Maximize Rewards for Marriott Stays
Here’s a question that pops up time and again, and I think it deserves a bit of spotlight—when you’re staying at a Marriott, what’s the best credit card to whip out? Do you stick with a trusty co-branded Marriott card, or should you explore other cards that shower you with bonus points for travel? Let’s dive in.
Which Credit Card to Use for Marriott Stays
In previous musings, I’ve dissected the Val Seny ski resort and shared insights on the top credit cards for hotel stays. But when it comes to Marriott, where does one begin? Time to explore the options.
First, let’s acknowledge that points have different values for each of us. This guide is based on my valuation of these glittery points. Keep in mind, whatever card you choose doesn’t affect your elite perks, qualifying nights, or the regular points under the Marriott Bonvoy program. We’re talking about bonus territory here.
The Value of Using a Co-Branded Marriott Credit Card
Marriott’s got credit cards plastered with its name, thanks to partnerships with American Express and Chase. These cards, with their yearly fees, consistently offer 6x Bonvoy points on Marriott expenses. That includes cards like the Bonvoy Bevy® American Express®, and yes, I see these 6x points translating to about 4.2% back—pure gold for your wallet.
The Bevy® card throws in an extra 1,000 Bonvoy points every time you enjoy a Marriott stay. So, if you’re after value with the added points per stay, this could be your card. Though, I find it less salivating when viewing its overall perks lineup.
The Best Non-Marriott Credit Card to Use
For overall flexibility and juicy bonus categories, transferable points cards have my vote. Leading the charge are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business, each offering a mouth-watering 4x transferable points for direct hotel purchases. With Ultimate Rewards points valued at 1.7 cents each, you’re looking at a sweet return of 6.8%.
Other contenders like the Citi Strata Premier® Card give you 3x points on hotels, which I equate to a 5.1% return. Then there’s the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card, dazzling with 5x points on hotel spends, though I don’t drool over those points as much as others.
The Card I Use for Marriott Hotel Spending
With the recent updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the introduction of the Sapphire Reserve for Business, my airport lounge-obsessed heart leans towards these beauties for hotel charges. The allure of 4x Ultimate Rewards points easily surpasses the lure of 6x Bonvoy points with the Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex.
Mathematically, Ultimate Rewards simply outshine. But this got me thinking about how point valuations don’t always steer the ship. Previously, I was charmed by the Chase Sapphire Reserve®’s 3x points for hotel expenses, shooting for a return of 5.1%, over Marriott cards at 4.2%. Co-branded Marriott cards still won out for me back then, even if my brain knew otherwise.
The reasoning was simple: scarcity. Bonvoy points aren’t as easy to snag unless you’re constantly hotel-hopping Marriott-style. As I harp on about points strategies, sometimes the rare points are worth chasing, even if you don’t treasure them the most. But now, with Chase bumping up to 4x points, my strategy is evolving with the timing.
Bottom Line
Crafting a credit card strategy can feel like decoding a treasure map. Choices, choices! For Marriott stays, today’s star players are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and its business twin, given their 4x Ultimate Rewards points, shining with a 6.8% return. For me, this wins over the 6x Bonvoy points from the Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex, which circles back at a modest 4.2% return.
Which credit card do you tap for Marriott sojourns?