Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Review: More Than Just a Hotel Card
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is strongest for travellers who can get value from Marriott in multiple ways. That could mean using points for hotel stays, redeeming the annual free night, building toward status with elite-night credits, or keeping airline transfers as a useful backup.
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Points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
Points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.*
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card helps travellers earn free stays and experiences at some of the world’s ritziest hotels, restaurants and spas. But if you’re not a frequent hotel guest, there’s little reason to get this card. Best for: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who spend big on hotels.
Pros
- High 2x base rate on all purchases.
- Full suite of travel insurance.
- Ability to convert points to other popular frequent flyer programs.
Cons
- Top 5x earn rate only applies to Marriott Bonvoy purchases.
- Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points
- New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers can earn up to 60,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® Points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership
- Apply with confidence! See if you’ll be approved before you apply – with no impact to your credit score.*
- *Instant decisions are only available for Consumer (also known as Personal) Card applications.
- Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
- Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
- No annual fee on Additional Cards.
- Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels.
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
- Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
This card is more compelling than a typical hotel card because its value goes beyond hotel stays. The $120 annual fee is easier to justify than it first appears, but mostly if Marriott is already part of how you travel.
We've highlighted five things to consider before applying for this rewards card.
1. The free night and elite credits offer the most appeal
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card earns 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases. Those rates are solid, but the stronger reason to carry this card is the value built in beyond the earn rate.
Cardholders get an Annual Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points after each card anniversary, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year. For travellers who already stay with Marriott from time to time, those perks can do more to justify the $120 annual fee than points alone.
That is what makes this feel less like a "maybe" hotel card and more like a keeper. The free night can offset a good chunk of the fee if you redeem it well, and the elite-night credits add value for travellers who want a status head start each year.
You can top up the Annual Free Night Award with up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which gives the certificate more flexibility if the redemption you want costs more than it covers on its own.
2. The points are more flexible than most people think
Marriott Bonvoy points are not just for Marriott stays; they can also be transferred to a wide range of airline partners, usually at a 3:1 ratio. United transfers are a little better, with 60,000 Bonvoy points yielding 25,000 MileagePlus miles.
That does not mean transfers are always the best use of your points. Often, they are not. But it does make Bonvoy points more useful than a typical hotel currency. You can use them for a Marriott stay, transfer them when you are short on an airline redemption or keep them in reserve for later.
Based on NerdWallet's analysis, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth about 0.76 cents each when redeemed for Marriott stays. That gives you a clear baseline, even if a transfer sometimes creates more value in the right situation.
Marriott Bonvoy points value breakdown
NerdWallet analyzed more than 50 data points on Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays in 2024. Based on that analysis, the average value of 1 Marriott Bonvoy point is about 0.76 cents.
More specifically, you can expect to get around:
0.69 cents per point when booking stays 15 days in advance
0.80 cents per point when booking stays 60 days in advance
0.91 cents per point when booking stays four months in advance
Transfer partners can sometimes push the value higher in the right redemption, but the simplest baseline is still hotel-stay value
3. This card works best if Marriott already matters to you
You do not need to be a Marriott loyalist for this card to make sense. Marriott just needs to be part of how you travel. If you stay with Marriott a few times a year, can use the annual free night reliably or want hotel points with some transfer flexibility, the card gets much more appealing.
If Marriott is barely part of how you travel, the case gets weaker. The free night becomes something you have to remember to use, the status perks matter less, and the 2x base earn is usually not enough on its own to make this card essential.
4. The welcome offer helps, but the anniversary value is worth waiting for
New cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points: 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus 10,000 points after spending $500 in the 13th month. At NerdWallet's estimated hotel-stay value of 0.76 cents per point, that full offer is worth about $532.
That is a solid offer. But the better reason to keep this card is what happens after year one. The annual free night, 15 Elite Night Credits, and transfer flexibility are what make it worth holding on to.
Part of the reason people like this card is that Bonvoy points do not have to die as hotel points.
American Express Canada now lets you check your eligibility for a personal card before you apply. You’ll get an instant decision through a soft credit check, with no impact to your credit score — a smart, easy way to apply with confidence.
5. This is still a hotel-first Amex card
The biggest drawback is that the value is conditional. This is still a Marriott-first card on the Amex network. That means a narrower fit than a general travel card, and slightly limited network acceptance.
If you want broader usability and simpler, more general rewards, this isn't the right pick.
That does not mean it's weak, but it does mean this card works best when it does what it's meant to do: generate Marriott value, with some extra flexibility on the side.
When another card may fit better
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card works best as a Marriott loyalty card with some transfer flexibility. If that is not what you want, another kind of travel card may be a better fit.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
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Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†.
Avid Expedia users will get the most out of this card, with its top earn rate (8x TD points) on bookings made through the travel platform. An annual travel credit, airport lounge access and insurances round out this card as a solid pick for jetsetters. But the $139 may be too steep for some, and if you don’t use Expedia, the rewards may not be as fruitful. Best for: Frequent travellers and Expedia surfers who spend big on groceries, dining, and transit.
Pros
- $100 travel credit, annually.
- Airport lounge access and four free passes.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Higher than average $139 annual fee for points card.
- Top earn rate (8x points) only applies to Expedia bookings.
- Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points, receive an annual fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
- Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
- Earn 145,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
- Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277)*.
- To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
- Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
- Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card† plus earn an annual Birthday Bonus† of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
- No travel blackouts†, no seat restrictions† and no expiry† for your TD Rewards Points as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Each year, you will receive one $100.00 TD Travel Credit on your first Eligible Travel Credit Purchase of $500.00 or more made with Expedia For TD and posted to the Account in a calendar year.
- Interest Rates: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Go Places on Points: Your Points are worth more when you redeem through Expedia® For TD: Search over a million flights, hotels, packages and more! When you’re ready to book, you can redeem† your TD Rewards Points towards your travel purchase right away.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $2 million of coverage for the first 21 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Consider it if you want strong hotel earnings without committing to one hotel program. Hotel bookings through Expedia For TD earn 8 TD Rewards Points per dollar, which works out to about a 4% return when redeemed for travel through Expedia For TD.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
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Cash back on up to three categories.
Cash back on everything else.
Tangerine lets you pick up to three categories from a pool of 10 that you’ll earn 2% back on, making it one of the more flexible cash-back programs on the market. Other cash-back cards offer higher earn rates on similar categories, but the Tangerine Money-Back card doesn’t have caps — so, you could earn unlimited 2% back on furniture, for example, throughout the year. Best for: People who spend big in unusual categories and want a simple cash-back card.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Choose the 2% cash-back categories based on your spending.
- 15% off H&R Block.
Cons
- Other cards offer higher rates on similar categories.
- Must have a Tangerine savings account to unlock 3rd cash-back category.
- Earn 10% cash back¹⁰ for 2 months (Up to $100) – That’s on top of regular cash back. Plus, get a promo rate on balances you transfer for a limited time. Offer Expires April 30, 2026.
- Two Categories – 2% Money-Back Rewards on purchases in two categories of your choice. OR Three categories Deposit your Rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account and get a third 2% Money-Back category. 13 Categories to explore – Groceries, gas, and beyond, choose from 13 categories to suit your spending. And change them up every 90 days to match your purchases.◊
- 0.50% on everything else.
- Redeem cash back monthly as a statement credit or deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
- No annual fee.
- Transfer balances within your first 30 days and pay only 1.95% interest on the transferred balance for the first six months (22.95% after that). 1% balance transfer fee applies to the amount transferred.
- Get free cards for any authorized users on your account.
- It only includes purchase assurance and extended protection insurance. For more insurance, consider the Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* which requires a minimum personal income of $60,000. If you meet this requirement, you will automatically be considered for the World card if you apply for the Money-Back card.
- Preferred rates: 20.95% for purchases, 22.95% for cash advances (including balance transfers).
- To be eligible, a $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Consider it if you want a simpler, no-fee way to earn on hotels. You can choose Hotel-Motel as a 2% cash-back category to earn unlimited cash back and receive rewards paid monthly. It is a better fit for someone who wants simple hotel value rather than status perks or transfer options.
The Platinum Card from American Express
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Points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on eligible travel purchases.
Points on all other purchases.
As the name suggests, this card offers top-tier perks like free airport lounge access, an annual $200 travel credit and a full suite of insurances. However, it’s a charge card, so you must pay off the balance in full each month or face steep interest. And, for a premium travel card that costs $799 a year, the 2.5% foreign transaction fee is a bit of a letdown. Best for: High-end jetsetters who spend big on travel and don’t carry a balance.
Pros
- Annual credits totalling $640.
- Comprehensive and unlimited airport lounge access.
- No pre-set spending limit.
Cons
- Very steep $799 annual fee.
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
- Must pay off balance each month.
- Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
- Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
- New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
- Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
- Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply.
- Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
- Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
- Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
- Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Consider this ultra-lux card if you want premium hotel perks across brands instead of Marriott-specific value. It is a better fit for travellers who care more about broad luxury travel benefits than a single hotel program's points, free nights and elite credits.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card worth it?
Yes, if Marriott is part of how you travel.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is worth it if you can get value from Marriott in more than one way, whether through hotel stays, the annual free night, elite-night credits or airline transfers.
That is the real case for the card. It is not the most flexible travel card in Canada, and it is not the best everyday spender. But if you can actually use the free night, elite credits and transfer flexibility, it is a strong keeper card.
Rewards calculator: See how many Marriott Bonvoy points you can earn
Methodology
BACK TO TOPNerdy takeaways
Best for: Marriott travellers and transfer-minded points collectors
What you gain: free night, elite credits, airline-transfer optionality
What you lose: broad acceptance and true general-purpose flexibility
Earns: 5x at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x everywhere else
Annual fee: $120
Why it stands out: the value is not just in hotel stays
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell