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This hobby just gets better by the day!
CREDIT CARD WARS
Earlier this week, we discussed the Marriott Bonvoys intriguing new welcome bonus – 5 free nights in lieu of the typical points welcome bonus. Well, if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy fan (or planning to become one), you have some interesting options ahead as the hobby just became a bit more crowded.
Today, two co-branded Marriott American Express cards began offering amazing (and limited time) welcome bonuses so let’s just dive into the details…
Card #1: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card [READ MORE]
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 125,000 Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months
- Annual Fee: $450
- Earn 25,000 Bonvoy points after you first anniversary of card membership
- Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for one year (February 1, 2021-January 31, 2022)
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary (up to 50,000 points)
- 15 elite nights towards status annually which makes it easier to earn status the next year
Important note: I listed some general benefits of the card but not an exhaustive list. It’s worth noting that $300 (of the $450 annual fee) are Marriott credits resulting in a net annual fee of $150. Given the additional free night certificate this annual fee is easy to justify.
Card #2: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card [READ MORE]
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months
- Annual Fee: $125
- Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for one year (February 1, 2021-January 31, 2022) Offer ends 1/13/21
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
- 15 elite nights towards status annually which makes it easier to earn status the next year
As highlighted above, both of these cards are offering Platinum status as part of the welcome bonus for applications through 13 January 2021.
IS PLATINUM STATUS GOOD?
You’re probably asking yourself “Is that good? What comes with platinum status?”
Here are some of the benefits:
- Room upgrades – including up to suites (subject to availability)
- Access to executive lounges (excludes Ritz-Carlton)
- Complimentary breakfast
- Guaranteed 4 PM late check-out
- 50% bonus points on stays
If you would like to compare the Marriott elite status benefits, CLICK HERE.
FINAL STAMP
I trust that this offer would not be available if hotels weren’t hurting at the moment (due to the pandemic).
Some people spend a lot of money, time on the road, and time in hotels to earn platinum status, so the fact that elite status is being offered for just possessing a credit card is pretty amazing.
I’ve had Marriott platinum status for several years now and enjoyed all of benefits that have come with it.
Remember THIS HOTEL EXPERIENCE? Yup, all because of platinum status.
What do you think about this offer from the Marriott cards?
1TattedPassport 
We love Marriott. Hubby got a gold membership because before we have lived in one of their beautiful hotel apartments in Abu Dhabi. It was a good experience indeed.
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@vinneve That sounds like an awesome experience indeed. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this concept.
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I think both offers are stellar because I value points over certificates (I.E Chase’s current offer), especially when it comes to Marriott. Plus when booking with points you get the 5th night free benefit.
I actually have the Brilliant card as I picked it up in April when they were giving card members 6 months to reach spend.
I was targeted for a 100k for $5,000 in spend over 6 months upgrade and pulled the trigger. Additionally, I also received an additional 35k in points due to a mistake made by the AMEX representative.
This Brilliant offer is definitely better than mine, when you factor the difference in points and status, but I don’t regret going for this offer.
The only question for me is should I go for the business card and increase my Marriott balance of points, which is currently at 181,000. I live in California and can definitely apply as a sole proprietor.
Thanks for the detailed article!
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@travelfitforaking you bring up another great aspect when considering which card is best..5th night free. 🙌🏾
I wouldn’t worry about the “better” offer. That comes with the territory. The longer you’re in the hobby, the more it will happen. Years ago, 100,000 points was unheard of, now it’s fairly common place. Clearly, I’d prefer 100k over 35k that I received 7 years ago but such is life.
Concerning the business card…it’s a tough call bc you always have to consider your 4 Amex slots, 5/24, minimum spend requirements, future travel goals, etc. Increasing balances are nice but only if it helps you accomplish your goals.
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