Those credits come on top of the 15 Elite Night credits cardholders already receive each calendar year, helping them get closer to reaching the next level of Marriott Bonvoy status. The Boundless—and its sister card, the Bold—automatically confers Silver Elite status, which is unlocked with 10 Elite Night Credits, but members need just 25 nights to hit Gold, a tier that offers 25 percent more points on stays, enhanced room upgrades, 2 p.m. late checkout, and more.
Boundless cardholders can access a host of other perks, too—most notably a free night award worth up to 35,000 points delivered every year after your account anniversary.And while that benefit alone makes it easy to justify the card’s $95 annual fee, the Boundless also offers baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursem*nt, trip delay reimbursem*nt, and purchase protection.
While the Bold doesn’t come with a free night, it does offer those same four protections, which can come in clutch when travels go awry.
Welcome bonus (and how to spend it)
The current Boundless bonus is a significant one, with free nights starting at just 7,500 points. There are several great options for redeeming the 100,000 points, whether you’re looking to go all-out on a one-night stay at an aspirational property or cover a longer trip in its entirety.
While Marriott’s award rates fluctuate dynamically, meaning they can change dramatically from month to month and even day to day, those looking for luxury can find plenty of properties charging fewer than 100,000 points per night.The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, for example, has several sub-100,000 nights throughout February and March, including for prime spring break dates. Farther afield, 100,000 points is also well over what you’ll need to book a night at theSt. Regis Osaka during Japan’s peak cherry blossom season.
If you’re looking to stretch your Boundless bonus to two nights for a beachfront stay, consider theSheraton Kauai Coconut Beach, where you can find rooms for as few as 56,000 points this spring, or theJW Marriott Mauritius, where rates can sink to 53,000 points—meaning you’ll need to earn just a few thousand more points on top of your bonus before you’re covered for a weekend. If Europe is more your speed, consider theGrand Hotel Suisse Majesticin Montreux, Switzerland, where between 40,000 and 50,000 points will secure you unparalleled views of Lake Geneva and the nearby Alps.
For those working with the 60,000-point Bold bonus, the historicLa Posada de Santa Fe makes a compelling choice for a domestic one-night stay, with rates consistently in the 50,000- to 60,000-point range throughout March. Internationally, you can snag a night for fewer than 60,000 points on several dates in February and March atSt. Ermin’s Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in central London.
Is the Bonvoy Boundless or Bold right for you?
With new ways to earn points and elite nights, as well as a hefty welcome bonus and free night award, theBoundlessis a compelling option for those who see themselves staying at Marriott properties in the near future. While othercards out there may have a more robust suite of perks, the Boundless is a great card for those who want to turn day-to-day expenses like groceries and gas into free hotel stays—all for a reasonable $95 fee.
For those who aren’t ready to commit to an annual fee, theMarriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card is a perfect choice. On the other end of the spectrum, if you plan to stay at Marriotts frequently, the premium, perk-packedMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant® from American Express® could be your move.
Don’t want to take the plunge on the Brilliant’s $650 fee? Consider theMarriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Cardand theMarriott Bonvoy Bountiful™Cardfrom Chase, whichoffer enhanced points-earning opportunities and each bear a $250 annual fee.
See rates and fees for the American Express cards listed: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
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