How to Maximize Rewards With the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card
To maximize rewards, you’ll want to use the card to make eligible Marriott purchases and to spend at restaurants and U.S. grocery stores. It is especially important to use the card when making reservations with the 30 brands that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, as you’ll be eligible for 1,000 bonus points per stay in addition to earning six points per dollar. You may also want to keep track of your spending across restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, since your earnings will decrease from four points per dollar to two points per dollar once you spend $15,000 across these categories in a calendar year.
You’ll redeem your points through Marriott Bonvoy. You can use points to cover travel expenses such as hotel stays, car rentals and airfare. Other redemption options include donating your points or purchasing gift cards. Keep in mind that point values may vary depending on how you choose to redeem.
It’s also possible to transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to a participating frequent flyer program. For every 60,000 points you transfer, you’ll get an extra 5,000 miles from Marriott. You’ll typically be able to transfer points to miles at a 3-to-1 ratio.
Comparisons With Other Credit Cards
Annual fee: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card charges a $250 annual fee, while the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card does not have an annual fee.
Rewards: Both cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points. The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card earns three points per dollar on spending at eligible hotels, two points per dollar on other travel purchases and one point per dollar on all other spending. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card earns six points per dollar on spending at eligible hotels, four points per dollar on up to $15,000 per calendar year spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and two points per dollar on all other spending.
Welcome offer: New cardholders with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card. If you open the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card by Jan. 11, you can earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you make $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
Benefits: Both cards come with 15 elite night credits, which can help you unlock higher levels in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. With the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card, you will start with Gold Elite status, which can get you benefits such as room upgrades. The Bevy card also offers a free night worth up to 50,000 points to cardholders who spend at least $15,000 in a calendar year. You’ll also have access to perks from American Express. Chase issues the Bold card, and it comes with perks including baggage insurance and Visa Signature Concierge Service.
Annual fee: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card charges a $250 annual fee, while the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card charges a $395 annual fee.
Rewards: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card earns six points per dollar on spending at eligible hotels, four points per dollar on up to $15,000 per calendar year spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and two points per dollar on all other spending. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: The cards have the same spending requirement to unlock the welcome offer: $4,000 in your first three months with an account. If you open the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card by Jan. 11, you can earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points for meeting this requirement. For its part, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 75,000 bonus miles.
Benefits: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card comes with Marriott-related benefits, such as complimentary Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits. The card also offers perks from American Express. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you’ll have access to benefits including a travel credit of up to $100 to cover the fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and access to more than 1,300 airport lounges.
What Are the Fees Associated With the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card?
- Annual fee: $250.
- Foreign transaction fee: There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Cash advance fee: either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late payment fee: You can be charged up to $40 for a late payment.
- Returned payment fee: You can be charged up to $40 for a returned payment (See Rates & Fees)
- Over-limit fee: There is no over-limit fee.
Should You Get the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card?
- Frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties.
- Don’t want to pay a foreign transaction fee.
- Would earn enough points to make the annual fee worth it.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card, (See Rates & Fees)