card.name}} scored a {{factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks, putting it in the {{decile.factor_score_perks}} of cards.
The average card scores {{averages.mean_factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks.
Interest Rates
| Purchase | {{purchase_interest_rate}}% |
| Cash Advance | {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% |
| Balance Transfer | {{balance_transfer_interest_rate}}% |
The average (median) credit card has a purchase interest rate of {{averages.median_purchase_interest_rate}} and so the {{card.name}} charges {{purchase_interest_diff}} than the average.
For cash advances it costs {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% compared to the average of {{averages.mean_cash_advance_interest_rate}}.
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Marriott-Bonvoy-American-Express_interest_accumulated_difference.jpg\")
Testing the {{card.name}} with a $2,000 starting balance, you can see in the graph how the {{purchase_interest_diff}} in interest rates impacts the interest over a year, compared to the average card.
Insurance coverage
| Insurance | This Card | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Warranty | {{warranty}} | {{averages.median_warranty}} |
| Purchase Protection | {{purchase_protection}} | {{averages.median_purchase_protection}} |
| Travel Accident | {{travel_accident}} | {{averages.median_travel_accident}} |
| Emergency Medical Term | {{emergency_medical_term}} | {{averages.median_emergency_medical_term}} |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | {{emergency_medical_65}} | {{averages.median_emergency_medical_65}} |
| Trip Cancellation | {{trip_cancellation}} | {{averages.median_trip_cancellation}} |
| Trip Interruption | {{trip_interruption}} | {{averages.median_trip_interruption}} |
| Flight Delay | {{flight_delay}} | {{averages.median_flight_delay}} |
| Baggage Delay | {{baggage_delay_insurance}} | {{averages.median_baggage_delay_insurance}} |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | {{stolen_baggage}} | {{averages.median_stolen_baggage}} |
| Event Cancellation | {{event_cancel}} | {{averages.median_event_cancel}} |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | {{rental_theft_damage}} | No |
| Rental Car Personal Effects | {{rental_personal}} | {{averages.median_rental_personal}} |
| Rental Car Accident | {{rental_accident}} | {{averages.median_rental_accident}} |
| Hotel Burglary | {{hotel_burglary}} | {{averages.median_hotel_burglary}} |
| Mobile Phone Insurance | {{mobile_insurance}} | {{averages.median_mobile_insurance}} |
| Personal Effects Insurance | {{personal_effects}} | {{averages.median_personal_effects}} |
| Price Protection Insurance | {{price_protection}} | {{averages.median_price_protection}} |
We scored it {{factor_score_insurance}} out of 5 for insurance.
It offers {{insurance_count}} types of insurance, whereas the average card has {{averages.insurance_count}} types of coverage.
Approval and qualifying
| Do I qualify? | |
|---|---|
| Estimated Credit Score | {{credit_score_low}} - {{credit_score_high}} |
| Personal Income | {{personal_income}} |
| Household Income | {{household_income}} |
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | {{card.annualFee}} |
| Extra Card Fee | $0 |
| Card type | {{card_type}} |
We scored it {{factor_score_approval}} out of 5 for approval.
We predict that you will require a credit score of at least {{credit_score_low}} to qualify for the {{card.name}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_credit_score_low}} to qualify.
This puts it in the top {{decile.credit_score_low}} of cards by approval difficulty.
The personal income requirements are {{personal_income}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_personal_income}}.
This puts it in the {{decile.personal_income}} of cards by the income required to qualify.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a popular credit card option for those who frequent Marriott-branded hotels and seek to maximize their reward potential from hotel stays and associated expenditures.
In this review, we will evaluate the earning potential, highlight four key benefits, discuss two drawbacks, and provide additional information to help you decide if this card is the right fit for you.
Earning potential with the card
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers a competitive rewards program that helps cardholders earn points relatively quickly.
Users can earn 5 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties, 3 points per dollar on eligible dining, grocery, and gas purchases, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. The reward rates for various spending categories make this card an ideal choice for those who are frequent travelers or dine out often.
Benefits
- Welcome Bonus for New Card Members: One of the primary advantages of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the generous welcome bonus it offers.
New cardmembers can receive a substantial number of points upon meeting the minimum spending requirements, which could be redeemed for free hotel stays or other valuable rewards. - Annual Free Night Certificate At Marriott Hotels: This credit card comes with a complimentary annual free night certificate, allowing cardholders to enjoy a free one-night stay at eligible Marriott hotels worth up to 35,000 points.
This benefit can easily outweigh the card’s annual fee and make it a worthwhile investment for Marriott enthusiasts. - Marriott Silver Elite status: Cardmembers holding the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card also gain automatic Marriott Silver Elite status, granting them access to perks such as priority late checkout, bonus points on stays, and complimentary in-room internet access.
- Additional Security: Another advantage of this credit card is the comprehensive travel insurance coverage it provides, including emergency medical, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or damaged baggage, car rental theft or damage, and more.
This offers cardholders additional security and peace of mind while traveling.
Drawbacks
- Annual Fee: A significant drawback of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the $120 annual fee. For individuals who don’t frequently travel or stay at Marriott properties, the cost may outweigh the benefits.
- Reward Redemption: This credit card may not be ideal for individuals seeking more flexible rewards redemption options. The primary focus of the rewards program is on hotel stays at Marriott properties, which could be limiting for those who prefer other hotel brands or want greater versatility in redeeming their points.
Additional information
In conclusion, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers substantial earning potential and numerous benefits to those who are loyal Marriott customers or frequently dine out and spend on travel-related expenses.
However, the annual fee and limited reward redemption options could be deterrents for some potential users. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate your spending habits and travel preferences before deciding whether this card is the most suitable option for you.
Not the right fit? You could consider the American Express Platinum Card. Or, if you’re looking for other options check out the American Express Essential Credit Card, and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
FAQ
With the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, cardholders can redeem their points for various rewards, including:
- Free Night Awards: Points can be redeemed for staying at any of the 7,000+ participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels across the world, with no blackout dates.
- Points Advance: Members can book a stay with Points Advance even if they don’t have the full amount of points required. They can earn or purchase the remaining points within a certain timeframe before their stay.
- Hotel Services & Amenities: Points can be used towards various hotel services, such as spa treatments, golf rounds, or dining experiences.
- Instant Redemptions: The points can be used like cash to pay for in-hotel purchases, such as dining, spa treatments, golf, or other experiences during a stay.
- Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Cardholders can redeem points for exclusive experiences and events, such as concerts, sports events, culinary classes, and more.
- Room Upgrades & Suites: Points can be redeemed for room upgrades or stays in luxury suites at participating hotels (subject to availability).
- Travel Packages: Redeem points for travel packages, combining a hotel stay with airline miles, which can be used for future flights.
- Airline Transfers: Points can be transferred to more than 40 airline partners, potentially at a 3:1 transfer rate. Plus, receive bonus miles when transferring a certain amount of points to airline miles (terms apply).
- Cruises: Members can also use points to book cruises on popular cruise lines, covering the cost of the cruise fare, port charges, and taxes.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card does have foreign transaction fees. When using this credit card for transactions in a foreign currency, cardholders will be subject to a fee of 2.5% of the transaction amount.
This fee is applied to cover the costs associated with converting the foreign currency to Canadian dollars.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card does not have a specific minimum income requirement. However, applicants are still required to meet the issuer’s credit approval criteria, which includes an evaluation of their credit history and overall financial stability.
Keep in mind that having a higher income and an excellent credit score can increase the likelihood of being approved for this credit card.
Key benefits
- Earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties
- Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points welcome offer after spending $3,000 within first 3 months
- 15 Elite Night Credits annually, for faster qualification towards higher Marriott Bonvoy Elite status tiers
- Comprehensive travel insurance package, including emergency medical coverage and trip interruption insurance
- Car rental theft and damage insurance
- Access to premier events and offers curated for cardholders via American Express Invites
- $120 CAD annual credit for food-delivery via Uber Eats or eligible restaurants on SkipTheDishes
- Point transfer options to several airline frequent flyer programs
- Eligible for contactless payments and mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay