Marriott Bonvoy Bold® from Chase Review

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card is a compelling offering from Chase that caters specifically to those who frequently find themselves staying at Marriott Bonvoy properties. With an enticing rewards structure, no annual fee, and a suite of travel protections, this card is designed to provide significant value to travelers who want to maximize their points accumulation without incurring extra costs.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Key Takeaways

– Rewards Rate: Earn up to 14x total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
– Other Travel Purchases: Earn 2x Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on travel purchases like airfare, taxis, and trains.
– Everyday Purchases: Earn 1x Bonvoy point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 Bonvoy bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months from account opening.
– Annual Fee: $0.
– Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49% for purchases and balance transfers.
– Travel Protections: Includes baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip delay reimbursement.
– Elite Status: Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Pros and Cons

Pros

– No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without worrying about an annual fee.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring extra costs.
– Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 Bonvoy points quickly with a manageable spending requirement.
– Comprehensive Travel Protections: Extensive travel insurance and protections provide peace of mind during your trips.
– Elite Night Credits: Automatically qualify for Silver Elite status with 15 annual Elite Night Credits.

Cons

– No Introductory APR Offer: The card does not offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
– High APR: Variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49% can be costly if you carry a balance.
– Limited Rewards Categories: Higher rewards rates are primarily restricted to Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Benefits

Rewards Structure

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card excels in its rewards structure, particularly for those who are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy brand. Cardholders can earn up to 14x total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy properties. This is a significant earning potential for frequent travelers who often stay at Marriott hotels.
For other travel-related purchases, cardholders earn 2x Bonvoy points per $1 spent. This includes expenses like airfare, taxis, and trains, allowing you to accumulate points even when you’re not staying at a Marriott property.
While everyday purchases only earn 1x Bonvoy point per $1 spent, the points can still add up over time, especially when paired with the card’s sign-up bonus and other benefits.

Sign-Up Bonus

One of the standout features of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card is its generous sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 50,000 Bonvoy bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months from account opening. This bonus can be a significant boost to your points balance and can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott properties, making it an excellent incentive for new cardholders.

Travel Protections

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card offers a robust suite of travel protections, which can be incredibly valuable for frequent travelers. These protections include:
– Baggage Delay Insurance: This coverage reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing if your baggage is delayed by more than six hours. The reimbursement is up to $100 per day for a maximum of five days.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your checked or carry-on luggage is lost or damaged by the carrier, you can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per passenger.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed by more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
These travel protections can provide significant peace of mind, knowing that unexpected travel issues can be financially mitigated.

Visa Signature® Concierge Service

Cardholders have access to the Visa Signature® Concierge Service, which is available 24 hours a day. This service can assist with a variety of tasks, including finding tickets to sports and entertainment events, making dinner reservations, and even helping to send the perfect gift. This concierge service adds an extra layer of convenience and luxury to the card’s benefits.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For those who travel internationally, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage. This means you can use your Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card for purchases abroad without worrying about additional costs. This benefit alone can save you a substantial amount of money, especially if you frequently travel outside the United States.

Elite Status

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card provides cardholders with 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying them for Silver Elite status. Silver Elite status comes with several perks, including priority late checkout, a dedicated reservation line, and a 10% bonus on points earned during stays. These benefits can enhance your overall travel experience and provide additional value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card from Chase is a compelling option for frequent travelers who often stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties. With its generous rewards structure, no annual fee, and comprehensive travel protections, the card offers significant value without incurring extra costs. The sign-up bonus of 50,000 Bonvoy points is an excellent incentive for new cardholders, and the absence of foreign transaction fees makes it a great choice for international travelers.
However, the card does come with some drawbacks, including a high variable APR and the lack of an introductory APR offer. Additionally, the higher rewards rates are primarily restricted to Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays, which may limit the card’s appeal to those who do not frequently stay at Marriott properties.
Overall, if you are a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member and frequently stay at their properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card is an excellent choice that can help you maximize your points accumulation and enhance your travel experience.