The world of travel rewards credit cards can be overwhelming, with a vast number of options promising incredible perks. For those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and are looking for a no-annual-fee entry point into the Marriott Bonvoy program, the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is a compelling choice. This card, issued by Chase in partnership with Marriott, is designed to help you earn Bonvoy points on everyday spending, enjoy basic elite status, and receive a solid welcome bonus, all without the financial commitment of an annual fee.
Key Features and Benefits
The Bonvoy Bold card offers a straightforward rewards structure that is easy to understand and use. Its primary purpose is to help you accumulate points for free hotel stays, and it does so effectively with these core benefits:
1. Earning Rewards
The card’s earning structure is tiered, rewarding you most for your loyalty to the Marriott brand:
- 3X points per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide. This includes everything from room rates to dining and other eligible on-property purchases.
- 2X points per $1 spent on other travel purchases, including flights, car rentals, and cruises. This makes it a great card to use for all aspects of your travel planning.
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. This ensures that every dollar you spend contributes to your points balance, helping you get closer to your next free night.
2. Welcome Offer
New cardmembers can earn a valuable welcome bonus after meeting a specific spending requirement within the first three months of opening the account. While the exact bonus can vary, it is typically a substantial amount of Bonvoy points, often enough for a free night at a low to mid-tier Marriott property. This initial bonus provides a fantastic jumpstart to your points balance. It’s always a good idea to check the most current offer on the Chase or Marriott website before applying.
3. Automatic Silver Elite Status
One of the most appealing aspects of the Bonvoy Bold card is the automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. This status comes with a few key perks that can enhance your hotel experience, even though it’s the lowest tier of elite status. With Silver Elite, you’ll receive:
- 10% bonus on points earned from eligible hotel stays. This adds a nice boost to your points accumulation.
- Priority late checkout (when available). This can be a huge benefit, especially on days when you have a later flight and don’t want to rush out of your room.
- Dedicated Elite reservation line. This provides a more personalized service experience when booking your stays.
4. 15 Elite Night Credits Annually
Each year you have the Bonvoy Bold card, you will automatically receive 15 Elite Night Credits. These credits are crucial for achieving higher tiers of Marriott Bonvoy status. To reach Gold Elite, for example, you need 25 nights per year. With these 15 credits, you only need to stay 10 more nights to reach that next level, unlocking benefits like room upgrades (based on availability) and a higher points bonus. This benefit alone makes the card an excellent tool for those who aspire to climb the Bonvoy status ladder.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For travelers, this is a huge plus. The Bonvoy Bold card has no foreign transaction fees, meaning you can use it for purchases abroad without incurring the typical 3% fee charged by many other credit cards. This makes it a perfect companion for international trips, especially when staying at Marriott properties overseas.
The Fine Print: What to Consider
While the Bonvoy Bold card is an excellent no-annual-fee option, it’s important to understand its limitations and how it compares to other cards in the Bonvoy family.
- No Free Night Certificates: Unlike some of its more premium counterparts, such as the Bonvoy Boundless or Bonvoy Brilliant cards, the Bonvoy Bold does not offer an annual free night award. This is a key trade-off for having no annual fee.
- Lower Earning Rates: The earning rates are lower compared to the premium Bonvoy cards. For example, the Bonvoy Boundless card offers 6X points on Marriott stays, double the rate of the Bonvoy Bold.
- No Path to Gold or Platinum Status: While the 15 elite night credits are great for a head start, the card itself doesn’t provide an automatic path to higher status tiers like Gold or Platinum, which come with more significant perks like complimentary breakfast or lounge access.
How to Apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card (in English)
Applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before you begin, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. You must be a legal resident of the United States, at least 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska), and have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Chase also has a few unofficial rules for credit card applications, the most famous being the “5/24 rule.” This rule states that if you have opened five or more new personal credit card accounts across all banks in the last 24 months, your application for a new Chase card will likely be denied. It is highly recommended to check your credit report to ensure you are below this threshold.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
You will need to have the following information ready:
- Full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.
- Physical residential address.
- Phone number and email address.
- Financial information: This includes your total annual income, source of income (e.g., employment, self-employment), and monthly mortgage or rent payment.
Step 3: Access the Application Page
The best way to apply is directly through the official Chase website or the Marriott Bonvoy website. Navigate to the credit card section and find the “Marriott Bonvoy Bold” card. You will see a button that says “Apply Now.”
Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form
The application form is divided into a few sections:
- Personal Information: Enter your full name, address, phone number, and email.
- Financial Information: Provide details about your income and housing costs.
- Security Information: Enter your SSN/ITIN and date of birth.
Review all the information carefully to ensure it is accurate before submitting.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Once you have filled out all the required fields, you will be prompted to review the terms and conditions. Read through the cardmember agreement, which outlines the interest rates, fees, and other important details. If you agree, check the box and click the “Submit” button.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Chase will often provide an immediate decision. You might be approved instantly, or your application could be “pending,” which means it requires further review. In some cases, your application may be denied. If your application is pending, you can call the Chase Reconsideration Line to speak with a representative and provide additional information to support your application.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is an excellent choice for a specific type of traveler: one who is new to the Marriott Bonvoy program, wants to earn points and elite status without paying an annual fee, and frequently stays at Marriott properties. It’s a fantastic starter card that provides a solid foundation for earning rewards and enjoying basic perks.
While it may not offer the lucrative benefits of its premium counterparts, the combination of no annual fee, a valuable welcome bonus, automatic Silver Elite status, and 15 elite night credits makes it a truly powerful and accessible tool for anyone looking to maximize their travel with Marriott.
