Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card 2024 Review: Best for Hotel Rewards?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card is the entry branded card from Marriott, which operates a massive hotel property network worldwide.

It is different from other travel-branded cards in that the points you’re able to earn exceeds what many other cards offer their customers.

Not only can you earn more points, but you also have great flexibility with how you use them.

To no surprise:

This credit card is ideal for people who travel and stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels because much of the perks cater to those guests.

But while this card caters to the frequent traveler in you, it’s better suited for those who are loyal to the Marriott brand.

The Rewards Program

The is an excellent pick if you book rooms at Marriott hotels and resorts. 

As you shop around for a credit card, you’ll find that some rewards credit cards only earn 2X or 3X points per dollar spent at hotels. These same cards may give one point per dollar on all other purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card, on the other hand, gives cardholders:

• Up to 17X total points at Marriott
  • 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • Up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy member
  • Up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status 

• 3X points for every $1 spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

To maximize the points you earn, put your bills on autopilot and pay your monthly expenses with the card. Just make sure you pay off the card in full each month to avoid debt.

Points are redeemable for:

• free hotel nights
• car rentals
• airfare
• transfer points to a travel program partner

The last redemption option is highly worth noting because it allows you to earn free flights. You may be able to translate your points into better value if you find a good deal.

To be clear:

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program allows members to convert their points into airline miles with more than 40 airline frequent flyer programs. Anyone can join the program for free, not just cardmembers.

Big Sign-Up Bonus

There is a sign-up bonus with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card.

To qualify, you must spend a certain amount in the first three months of opening an account.

It would be best if you know that your spending pattern is capable of meeting the spending requirements. Or, have a large purchase already in mind before applying.

“Free Night” Reward Each Year

This is the biggest selling point for this card.

With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card, you’ll receive one free night reward each year after your account anniversary date.

Redeem your free night at participating hotels and select resorts.

Now:

There is a redemption value of up to 35,000 points.

Still, this one free night can be worth hundreds of dollars depending on the hotel.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

People who don’t travel overseas might not pay attention to whether a credit card charges a foreign transaction fee.

But if you visit other countries, you know how foreign transaction fees add up.

This is a fee imposed by credit card companies to convert foreign currency into U.S. dollars.  The fee varies, but is commonly 3 percent of a transaction—on top of what you’ve already spent.

The good news:

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card does not charge any foreign transaction fees.

So whether you shop domestically or internationally, you won’t pay more than the actual price of an item.

Annual Fee

Like many premium travel-branded credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card also comes with an annual fee, which is $95. 

Ideally, you should use the card enough to justify paying an annual fee.

Be sure keep track of card benefits that you’ve utilized. Also, estimate how much you’ve saved by redeeming points for rewards.

Even if you didn’t accumulate a lot of points in the first year for a big redemption, earning one free hotel might more than compensate for the annual fee.

Automatic Silver Elite Status

With this card, you get Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status automatically.

Added benefits include:

• 10% points bonus
• Late checkout
• Dedicated elite reservation line

Silver Elite status is typically earned by those who spend 10 to 24 nights per year in Marriott hotels.

Gold Elite status is earned by members who spend 25 to 49 nights per year in Marriott hotels.

Now:

With the Boundless card, you automatically get 15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year. So, you're just 10 more nights per year from Gold Elite Status.

Cardmembers who spend $35,000 on the card each year can also get Gold Elite status automatically.

The biggest benefit of Gold Elite Status:

Complimentary room upgrades (based on availability).

Free Premium Hotel Internet

It’s common for hotels and resorts to give complimentary Internet.

But, if the hotel does impose a surcharge for in-room Wi-Fi service, this card will get that charge waived.

Or, if the hotel offers a better Internet connection with an upcharge, the card provides free premium hotel Internet access.

Remember that the booking must be made with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card and the free premium hotel Wi-Fi applies only at participating Marriott hotels and resorts.

This is a bonus whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure.

Faster Internet can help you stay on top of your work. Also, it’ll be easier to stream your favorite movies and TV shows while away from home.

Complimentary Credit Card Protections

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card also offers a multitude of card protections. These can help you save money over time.

They include:

• Complimentary extended warranty protection, up to an additional two years
• Purchase return protection for up to 90 days
• Purchase protection for up to 120 days
• Access to local event pre-sale tickets
• Free two-day shipping from more than 100 online retailers when you sign up for Shoprunner
• Fraud protection
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Car rental loss and damage insurance

How Does the Card Compare to Other Credit Cards?

Before applying for a rewards credit card, you owe it to yourself to check out the competition.

It’s important to get a card that suits your needs.

If you’re looking to earn more points per dollar spent, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card definitely beats out most of the competition.

The annual fee you’ll pay for this card after the first year is comparable to what you’ll find elsewhere. Of course, if you’re not a big fan of annual fees, there are plenty of no-annual fee credit card options. Some of these cards also have rewards programs.

The APR with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card is on par with similar rewards credit cards.

Still, compare rates with other cards before applying. This is important if you’ll carry a balance.

Keep in mind that credit card companies base APR on your credit history.

Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant

While comparing other credit cards, don’t forget to take a look at the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card.

With this card, you’ll also earn 6X points at participating Marriott hotels and resorts and a competitive interest rate.

The difference is that you’ll earn 3X points when using the card with U.S. airlines and restaurants, and 2X points on all other purchases. You’ll also get up to a $300 statement credit per year on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

It also includes cardmember perks like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card. These include a one free night reward each year and card protections.

The downside:

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has a $450 annual fee.

Final Verdict

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card is an excellent credit card for any traveler who books nights at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel.

The hotel points go a long way on those stays and you may be able to turn those points into better value by transferring them to travel partners -- allowing you to redeem the points for free flights.

But, the key highlight is:

The anniversary award of a free night is already worth the annual fee.

Sure, the benefit isn't available for the first year of card ownership. But, if you hold onto the card, the value of the free nights will add up.