Want more travel hacks and credit card perks? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here. Want to play hotel royalty without spending like one? The Marriott Bonvoy American Express is your golden (lobby key) ticket if, and only if, you’re loyal to the Marriott house. Here’s the lowdown, stripped of the fluff, padded with points.
In This Post
Introduction
For the loyal Marriott Bonvoy fan, this card is all about fast-tracking your journey to elite status and might be just the ticket if Marriott is your go-to. With a modest £95 annual fee, the card offers plenty of rewards, but does it really pack a punch? Let’s find out.
The Hook: Sign-Up Bonus
Spend £3,000 in 3 months and snag 20,000 Bonvoy points. That’s roughly £100 off a stay or 6,667 Avios for your next skyward escape.
Who’s eligible? No personal Amex in the past 24 months = you’re in. Corporate or supplementary cardholder? Still counts. Handy, that.
Fast Track to Elite Status
This card comes with 15 elite night credits each year. That’s Silver Elite off the bat (late checkout, 10% bonus points), and you’re already halfway to Gold.
Stay 35 nights, and it’s hello Platinum and hello free brekkie, lounge access, and room upgrades that don’t look like a parking space with curtains.
Spend More, Get More
- Spend £15k in a year = automatic Gold Elite.
- Spend £25k = Free Night Award (25,000 point cap)
- You can top up the award with an extra 15,000 points if you’re eyeing a nicer property. But honestly, would it cost £25k for a mid-tier hotel night? Only do it if you are spending money anyway.
Earning Rates (aka: Should I Bother?)
- 2 points per £1 on regular Spend
- 6 points per £1 at Marriott hotels
- That’s about a 3% return on Marriott stays and a decent (ish) 1% on everyday Spend. Each point is worth 0.5p, so don’t go buying Fabergé eggs thinking you’re making bank.
Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Points with a Pulse
This is where Bonvoy gets spicy. Think backstage gigs, Wimbledon hospitality, cooking with Michelin chefs, and stuff you can’t buy with a Premier Inn booking.
If you value experiences over spreadsheets, Bonvoy Moments can be the ultimate flex.
How It Compares: Other Travel Cards in the Aisle
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Amex | Amex Gold Credit Card | Barclaycard Avios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £95 | Free 1st year (£195 after) | Free (Avios); £240 (Plus version) |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 20,000 Bonvoy points | 20,000 Membership Rewards pts | 5,000–25,000 Avios |
| Best For | Marriott loyalists + status | General travel rewards & dining | Avios collectors + BA flyers |
| Spending Perks | 6x points at Marriott hotels | 2x points on dining & travel | Cabin upgrades, 2-4-1 vouchers |
| Foreign Spend Fee | 3% | 3% | 0% (Avios Plus only) |
Verdict:
- Love Marriott? Stay loyal and enjoy the perks.
- Dining out or dabbling in different brands? Amex Gold offers flexible, transferable points.
- Flying BA more than your local bus? Avios wins the race.
But Wait, Foreign Transaction Fees
Big catch: 3% FX fee abroad.
Take a Currensea card on holiday instead. It’s only 0.5%, and it won’t judge your sunburn. Just remember, it’s a debit card, not a credit one, so there is no Section 75 protection or credit-building magic.
Final Call
Get this card if:
- You stay at Marriott often (even semi-regularly)
- You value status and late checkouts.
- You want points that can flex for flights or VIP events.
Skip this card if:
- You want straightforward cashback
- You rarely sleep in Marriott beds
- You’re allergic to foreign exchange fees
At £95 a year, it’s not cheap, but one decent redemption or upgraded stay will make it pay for itself. To sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express click here.
Still Taxiing? Read On:
- What Does Marriott Bonvoy Get You with the Amex Platinum?
- How to Max Out Marriott Bonvoy in the UK
- The Ultimate Guide to Marriott Bonvoy: Rewards, Status & Tips
