Source: The Points Guy
Summary
This article compares the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. The Bonvoy Boundless has a lower annual fee of $95 and offers a welcome offer of 125,000 bonus points and a free night award. The Bonvoy Brilliant has a higher annual fee of $650 and offers a welcome offer of up to 150,000 bonus points. Both cards earn 6 points per dollar spent on purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and offer benefits such as elite status, annual free night awards, and elite night credits.
The article also discusses the earning structures of the two cards, with the Bonvoy Boundless earning 3 points per dollar spent on groceries and gas stations and the Bonvoy Brilliant earning 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline. The article concludes that the Bonvoy Boundless is best for beginner travelers and those who stay at Marriott properties a few times a year, while the Bonvoy Brilliant is best for Marriott loyalists who want Platinum Elite status and can make the most of its other benefits.
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Both cards offer benefits designed for Marriott guests, including elite status, annual free night awards, and elite night credits. The Bonvoy Boundless offers a more affordable annual fee and a welcome offer with a lower spending requirement, while the Bonvoy Brilliant offers more premium benefits, including Platinum Elite status and a higher free night award. The Bonvoy Boundless is best for those who stay at Marriott properties a few times a year, while the Bonvoy Brilliant is best for Marriott loyalists who want to maximize their benefits. The Marriott Bonvoy program allows for transfers to over 35 airline partners, with a 3:1 ratio for most transfers. Both cards have access to the same transfer partners and can transfer to friends and family. The fifth-night-free perk allows for booking a five-night stay with points and paying for only four nights.
Marriott’s dynamic pricing model means that the number of points needed for a stay depends on the hotel, room type, occupancy, and cash rate. Transferring points to airlines can be a good choice in specific situations, but generally, it’s recommended to avoid this option unless you need to top off your balances.
Author: Evan Null
