The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a popular choice for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and want to maximize their rewards without paying an annual fee. This card offers a range of benefits, including points on Marriott purchases, travel protections, and elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key features, benefits, and the application process for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, helping you determine if this card is the right fit for your travel needs.
Key Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
1. Welcome Bonus
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers a compelling welcome bonus for new cardholders. Currently, the offer is to earn 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. These points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott properties worldwide, making this bonus particularly valuable for travelers.
2. Marriott Bonvoy Points
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card rewards users with points on every purchase, with higher earnings on Marriott-related spending:
- 3x Points at Marriott Hotels: Earn triple points on every dollar spent at over 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide. This includes room charges, dining, and other eligible purchases made directly with Marriott.
- 2x Points on Travel Purchases: Earn double points on other travel-related purchases, such as airfare, car rentals, and taxis.
- 1x Point on All Other Purchases: Earn one point per dollar on all other purchases, allowing you to accumulate points on your everyday spending.
3. Elite Status Benefits
As a Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Cardholder, you automatically qualify for Silver Elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program. This status comes with a range of benefits that enhance your Marriott experience:
- Priority Late Checkout: Enjoy the convenience of late checkout, subject to availability, giving you more time to enjoy your stay.
- 10% Bonus Points on Stays: Earn a 10% bonus on points earned during your stays at Marriott properties, helping you reach free nights faster.
- Member-Exclusive Rates: Access exclusive rates and offers when booking directly with Marriott.
4. Travel and Purchase Protections
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card includes several valuable travel and purchase protections, providing peace of mind when traveling:
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Reimbursement for expenses incurred when your common carrier travel is delayed for more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, up to $500 per ticket.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Receive up to $3,000 per passenger for checked or carry-on luggage that is lost or damaged by the carrier.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when your baggage is delayed for more than six hours, up to $100 per day for five days.
- Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Visa Signature Concierge Service: 24/7 access to concierge services for help with dining reservations, event tickets, travel arrangements, and more.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For international travelers, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a great choice as it does not charge any foreign transaction fees. This allows you to use your card abroad without worrying about additional costs, making it an ideal travel companion.
6. No Annual Fee
One of the most attractive features of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is that it comes with no annual fee. This allows you to enjoy the card’s benefits and rewards without the burden of an additional yearly cost, making it a cost-effective choice for those who want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
How to Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy points earned with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card can be redeemed in several ways:
- Free Nights: Redeem points for free nights at over 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide. The number of points required varies depending on the property and the date of your stay.
- Room Upgrades: Use points to upgrade your room to a more luxurious option during your stay.
- Travel Experiences: Redeem points for exclusive experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program, such as concert tickets, sports events, and culinary experiences.
- Transfer to Airline Partners: Convert your points into airline miles with over 40 airline partners, often at a ratio of 3:1. This can be a valuable option for frequent flyers.
- Car Rentals: Use points to book car rentals through Marriott’s travel partners.
How to Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.
1. Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, it’s important to check your credit score. The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score, typically 670 or above. You can check your credit score for free through various online services like Credit Karma, Experian, or your bank’s online portal.
2. Gather Your Personal and Financial Information
Having your documents and information ready will streamline the application process. You will need:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is required to verify your identity.
- Proof of Income: Include your employment information and your annual income. Documents such as pay stubs or tax returns might be necessary.
- Residential Address: Ensure you have proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
3. Visit the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Application Page
The easiest and most convenient way to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is online through the official Chase website, as Chase is the issuer of the card. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Chase Credit Cards Page: Navigate to the Chase credit cards section. You can do this by typing “Marriott Bonvoy Bold” into your search engine or going directly to the Chase website and finding the credit cards section.
- Select the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Click on the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card option to proceed to the application page.
4. Fill Out the Application Form
Once you are on the application page, you will need to complete the form with your personal and financial information. Here’s what you’ll typically need to provide:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number.
- Contact Information: Email address, phone number, and residential address.
- Financial Information: Employment status, total annual income, and any other relevant financial information.
5. Review and Submit Your Application
After filling out the application form, carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure its accuracy. Any mistakes could delay the processing of your application or lead to a rejection. Once you are confident that all the details are correct, submit your application.
6. Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, you should receive a response within a few minutes. In some cases, the review process may take a few days. If your application requires further review, you might receive a notification to provide additional information.
7. Receive Your Card
If your application is approved, you will receive your Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive your card, you will need to activate it by following the instructions provided.
Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
To get the most out of your Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, consider these tips:
- Use Your Card for Marriott Stays: Since the card offers 3x points at Marriott Bonvoy properties, using it for your hotel stays will help you accumulate points quickly.
- Take Advantage of the Welcome Bonus: Ensure you meet the spending requirement of $1,000 within the first three months to earn the 30,000-point welcome bonus.
- Redeem Points Strategically: Consider redeeming your points for free nights during peak travel times when hotel rates are higher, maximizing the value of your rewards.
- Transfer Points to Airline Partners: If you’re a frequent flyer, transferring points to one of Marriott’s airline partners could offer greater value for your travel needs.
- Monitor Your Credit: Use tools provided by Chase to monitor your credit score and track any changes. This can help you stay on top of your credit health.
Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is an excellent option for those looking to earn rewards on Marriott stays without paying an annual fee. With a generous welcome bonus, elite status benefits, and comprehensive travel protections, this card offers significant value to both occasional and frequent travelers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and start enjoying its numerous benefits.
