The American Express Bonvoy card is a powerful tool for those who love to travel, combining the prestige of American Express with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy, one of the world’s most popular hotel loyalty programs. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone looking to maximize your rewards on everyday spending, the Amex Bonvoy card offers a variety of perks that can make your journey more rewarding. Here’s everything you need to know about the Amex Bonvoy card and how to get the most out of it.
What is the Amex Bonvoy Card?
The Amex Bonvoy card, also known as the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card, is a co-branded credit card offered by American Express in partnership with Marriott International. This card is designed for Marriott Bonvoy members, giving cardholders access to a wide range of travel benefits, from hotel stays to exclusive offers at participating properties. The card comes with various versions, including the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant™ Card, American Express Bonvoy Boundless™ Card, and American Express Bonvoy Card, catering to different levels of spending and rewards preferences.
Key Benefits of the Amex Bonvoy Card
- Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
One of the primary benefits of the Amex Bonvoy card is the ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on all eligible purchases. Depending on the version of the card, you can earn:- 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 3x points on dining, flights, and eligible transit
- 2x points on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus
Many versions of the Amex Bonvoy card offer a generous welcome bonus, such as 125,000 points after spending a certain amount within the first 3 months. This bonus can go a long way toward booking award nights at Marriott properties, making it one of the best ways to jump-start your Marriott Bonvoy account. - Automatic Silver Elite Status
Cardholders automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, which includes perks such as 10% bonus points on stays, priority late check-out, and access to exclusive member rates. Silver Elite status is just the beginning, and if you continue to spend on the card, you can easily qualify for higher levels of status, like Gold or Platinum Elite. - Annual Free Night Award
One of the most popular benefits for high-spending cardholders is the Annual Free Night Award. Depending on the card version, you can earn a free night each year after your card anniversary, which can be used at Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide, up to a certain point value. - Luxury Travel Perks with Amex
The Amex Bonvoy Brilliant™ Card offers additional luxury perks, including access to the Global Lounge Collection, which gives cardholders access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide, and $300 in statement credits for eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. These perks are ideal for those who want to enhance their luxury travel experience.
How to Maximize Your Rewards with the Amex Bonvoy Card
- Use the Card for Marriott Stays
The highest rate of point accumulation (6x points per dollar) applies when you make purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, so if you’re staying at a Marriott property, make sure to put all your expenses on the card to maximize rewards. - Use Points for Hotel Stays
Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free nights at over 7,000 hotels worldwide. By using your accumulated points for stays, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Plus, with the flexibility to use points for stays at both budget and luxury hotels, you have a range of options. - Transfer Points to Airline Partners
Marriott Bonvoy points can also be transferred to over 40 airline partners, making it a great option for earning miles. For example, 3 Marriott Bonvoy points equal 1 airline mile with participating airlines, such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. This is an excellent way to stretch your points further and book flights at discounted rates. - Maximize Your Free Night Award
The free night certificate earned each year with the card can be used at a property that costs up to 35,000 points per night (for most versions of the card). This means you could potentially stay at a luxury hotel without spending any points, making the card’s annual fee feel much more worthwhile.
Fees and Costs
While the Amex Bonvoy card comes with numerous benefits, it’s important to consider the annual fees:
- The Amex Bonvoy Boundless™ Card has an annual fee of $95.
- The Amex Bonvoy Brilliant™ Card has a higher annual fee of $650, but it offers more luxury travel benefits like the $300 Marriott credit and airport lounge access.
Though these fees may seem high, the benefits—especially the welcome bonus, free night awards, and valuable travel perks—can quickly offset the cost, especially for frequent Marriott guests.
Who Should Consider the Amex Bonvoy Card?
The Amex Bonvoy card is ideal for travelers who are loyal to Marriott hotels and want to maximize their rewards through everyday spending. If you frequently stay at Marriott properties or plan to take advantage of the free night award, the card is a great way to earn points toward free stays. It’s also a solid option for those who enjoy travel perks such as airport lounge access, elite hotel status, and hotel credits.
However, if you’re not a regular Marriott guest or you prefer to stay at a variety of hotels outside the Marriott portfolio, you might want to consider other travel rewards cards that offer more flexibility in point redemptions or higher rewards on non-hotel spending.
Final Thoughts
The Amex Bonvoy card is a valuable companion for Marriott fans, offering numerous benefits that can make your hotel stays and travel experiences more rewarding. From earning 6x points on Marriott purchases to access to elite status and exclusive perks, this card can significantly enhance your travels. Whether you’re a frequent Marriott guest or simply looking for ways to save on travel, the Amex Bonvoy card offers a strong combination of rewards, flexibility, and luxury.