Marriott Bonvoy American Express Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It? • Tech Money

In the realm of credit cards, loyalty cards have become increasingly popular, offering a range of benefits and rewards for cardholders.

One such card is the Marriott Bonvoy American Express credit card, which is now available in the UK.

This article provides an in-depth review of this credit card, discussing its features, benefits, and whether it’s worth considering for your financial portfolio.

Key Features

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK is packed with features designed to appeal to frequent travelers and loyal Marriott Bonvoy members. It comes with an annual fee of £95, making it a mid-range option compared to other premium travel cards.

The representative APR is 54.8% variable, which includes the annual fee, while the representative APR on purchases is 31.0% variable. These rates are significant considerations for potential cardholders.

About the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Issued directly by American Express, this credit card is associated with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty scheme, which includes a vast array of hotel brands such as Marriott, Renaissance, Sheraton, Westin, and more.

The extensive network of affiliated hotels makes it an attractive option for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK is the sign-up bonus. New cardholders can enjoy a generous bonus of 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. These points can be converted into 6,667 Avios or other airline miles, adding flexibility and value.

Additionally, these points can be used for a free night stay in various mid-market and budget Marriott hotels, or converted to over 40 different airline loyalty schemes.

To qualify for the sign-up bonus, applicants must not have held a personal American Express card in the previous 24 months. This rule excludes corporate or business American Express cards from one’s job and supplementary cardholders on someone else’s American Express card.

This flexibility allows many prospective cardholders to be eligible for the bonus despite having other American Express products.

Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

15 Elite Night Credits:
Cardholders receive 15 elite night credits annually, which automatically grant them Silver Elite status within Marriott Bonvoy. These credits also bring users closer to achieving higher tiers like Gold, Platinum, or Titanium Elite status, which can be extremely valuable for frequent travelers.
Gold Elite Status:
By spending £15,000 per year on the card, users can attain Gold Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy. Alternatively, staying just 10 nights, considering the 15 elite night credits provided by the card, can achieve the same status.
Free Night for Spending £25,000:
A significant benefit is the voucher for a free hotel night earned by spending £25,000 in a year. However, this voucher is limited to hotels costing up to 25,000 points, which typically covers mid-range accommodations.

Annual Fee

The card comes with a £95 annual fee, which is relatively modest considering the benefits. Until 29th February 2024, cardholders can avail a pro-rata refund if they choose to cancel, though this feature will be removed after that date. This fee is an important consideration for evaluating the card’s overall value.

Earnings per £1 Spent

Cardholders earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per £1 spent on the card. When using the card at Marriott hotels, this earning rate triples, resulting in 6 points per £1 spent. This structure rewards loyalty and spending within the Marriott ecosystem, maximizing value for frequent guests.

Value of Marriott Bonvoy Points

Marriott Bonvoy points offer good value, with an approximate worth of 0.5p per point. This means that the 20,000 points from the sign-up bonus can translate into £100 worth of value. Additionally, the airline conversion rate is favorable, with 60,000 points equaling 25,000 miles with most partner airlines.

Using the Card for Travel

While the card isn’t ideal for use abroad due to a 3% foreign exchange fee, it can be highly beneficial at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, earning 6 points per £1. In the UK, it provides a 3% return on spending at Marriott hotels, enhancing its value for domestic travelers.

Other Considerations

Marriott Bonvoy offers transfers to over 40 different airlines, making the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card the only way for UK residents to earn points in some airline loyalty programs through card spending. This unique feature enhances the card’s appeal to frequent flyers.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK offers a solid sign-up bonus and valuable benefits, particularly for those seeking elite status within Marriott Bonvoy. However, the £95 annual fee and high APR may reduce its appeal for some. It is essential to consider your travel and spending habits to determine if this card aligns with your financial goals. For those who frequent Marriott hotels or aim to achieve elite status, it can be a valuable addition to your wallet.

Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card, prospective cardholders need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including a good credit score and residency in the UK. The application process is straightforward, with online and postal options available. Applicants should ensure they meet the requirements to maximize their chances of approval.

Comparing with Other Cards

When compared to other travel and hotel loyalty cards, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK stands out for its generous sign-up bonus, elite night credits, and flexibility in point conversions. However, it’s crucial to compare it with competitors like the Hilton Honors American Express card or the British Airways American Express card to determine which offers the best value for your specific needs.

Tips for Maximizing Rewards

To maximize rewards with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card, consider strategies such as using the card for all Marriott hotel stays to earn triple points, planning large purchases to hit spending thresholds for bonuses, and leveraging point transfers to airline partners for optimal value.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer reviews for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card are generally positive, with many praising the generous sign-up bonus and valuable benefits for frequent travelers. Common complaints include the high APR and foreign transaction fees, which can be a deterrent for some users.

Pros and Cons

» Pros:

Generous sign-up bonus
15 elite night credits annually
Triple points at Marriott hotels
Flexibility in point conversions

» Cons:

High APR
£95 annual fee
3% foreign exchange fee

Who Should Consider This Card?

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK is ideal for frequent travelers who regularly stay at Marriott properties and seek to achieve or maintain elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program. It is also suitable for those who value flexibility in redeeming points for hotel stays or converting them to airline miles.

Common Misconceptions

Some common misconceptions about the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card include the belief that the sign-up bonus is difficult to earn or that the annual fee outweighs the benefits. In reality, the sign-up bonus is quite accessible for many, and the benefits can easily justify the annual fee for frequent travelers.

Conclusion

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card UK is a compelling choice for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and seek to maximize their rewards and benefits.

While the annual fee and high APR may be drawbacks for some, the sign-up bonus, elite night credits, and flexible point conversions offer substantial value.

Evaluate your travel habits and financial goals to determine if this card is the right fit for you.