What Are the Benefits of Marriott Credit Cards?

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What Are the Benefits of Marriott Credit Cards?

Marriott International is one of the world's largest hotel companies, with over 7,000 properties in 131 countries and territories. Marriott also offers several credit cards that allow cardholders to earnrewards pointsfor Marriott stays and other purchases, as well as enjoy various perks and benefits. In this article, we will explore the main features and advantages of Marriott credit cards, and provide some tips for using them wisely.

Earning Marriott Rewards Points

One of the primary benefits of Marriott credit cards is the ability to earn Marriott Rewards points, which can be redeemed for free or discounted stays at Marriott hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, and more. Each card has a different earning structure and bonus, but typically, you can earn points in the following ways:

- Signing up for a new card and meeting the minimum spending requirement within a certain period (e.g., $3,000 in 3 months) to earn a welcome bonus of points (e.g., 75,000 points).

- Making purchases at Marriott hotels and resorts (e.g., 6-10 points per dollar spent, depending on the card and your elite status).

- Making purchases in other categories, such as restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, travel, and more (e.g., 2-5 points per dollar spent, depending on the card).

- Using the card abroad without foreign transaction fees (e.g., 1 point per dollar spent).

- Referring friends who are approved for the card (e.g., 20,000 points per referral, up to a certain limit).

Redeeming Marriott Rewards Points

Once you have earned enough Marriott Rewards points, you can redeem them for various rewards, such as:

- Free nights at Marriott hotels and resorts, ranging from Category 1 (7,500 points per night) to Category 8 (85,000 points per night).

- PointSavers stays, which allow you to save up to 33% on the regular point rate for certain hotels.

- Cash + Points stays, which allow you to pay a reduced cash rate and point rate for certain hotels.

- Flights on over 40 airlines worldwide, starting at 10,000 points per one-way ticket.

- Car rentals from Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, starting at 6,000 points per day.

- Cruises from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian, starting at 25,000 points per person.

- Experiences, such as concerts, sports events, tours, and more, starting at 5,000 points.

You can also transfer your Marriott Rewards points to over 40 airline frequent flyer programs, including United, American, Delta, and British Airways, at a ratio of 3 points to 1 mile, with a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points transferred.

Enjoying Marriott Bonvoy Benefits

Apart from earning and redeeming Marriott Rewards points, Marriott credit cardholders can also enjoy various perks and benefits as part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Depending on your card and your elite status, you may be eligible for:

- Free breakfast at Marriott hotels and resorts.

- Lounge access at select Marriott hotels and resorts.

- Room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability.

- Late check-out, subject to availability.

- Elite night credits that help you achieve or maintain elite status faster.

- Annualfree night awards that can be used at certain Marriott hotels and resorts (e.g., up to 35,000 points per night).

- On-property discounts on dining, spa, and other services.

- Access to exclusive events and experiences.

- 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, which can help you achieve higher elite status.

Managing Marriott Credit Cards

To make the most of your Marriott credit cards, it's important to manage them wisely and avoid some common pitfalls. Here are some tips to consider:

- Pay your bills on time and in full to avoid interest charges and late fees, and to maintain a good credit score.

- Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized transactions or errors, and report them promptly to your card issuer.

- Use your cards strategically to maximize your rewards and benefits, but don't overspend or carry a balance that you can't afford.

- Consider which card suits your needs and preferences the most, based on factors such as the annual fee, the earning structure, the bonus, the benefits, and the eligibility requirements.

- Be aware of the annual fee and how to offset it, such as by using the free night award, maximizing the welcome bonus and ongoing rewards, or taking advantage of the benefits.

- Understand the terms and conditions of your card, including the interest rate, the grace period, the balance transfer fee, the foreign transaction fee, and the rewards program rules and restrictions.

- Compare different credit cards from different issuers and see how they stack up against Marriott credit cards in terms of rewards, benefits, and costs.

- Stay vigilant of scams and fraudsters who may try to trick you into sharing your personal or financial information, and use secure websites and devices to manage your cards and transactions.

Conclusion

Marriott credit cards can be a valuable tool for earning rewards points, redeeming them for travel and other rewards, and enjoying various perks and benefits. By understanding how these cards work, using them responsibly, and managing them effectively, you can enhance your travel experiences, save money, and build your credit history. As with any financial product, it's important to do your research, read the fine print, and seek professional advice if needed. Happy travels!