Chase launches no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy card

Chase has announced the launch of a new Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card – the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card. This new product is the first Marriott Bonvoy card without an annual fee, a huge plus for Marriott loyalists looking to earn a few extra points without shelling out extra cash. The card will include the following benefits:

Sign-up bonus

New Bonvoy Bold cardholders can earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

Good earning rate on travel purchases

The new card will earn 3 points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy purchases, 2 points per dollar on travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. The bonus category on travel purchases is particularly lucrative for frequent travelers, as they can earn Marriott points on all kinds of travel –including airfare.

15 elite night credits per year

The Bold card will also include 15 elite night credits every calendar year – enough to qualify for silver elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. With silver status, members will enjoy free Wi-Fi, late checkout, a dedicated reservation line and more.

No foreign transaction fees

A perk for frequent international travelers, the Bold card does not charge a fee on foreign transactions. Cardholders will also enjoy additional travel benefits like trip delay reimbursement.

No annual fee

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold card will be the first Marriott co-branded credit card not to charge an annual fee, making it a great introductory option for loyalists of the brand. You’ll be able to earn a few extra points on everyday purchases without worrying about a hit to your budget.

Lesli Gillin, Chase Co-Branded Cards president, stated “we know not every cardmember wants to pay an annual fee, so we worked closely with Marriott to create a product that complements our existing credit card suite while providing rich rewards to those who are passionate about traveling to reconnect with family and friends.”

A valuable alternative for Bonvoy loyalists

While Marriott Bonvoy is not the first hotel loyalty brand to offer a no-annual-fee card (the Hilton Honors American Express Card is one notable alternative), it is still providing a valuable option to its suite of co-branded cards. By opting for a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee, more infrequent travelers can test the waters of a co-branded hotel card and see if it suits their needs. Plus, the card is still loaded with valuable benefits – such as a fast-track to elite status.

See Related: Elite status benefits with the new Marriott Bonvoy program

On the flip side, the Bold card’s earning rate fails to impress. For just a $95 annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card offers double the earning rate on Marriott Bonvoy purchases. The Boundless card does not include a bonus category for travel purchases, but it rewards cardholders with a free night each year on their account anniversary (worth up to 35,000 points). If you stay at Marriott hotels even a few times a year, this perk can help offset the card’s fee.

Should you sign up for the new Marriott Bonvoy Bold card?

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold is sure to prove a rewarding choice for travelers who prefer to avoid annual fees, but its earning rate is lacking when compared to other Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Consider the value of free night awards, elite status benefits and travel credits before deciding if Marriott’s new no-annual-fee card is best for you.

See Related: Which Marriott credit card is best for you?