Marriott has co-branded several credit cards specifically intended for travel with exclusive programs designed to help save you money on the road, whether it is welcome rewards or free nights at a Marriott hotel. With more than 7,000 participating hotels and resorts, you have more than enough places to lay your head and enjoy the extra travel perks that your new card brings. These are the best Marriott credit cards for 2023. With the Marriott Bonvoy Air+Car Transfer Program, you can redeem your points for both flights and car rentals worldwide when you book with Marriott travel partners. With complimentary Gold Elite status, you can receive priority late checkout with 10% bonus points on stays. There are no foreign transaction fees for your global travels, but there is an annual fee of $125 you will need to pay each year. Pros
Extended rewardsAnniversary nightMarriott Bonvoy Elite status
Cons
Annual fee appliesMediocre non-Marriott rewardsLimited acceptance worldwide
The travel benefits are fantastic after you spend your first $300 in annual purchases. You receive elevated rewards points when you use signature Chase services, like 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards. However, you still earn points when you purchase your travel through other channels, receiving 5x points on flights, 3x points on worldwide travel, and 3x on dining, including delivery and takeout where eligible. For all other purchases, there is 1 point per dollar awarded. If you redeem your points for Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can earn 50% more points in rotating categories, serving as an extra bonus under the Pay Yourself Back program. Pros
10x hotel rewards pointsIntro rewards offerAnnual travel credit
Cons
High annual feeAnnual fee per extra userExcellent credit required
Annual fee: Marriott credit card may assess a special fee for an annual membership. While some cards may offer $400 or more fees, others may not charge a fee at all, saving you extra cash each year.Travel: Marriott credit cards are most ideal for those who frequent Marriott properties. If you do not like to stay at Marriott hotels, this credit card is likely not a good option for you. Redemption: While some rewards are redeemable as cash, others may only be redeemable for travel or dining rewards. Be sure to check how you can redeem your rewards to ensure it works with your financial goals before signing up for a new Marriott credit card.Credit score: Like many other credit cards, Marriott travel credit cards have requirements regarding the type of credit you must have. For example, while the Chase Sapphire card requires excellent credit, making it harder to qualify, you only need good credit to qualify for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card.
Take your time shopping and comparing credit cards to make sure you find the best fit for you. These are expert recommendations from the ZDNet editorial team to help you find the right credit card for you. Some other Marriott credit cards you may want to consider include these options.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardThe Platinum Card® from American ExpressChase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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