Marriott is the world’s largest hotel chain, with over 9,000 properties in 144 countries spread across 35-plus brands. Like most hotel chains, Marriott offers an extensive family of cobranded credit cards.

Two issuers offer these credit cards: American Express and Chase. Options range from no-annual-fee, entry-level cards to premium cards and a business card.

Here are some of the most popular Marriott credit cards available to new applicants, a snapshot of each one’s welcome offer range and some guidance on the best time to apply.

We’ll only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers that feature better deals than those outlined below. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.

Best Marriott welcome offers

Card	Best welcome offer we’ve seen	When to apply
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card	150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.	If the offer is over 100,000 points or three or more free nights
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card	125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.	If the offer is over 85,000 points
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card	Five free night awards, worth up to 50,000 points apiece, after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership. Certain hotels have resort fees.	If the offer is over 100,000 points or three or more free nights
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card	Five free night awards, worth up to 50,000 points apiece, after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.	If the offer is more than three free night awards or at least 125,000 bonus points
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card	60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.	If the offer is more than 60,000 points

Related: Best welcome offers of the month

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Marriott’s most premium card, the Bonvoy Brilliant, has a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly and 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.

The Brilliant offers benefits like automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual 85,000-point free night award each year after renewal (certain hotels have resort fees; terms apply) and various travel protections in case something goes awry during your travels.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bonvoy Brilliant:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we’ve seen on the Bonvoy Brilliant allowed new cardmembers to earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.

When to apply

If the offer is over 100,000 bonus points, it’s a good time to consider applying.

To learn more, read our full Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant review.

---

Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

---

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

The Bonvoy Bevy is a mid-tier credit card that earns 6 points per dollar spent on Marriott hotels. It has a bevy of benefits and a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

The Bevy comes with perks like automatic Gold Elite status (terms apply), elite night credits and modest travel protections.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bonvoy Bevy:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new applicants can earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we’ve seen on the Bonvoy Bevy allowed new cardmembers to earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.

When to apply

If the offer is over 85,000 points, it’s a good time to submit an application.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bonvoy Bevy.

---

Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

---

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Small-business owners who frequently stay at Marriott’s properties will find plenty to like about the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express. The card comes with a $125 annual fee (see rates and fees), but has many perks that can help justify this fee.

This card offers a free night award of up to 35,000 points (resort fees may apply), elite night credits and solid earnings on Marriott stays.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bonvoy Business:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new applicants can earn 125,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we’ve seen on the Bonvoy Business allowed new cardmembers to earn five free night awards, worth up to 50,000 points apiece, after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.

When to apply

If the offer is over 100,000 points or three or more free nights, it’s a good time to fill out an application.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.

---

Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

---

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a mid-tier option from Chase with a $95 annual fee. It earns 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott properties.

The Boundless card also comes with many premium-like benefits, including an up to 35,000-point anniversary free night award, automatic Silver Elite status and elite night credits.

Here are the offers we’ve seen over the past few years:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points and one Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. Certain hotels may have resort fees.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we’ve seen on the Bonvoy Boundless allowed new cardholders to earn five free night awards (each night is valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

If the offer is more than three free night awards or at least 125,000 bonus points, you should consider applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.

---

Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

---

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

The no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold from Chase is an entry-level Marriott credit card. It offers modest benefits and elitelike perks for those who don’t stay at Marriott properties frequently.

The Bold offers automatic Silver Elite status, elite night credits and modest travel protections.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bold card:

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
September 2025 to now	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$420
July 2025 to September 2025	Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$210
June 2025	Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.	Up to $770
March 2025 to June 2025	Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$210
January 2025 to March 2025	Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.	Up to $770
November 2024 to January 2025	Earn 30,000 bonus points after using the card to spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$210
July 2024 to November 2024	Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.	Up to $770
August 2023 to July 2024	Earn 30,000 bonus points after using the card to spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$210
June 2023 to August 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months from account opening; plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.	Up to $700
September 2022 to June 2023	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months from account opening.	$420

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we’ve seen on the Bonvoy Bold allowed new cardmembers to earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.

When to apply

If the offer is over 60,000 bonus points, it’s a good time to consider applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold.

---

Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

---

Application restrictions

Before applying for one of these Marriott credit cards, it’s imperative to make sure you’re eligible for the welcome offer.

The Marriott American Express cards only allow you to earn one bonus for each of their cards once in a lifetime, and they have strict rules, so you may not be eligible for some cards’ welcome bonuses.

Additionally, Marriott has extra rules on welcome bonus eligibility if you have previously held other Marriott or former Starwood Preferred Guest credit cards. You can use this eligibility table to see if you are eligible for a welcome bonus.

On the Marriott Chase cobranded cards side, you are subject to the 5/24 rule, which means you can’t have opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months. This rule is in addition to the Marriott application rules if you have previously held another Marriott or former SPG credit card.

Related: Want to open a new Chase card? Here’s how to calculate your 5/24 standing

Bottom line

Using the data and offer history above can help you time applications and potentially net you many more Bonvoy points. The historical data shows that during certain months, welcome offers tend to be higher than in other months year over year.

Lastly, with this offer history, you have a baseline and threshold on the bare minimum welcome offer you should apply for. If it is higher than that threshold, that would be considered a good time to apply for a Marriott card.

Related: Best Marriott credit cards

For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, click here.
For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.
For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click here.

Although I don’t consider myself particularly loyal to any one airline, I’ve held — and loved — my Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees) for several years.

The $75 annual flight credit and 7,500 anniversary points bonus (worth $101 by our August 2025 valuations) more than made up for the annual fee, even for a casual Southwest Airlines flyer. Despite the airline’s tumultuous string of changes earlier this year, I still kept the card.

But Southwest’s recent credit card revamp is the last straw.

Here’s why I’m canceling my Southwest card before the new annual fee hits my account, and what other cards I’m considering replacing it with.

Why I’m canceling my Southwest card

Not only is the Priority card’s annual fee increasing by more than 50%, from $149 to $229, but the annual $75 flight credit — the card’s most valuable perk, in my view — is disappearing, with nothing to replace it. The credit will no longer be part of the card’s benefits after Dec. 31.

This top-tier card doesn’t even include a once-per-year promotional flight discount like the lower-annual-fee Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees).

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

What does the revamped Priority card offer?

The highlight of the card’s makeover, it seems, is the ability to upgrade to Southwest’s extra-legroom seats (set to debut in 2026) within 48 hours of departure for myself and up to eight companions, when available. This would be worth more if I frequently flew Southwest with a large family, but because it’s usually just me and my partner once or twice a year, it doesn’t seem worth the $229 annual fee.

Plus, because Southwest’s route network is mostly limited to flights within the U.S. and the Caribbean, extra legroom doesn’t make as much of a difference as on, say, a transatlantic flight.

Another new perk: Priority cardholders can earn 2,500 tier qualifying points (up from 1,500) for every $5,000 spent. But with how little I fly Southwest, I’m unlikely to get close to status anyway.

Similarly, the new earning structure, including 4 points per dollar spent on eligible Southwest purchases (up from 3 points per dollar) and 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants (up from 1 point per dollar), doesn’t move the needle for me.

Since I have other cards that earn rewards at the same or better rates on dining and gas, I pretty much only use my Priority card for the occasional Southwest ticket, so I don’t see this as an improvement.

As a result, I’m planning to cancel my card before the new annual fee pops up on my card anniversary next spring.

It’s clear Southwest is trying to model itself, and its credit cards, on bigger airlines, but it still has a long way to go. In a couple of years, I may consider reapplying for a Southwest credit card, especially if the airline has built stronger partnerships and incorporated more long-haul flights.

Until then, here are the cards I’m considering to fill the hole left in my heart — and my wallet — by my beloved Southwest card.

Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

United Explorer Card

Since my home base, Denver International Airport (DEN), is a United Airlines hub, a United cobranded card is at the top of my list.

The United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) is comparable to the Southwest Priority, with an annual fee of $150 ($0 for the first year) and a free checked bag for the cardholder and one travel companion.

I could boost my United MileagePlus balance with the 60,000-mile welcome bonus (after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months my account is open) and another 10,000 miles if I add an authorized user in the first three months.

Together, those miles are worth roughly $910 based on our August 2025 valuations.

Since I often book short hotel stays, I expect to maximize the card’s up to $100 in annual credits on prepaid hotel bookings through United Hotels, which would help offset the annual fee. I could also make use of the card’s two one-time United Club lounge passes each year.

On the other hand, the rest of the Explorer card’s “coupon-book” style credits — for ride-hailing services (yearly opt-in required), rental cars, JSX and Instacart (through Dec. 31, 2027) — aren’t very useful to me.

Also, because we fly United fairly often, my husband already holds the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees).

The Explorer provides some perks that the Quest doesn’t, but I’m not sure it makes sense to pay an annual fee for a second United card.

Related: 4 reasons someone in your family needs a United credit card

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Delta Air Lines’ answer to the United Explorer Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, has a $150 annual fee — with a $0 introductory annual fee the first year (see rates and fees) — and a 50,000-mile welcome offer after you spend $2,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership.

Delta SkyMiles’ award rates aren’t great, but this card would give me access to 15% off redemptions and the Pay with Miles feature to help my miles go further.

Add that to the fact that I hold the American Express® Gold Card and earn Amex Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio, and this card could make a lot of sense.

Similar to the Explorer card, the SkyMiles Gold provides a free checked bag and up to $100 in statement credits toward Delta Stays prepaid hotel bookings.

The earning rates (2 miles per dollar spent at Delta, restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets; 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases) are nothing special, but the perks could make this card a useful one to carry long-term.

My only deterrent is the fact that Delta doesn’t have a huge presence at DEN; I’ll need to do some research to see what kind of flights I could book on Delta before I apply.

Related: 5 things you need to know about Delta SkyMiles

Aeroplan Credit Card

Major U.S. airlines aren’t the only ones I’m considering for my next credit card. Air Canada’s offering, the Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees), is also a contender.

One reason is that I can transfer all my currencies to Air Canada Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio: American Express Membership Rewards points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Capital One miles.

Another is that Air Canada is a partner of United, meaning there should be no shortage of award flights out of my home airport.

This card currently offers an attractive 75,000-point welcome bonus after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open, but the ongoing perks could make it a worthwhile addition to my wallet for years to come.

For a $95 annual fee, I could get valuable discounts on award flights and a free checked bag for myself and up to eight companions.

Plus, I’d get temporary Aeroplan 25K status (and, thus, Star Alliance Silver elite status) for the year in which I open the card and the following calendar year. If I decide to apply for the Aeroplan card, I’ll wait until early 2026 to maximize my temporary status.

Related: PSA to international travelers: Here’s why you should consider Air Canada and the Chase Aeroplan Card

Bottom line

The Rapid Rewards credit card revamp might be an improvement for Southwest loyalists, but it disappointed this casual Southwest flyer.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives with similar perks and modest annual fees.

If you’re feeling the same way, check out our roundups of the best airline credit cards and the best cards to reach elite status. Then factor in things like your home airport, your credit card transfer partners and your upcoming travel plans before choosing the best one for you.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click here.

Since I write about points, miles and credit cards, the topic of annual fees often comes up with friends and family.

I’ve been surprised to hear how many people avoid — and, in some cases, completely exclude — cards with annual fees. “I’ve heard many people say, “Why would I pay to have a credit card when there are so many options without annual fees?” and “Paying a credit card annual fee just isn’t worth it.”

Sure, no one likes paying credit card annual fees. However, paying an annual fee can often unlock earnings and benefits that offset the annual fee. So today, I’ll consider various aspects related to credit card annual fees, including when it may be worth paying an annual fee.

What is a credit card annual fee?

A credit card annual fee is a fee charged by the credit card issuer that you’re required to pay each year to remain a cardholder.

The exact amount varies, depending on the level of perks and rewards offered on the specific card. However, these fees typically start around $50 and can climb to nearly $800 for premium-level cards. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) recently underwent significant changes, bringing its annual fee to $795.

Related: 11 major mistakes people make with travel rewards credit cards

When do you pay the credit card annual fee?

A credit card’s annual fee typically appears on your first monthly statement. In subsequent years, the issuer will charge your annual fee on or around your account anniversary, which should occur around the same time of year that you originally opened the card.

Note that some cards offer an annual fee waiver for your first year. You’ll see this clearly stated when you apply. For these cards, you’ll be charged the annual fee on each account anniversary — but you’ll enjoy the first year of benefits and rewards without any out-of-pocket cost.

Related: Do credit card annual fees count toward bonus spending requirements?

Can I get the credit card annual fee waived?

As mentioned, some cards waive your annual fee for the first year. Some issuers also offer discounted annual fees or perks to high-value banking or investment customers.

You should expect to pay the full annual fee each year unless you qualify for a waiver or reduction. But if a card has reduced benefits in the last year or you have had specific issues with your account, you can call the number on the back of the card or use your issuer’s secure messaging function when your annual fee posts to express your concerns.

The agent may be able to grant you a retention offer (usually in the form of a reduced annual fee, bonus rewards or a spending challenge) that can make it more appealing to pay the annual fee and keep the card.

What cards usually have annual fees?

Two types of credit cards typically charge annual fees: starter cards designed for consumers with limited or poor credit and travel rewards cards that offer various perks and benefits.

If you have limited or poor credit, you may need to pay an annual fee in exchange for having a secured card and building your credit. Alternatively, rewards cards often charge an annual fee but offer benefits, statement credits and other perks that can be worth more than the annual fee to some cardholders.

Related: The best credit cards with annual fees under $100

When is it worth paying a credit card annual fee?

To earn valuable points

Generally speaking, cards without an annual fee won’t provide the valuable earning potential of cards with an annual fee. There are three main aspects to this:

Welcome bonus: Most cards with no annual fee have less valuable welcome bonuses than those with annual fees. For example, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers up to $750 cash back: $350 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Meanwhile, the $95-annual-fee Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, a more valuable offer.

Earning rates: Many cards without an annual fee don’t award points at the same rate as cards with an annual fee. For example, the no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns 1.25 miles per dollar spent, while the $95-annual-fee Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 2 miles per dollar spent.

Type of points: In some cases, issuers will restrict you from earning the most valuable currencies on cards with no annual fee. For example, the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) only earn cash-back rewards — unless you also have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or Ink Business Preferred (all of which charge annual fees).

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points

To receive annual credits, bonuses or free nights

These perks may cover most (if not all) of the card’s annual fee. Here are a few examples:

The information for the Hilton Aspire and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

To access benefits

Many top credit cards with an annual fee give you numerous benefits that can be incredibly valuable over a year. For example, some airline credit cards offer a free checked bag, and some cards offer shopping protections that can provide peace of mind (such as the extended warranty protection provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred).

Several travel rewards cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve, shine with premium perks such as lounge access and travel protections. Depending on your situation, carrying one of these cards can easily justify the card’s annual fee.

What are some of the best cards with no annual fee?

Everyone should get (and keep) at least one no-annual-fee credit card. This advice holds even if you already have several cards that charge annual fees. There are many credit cards with no annual fees, but here are some of our favorites:

Since you don’t have to pay anything to keep these cards, you can keep them open for the long term — and by doing so, you can boost your credit history length, which should help your credit score.

Related: No-annual-fee credit cards that earn transferable points

Should I get the no-annual-fee version of a card?

Some travel rewards credit cards come in multiple versions, and one option typically offers no annual fee. To decide whether it’s worth getting a version with an annual fee, consider the following factors:

You may find that the additional perks and higher earning rates justify paying an annual fee. The welcome bonus difference may also make your choice easy. After all, the card with an annual fee will often offer a higher welcome bonus that can make it worth picking.

Then, if you can’t justify paying the annual fee after the first year, you can usually downgrade to the no-annual-fee version.

Related: The best welcome offers this month

Bottom line

Don’t dismiss credit cards with annual fees without doing the math. These cards often come with valuable perks, elevated earning rates and welcome bonuses that can far outweigh the cost. If you travel frequently or want to maximize rewards, paying an annual fee could be a smart investment that unlocks long-term value.

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.