Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card review: Amex’s new Marriott card has a 125,000-point welcome bonus and comes with complimentary Gold Elite status, but at a price

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The new Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is worth considering if you stay with Marriott often, want to earn points fast, and don’t mind paying a high annual fee for better earning rates and premium travel perks like Gold elite status. But the card has some notable caveats compared to some other Marriott Bonvoy credit cards that could affect its overall appeal. 

Review: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express card the best credit card for you? 

With the launch of the brand-new Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card (and its new sibling card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card), there are now a whopping six Marriott credit cards available to new applicants.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, with a Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card annual fee, is positioned as a mid-tier card between the popular Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card annual fee) and premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card annual fee). For example, it comes with automatic Marriott Gold elite status, compared to the Silver status awarded by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Platinum status with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

New cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card. That’s worth about Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card in stays, based on Insider’s valuations, but keep in mind that the actual value of your points will vary depending on how you redeem them. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card earns 6x points on hotel purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy locations, as well as 4x at restaurants globally and at U.S. supermarkets on the first $15,000 in combined purchases per year (then 2x). All other purchases earn 2 points per dollar. While that’s a great earning rate for dining and groceries, if you spend more than $15,000 in those categories annually, the cap could be a significant drawback. 

Surprisingly, unlike other annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card doesn’t get you an annual free night certificate. Instead, you can only receive a Free Night Award worth up to 50,000 points after making $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year. This is a major snag in the overall value of the card. On other Marriott Bonvoy cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, the free anniversary night certificate is one of the best perks, so its absence on the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card really sticks out. 

If you’re interested in getting the annual free night, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card currently has a welcome bonus offer of Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card for a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card annual fee. It earns 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2x). And, you can earn one Elite Night Credit every time you spend $5,000 on your card. 

Outside of the Marriott Bonvoy program are other valuable hotel cards, like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which are also worth considering. This card offers cardholders automatic Hilton Gold elite status and a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, with a welcome bonus offer of Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

Before you apply, you should check out all your hotel credit card options to find the card that best suits you.  

We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

How to earn points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy credit card

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card was designed with speed in mind; cardholders are meant to earn points quickly in useful categories, but in reality that depends on how you spend. The easiest way to earn rewards is on hotel purchases, as it’s the highest earning category. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card earns valuable Marriott Bonvoy points on purchases including: 

6 points per dollar spent on purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases a year, then 2x)2 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card also awards 1,000 bonus points for each qualifying Marriott stay (more on that in a bit).

How to use rewards from the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card

The Marriott Bonvoy program lets you redeem points for free hotel stays at thousands of participating properties around the world. Hotel rates can range from 5,000 points per night up to 120,000 points per night. Since Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic award pricing, prices can significantly fluctuate depending on travel season and room pricing. 

Marriott Bonvoy points are worth, on average, 0.7 cents per point based on Insider’s points and miles valuations.

You can also transfer points to airline partners, or redeem them for rental cars, gift cards, and exclusive culinary, sports, arts, and lifestyle experiences through Marriott Bonvoy moments.

Marriott Bonvoy hotel brands

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AC HotelsAloftAutograph CollectionCourtyard by MarriottDelta HotelsEDITIONElementFairfield Inn & SuitesFour Points by SheratonGaylord HotelsHomes & Villas by Marriott InternationalJW MarriottLe MeridienThe Luxury CollectionMarriott Executive ApartmentsMarriott Hotels & ResortsMarriott Vacation ClubMoxy HotelsProtea HotelsRenaissance HotelsResidence InnThe Ritz-CarltonSheratonSpringHill SuitesSt. RegisTownePlace SuitesTribute PortfolioW HotelsWestin

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy from Amex benefits and features

Complimentary Gold Elite Status

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card comes with automatic Gold Elite Status for the primary cardholder. This gets you exclusive perks like a 25% bonus points on stays, upgrades to better rooms (when available), 2 p.m. late checkout (when available), and welcome gift points. 

Bonus points on stays

When you use your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card card to pay at Marriott Bonvoy properties, you can earn 1,000 Marriott bonus points for each eligible stay. To receive the points, you must book directly through Marriott and not a third-party site or online travel agency.

According to Insider’s valuations, 1,000 Marriott points are worth about $7 in stays, which isn’t a lot. But if you stay with Marriott a lot, this benefit could add up.

Free Night Award

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Unlike other Marriott cards that award a free night after every account anniversary, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card only offers a free night after you make $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year. The Free Night Award is valid at hotels that cost up to 50,000 points per night, and you can top up free night awards with up to 15,000 Marriott points from your account if you want to stay at a pricier hotel. 

15 annual elite night credits

You’ll receive 15 elite night credits per calendar year toward higher elite status (the next tier after Gold is Platinum Elite status, which requires 50 elite nights per year). 

Secondary car rental insurance

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When you decline the car rental company’s collision damage waiver and use your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card to pay for your vehicle rental, you can covered for damage or theft. This coverage is secondary, and does not include liability insurance.

Baggage insurance plan

If you paid for your airline ticket or fare with other common carriers using your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, you’ll be covered for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage up to $1,250 per covered person.

Trip delay insurance

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Pay for your ticket with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, and you can get reimbursed up to $300 per covered trip for essentials like meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items if you’re delayed by 12 hours or more, up to two times per consecutive 12-month period.

Purchase protection

If you’ve paid for an eligible item with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and it’s accidentally damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you could be eligible for up to $10,000 in coverage per covered purchases, and up to $50,000 per eligible card (up to $500 for a natural disaster covered event).

Extended warranty

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card cardholders can also qualify for an extended warranty on eligible items when they use their card to pay — up to one additional year added to eligible US manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less. Coverage is up to $10,000 per purchase and up to $50,000 per eligible card.

Global Assist Hotline

With the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, you’ll get access to Amex’s Global Assist Hotline, which can help you arrange things like passport replacement, medical referrals, and translation services if you’re away from home. While the service itself is complimentary, you’ll be responsible for any third-party costs. 

Fees and costs

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card has a Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card APR. It doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee, so it’s a good option for international purchases. 

The card does have a Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card annual fee. It also charges fees for cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy vs other Marriott Bonvoy cards

 

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardAnnual fee

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardRewards rates

6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels

3x points on restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2x)

2x points on all other eligible purchases

6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels

3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year)

2x points on all other eligible purchases

6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program

3x points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines

2x points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardMarriott benefits

Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status

1,000 points per eligible stay

15 elite night credits each calendar year

Free night award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year***

Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status

Annual free night award****

15 elite night credits each calendar year

Up to $25 in statement credits per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide

Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status

Annual free night award***

25 elite night credits each calendar year

Annual Earned Choice Award

 

Other card benefits

Secondary car rental insurance

Baggage insurance plan

Trip delay insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Global Assist Hotline

No foreign transaction fees

Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)

Lost luggage reimbursement

Trip delay reimbursement

Baggage delay insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Travel and emergency assistance services

Visa Signature concierge

No foreign transaction fees

 

 

Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership**

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit

Secondary car rental insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

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Baggage insurance plan

Trip delay insurance

Travel accident insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Return protection

Premium Global Assist Hotline

No foreign transaction fees

Review 

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card review

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card review

*Bonus points at Marriott hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay

***the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card offers a free night award after you spend at least $15,000 in a calendar year for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 50,000 points

****the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card offers an annual free night award each year after your account anniversary for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 35,000 points

***the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers an annual free night award each year after your card renewal month for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 85,000 points

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy vs other premium travel cards

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardIHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit CardAnnual fee

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardIHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit CardRewards rates

6x bonus points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels

3x points on restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2x)

2x points on all other eligible purchases

12x points* on eligible Hilton purchases

6x points at eligible US supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants

3x points on every other eligible purchase

10x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts*

5x points for travel, dining, and at gas stations

3x points for all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardIHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit CardHotel benefits

Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status

1,000 points per eligible stay

15 elite night credits each calendar year

Free night award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year***

Hilton Gold Elite status

Upgrade to Diamond status after you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year

Free weekend night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year

Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status

Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year with the card

Annual free night award worth up to 40,000 points

10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year

Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each calendar year

Fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a stay of three or more nights

20% discount when you purchase points with your card

Other card benefits

Secondary car rental insurance

Baggage insurance plan

Trip delay insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Global Assist Hotline

No foreign transaction fees

Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership with 10 free visits per year

Secondary car rental insurance

Baggage insurance plan

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Global Assist Hotline

No foreign transaction fees

 

 

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS application fee credit

Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Travel accident insurance

Lost luggage reimbursement

Baggage delay insurance

Travel and emergency assistance services

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

No foreign transaction fees

$10 per month in Gopuff credit through December 2023

Review 

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card review

IHG Rewards Premier card review

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy from American Express frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy worth it?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is worth it for folks who stay with Marriott often enough to get value from earning 1,000 points per stay, or who spend up to $15,000 combined annually on global restaurant and US supermarket purchases. While the card offers complimentary Gold Elite status, it’s hard to predict the value you’ll get (for example, you’re not guaranteed room upgrades, and Gold status doesn’t come with perks like free breakfast).

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card has a terrific welcome bonus and lucrative travel perks. But this card doesn’t get you a yearly free night certificate and has a Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card annual fee, so it’s not for the casual traveler. Most occasional Marriott guests can do better with a card like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, with a much more manageable annual fee.

What credit score do you need for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card?

Most folks approved for Marriott Bonvoy credit cards have between good to excellent credit (FICO score of at least 670). 

Who is eligible to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card? 

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Like other Marriott cards, there are some application restrictions with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.

If have or have had The Ritz-Carlton® Credit Card from JPMorgan, J.P. Morgan Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy® Premier Credit Card from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase, or the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 30 days, you won’t be eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.

You also won’t be eligible if you’ve received a new cardmember or upgrade bonus from theMarriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, or Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card in the past 24 months, or if you opened any of those cards in the past 90 days.  

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