As we all know, hotel credit cards come in many shapes and sizes.
You can splurge on ultra-premium, high-annual-fee cards that include extra benefits, or you can find options that charge less than $100. Whether you travel frequently or want to save some points for your annual vacation, these cards can be a great addition to any traveler’s wallet.
this Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (See Rates & Fees) is one of the best options for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who want to keep their annual fees low.
For $95 per year, you get a ton of benefits. In addition, new cardholders can receive three free night awards (each worth up to 50,000 points) after they spend $3,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three months of account opening. NOTE: Some hotels charge a resort fee. TPG’s November 2025 valuation puts Marriott Bonvoy at 0.7 cents per share, so the bonus is worth $1,050.
In addition to the welcome offer, here are three reasons why the Bonvoy Boundless card is worth paying the annual fee.
free night award
Annual Free Accommodation Award Marriott Bonvoy Unlimited is one of the card’s most useful benefits. If you maximize its value, it may offset the card’s annual fee on its own.
That’s because each year when the account is renewed, cardholders receive a reward night certificate valid for a stay at a Marriott hotel, worth up to 35,000 Bonvoy points per night (some hotels charge a resort fee).
While you certainly can’t redeem this award night anywhere, there are thousands of options available for 35,000 points per night or less. According to TPG’s November 2025 valuation, the 35,000-point annual free night award is worth $245, nearly triple the $95 annual fee.
With Marriott points losing value earlier this year, you may find it harder to use these certificates, especially during periods of high demand. However, you can combine certificates with up to 15,000 points in your account to “upgrade” to a higher-priced award room (for a total of up to 50,000 points), which should provide some additional flexibility.
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RELATED: When You Should Redeem Free Night Vouchers Instead of Hotel Points
Automatic elite status and 15 Elite Night points
Marriott Bonvoy Unlimited Cardholders also automatically receive Silver Elite status in the program.
While this is considered an entry-level level, Silver Elite members do earn 10% bonus points on qualifying paid stays and priority late checkouts.
With this card, you’ll also earn 15 Elite Night Points each calendar year, which can be applied toward the next level of Marriott status. You can also earn extra points for every $5,000 you spend on the card to earn elite status.
Even better, you can earn one set of Elite Stay points with your Marriott personal card and an additional set of Elite Stay points with your Marriott business card, e.g. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
Combining Boundless with a business card will earn you Gold status and is just 20 nights away from Platinum status.
TPG employees also love the benefits of Bonvoy Boundless. Chief writer Katie Ginter said:
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is an easy choice for me to renew every year. In exchange for the $95 annual fee, I earn 6 points per $1 spent when I use my card at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, a free night bonus good for one night at a hotel every year after your account anniversary, with redemption tiers up to 35,000 points [certain hotels have resort fees]15 elite stay points per year, which can be used to obtain higher-level Marriott Bonvoy membership, etc. But honestly, the one-free-night bonus of up to 35,000 points more than justifies the annual fee on this card, so I hope to keep this card for the long haul.
Travel and luggage insurance
Insurance coverage provided Marriott Bonvoy Unlimited Solid and valuable.
While travel may not be on your mind when you apply for a card, if you ever get stuck, you’ll appreciate what Boundless has to offer. These benefits include:
The card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for travelers abroad.
Related: Credit card travel insurance: When it’s helpful and when it’s not
bottom line
this Marriott Bonvoy Unlimited It’s an excellent choice for anyone from Bonvoy fanatics to occasional travelers who stay with the brand, thanks to the practical benefits of its low annual fee.
If you’re interested in applying, be sure to check your eligibility and remember Chase’s application restrictions, including the infamous 5/24 rule.
To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Unlimited Credit Card
Related: Does it make sense to have multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?
