How to Apply for your Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is designed for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. It offers several key benefits, such as earning 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as a welcome bonus after spending £3,000 within the first three months, along with automatic Silver Elite status at Marriott properties. Cardholders can also earn 2 points per £1 spent on everyday purchases and 6 points per £1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
This card comes with a £95 annual fee, but frequent travelers may find it worthwhile due to benefits like 15 Elite Night credits each year, which help accelerate your path to higher elite statuses. For those who spend more, there are additional rewards, including a free night stay after spending £25,000 annually.
However, it does come with a 2.99% foreign transaction fee, so it might not be ideal for international use unless you primarily stay at Marriott hotels.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Benefits
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers a range of benefits designed for frequent travelers who enjoy staying at Marriott properties. With perks like earning Marriott Bonvoy points on every purchase and elite hotel status, the card can provide significant value for those who travel regularly.
Below are some of the key benefits of this card, with detailed explanations for each.
Earn Points on Purchases
Cardholders earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points for every £1 spent on everyday purchases. This allows members to accumulate points that can be redeemed for free hotel stays or transferred to airline frequent flyer programs.
For those staying at Marriott hotels, the points earned increase to 6 per £1 spent, boosting the rewards rate when staying within the Marriott network.
Automatic Silver Elite Status
Upon receiving the card, you are automatically granted Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. This typically requires 10 nights at Marriott hotels to achieve, but with the card, it’s offered immediately. Silver Elite benefits include a 10% bonus on points earned during hotel stays, priority late checkout, a dedicated phone line for Elite members, and Marriott’s Ultimate Reservation Guarantee.
15 Elite Night Credits Each Year
Each year, cardholders receive 15 Elite Night credits, which count towards advancing to higher elite statuses within Marriott Bonvoy. This benefit makes it easier for users to reach Gold or Platinum Elite status, which comes with additional perks like room upgrades, enhanced Wi-Fi, and more.
Free Night Voucher
After spending £25,000 in a calendar year, cardholders receive a free night voucher, redeemable at any Marriott hotel costing up to 25,000 points per night
Points Transfer to Airline Partners
Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to more than 40 airline frequent flyer programs. For travelers who prefer to fly rather than stay in hotels, this adds flexibility to the rewards system, allowing cardholders to use points towards flight rewards.
Travel Insurance
The card includes travel inconvenience insurance, covering delays, cancellations, and baggage issues for trips paid for with the card. Additionally, cardholders receive travel accident insurance covering up to £150,000 in case of accidents occurring on public transport booked with the card.
Prerequisites to Obtain the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
To apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card in the United Kingdom, certain prerequisites must be met:
- Age and Residency: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the United Kingdom. This ensures that the card is issued to individuals legally allowed to enter into credit agreements within the UK.
- Credit History: You should have at least a good credit score. Applicants with a poor or limited credit history may find it difficult to qualify for this card. While there is no specified minimum score, having no history of bad debt is a key requirement.
- UK Bank Account: It is necessary to hold a UK bank or building society account. This is important as the card issuer needs a linked account for managing payments.
- Eligibility for Welcome Bonus: If you have held another personal American Express card in the UK within the last 24 months, you won’t be eligible for the welcome bonus offered on the Marriott Bonvoy card.
- Income Level: While no specific income requirement is explicitly stated, American Express often assesses an individual’s financial capability to manage the card’s fees and spending limit, which will be part of their eligibility check.
Note: In addition to meeting the age, residency, and credit history conditions, you need to provide your Marriott Bonvoy membership number when applying. If you’re not yet a member, visit the Marriott Bonvoy website to join before proceeding with your application.
About American Express
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is issued by American Express, a multinational financial services company with a rich history dating back to 1850. Originally founded as a freight forwarding company in the United States, American Express later expanded into financial services, launching its first charge card in 1958.
Today, the company operates globally, including a significant presence in the UK, where it has offered various credit and charge cards since 1963.
Known for providing a wide array of financial products, American Express is now one of the world’s largest payment networks.
American Express is renowned for its customer-centric approach, offering cardholders benefits like travel rewards, premium customer service, and exclusive event access. In the UK, American Express Services Europe Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring compliance with local financial standards.
The company continues to innovate, catering to both individuals and businesses with a range of products that support travel, everyday spending, and rewards.
Who is the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card for?
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is designed for individuals who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize the rewards they earn from their travel. This card is particularly aimed at those who are already Marriott Bonvoy members or those willing to join the program.
The ideal customer profile includes regular travelers who benefit from Marriott Bonvoy’s global network of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. It’s also suited for individuals who want to leverage points for hotel stays, airline miles, or travel-related perks.
Additionally, the card appeals to those seeking elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program, as it offers automatic Silver Elite status and credits toward higher levels.
Step by Step to Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
To apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, here’s a step-by-step process:
- Check Eligibility:
- Aged 18 or over
- A Marriott Bonvoy member with a membership number
- Have a current UK bank or Building Society account
- Have a permanent UK home address
- No history of bad debt
- If you’ve held another American Express card in the past 24 months, you may not be eligible for the welcome bonus.
- Visit the Official Page: Navigate to the official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card page to start your application.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill in personal details such as your full name, home address, employment status, and income. You’ll also need to provide your Marriott Bonvoy membership number.
- Submit Application: Once you’ve entered all the required information, submit your application. American Express may be able to provide a decision in less than 60 seconds.
- Download the Amex App (optional): Manage your card, track spending, and access rewards through the American Express mobile app, available for download on Android and iOS.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Pros and Cons
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers several attractive benefits, particularly for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott properties. However, like any financial product, it has both positive aspects and potential drawbacks that should be considered before applying. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons.
Pros
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending £3,000 in the first three months. These points can be used for free hotel stays or transferred to frequent flyer programs.
- Earning Points: Cardholders earn 6 points per £1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties and 2 points per £1 on other purchases. This makes it beneficial for both frequent hotel stays and everyday spending.
- Elite Status: The card offers automatic Silver Elite status, which includes perks like priority late checkout and bonus points on stays. If you spend £15,000 annually, you are upgraded to Gold Elite status, which includes additional benefits.
- Free Night Award: After spending £25,000 in a year, you receive a Free Night Award redeemable at hotels costing up to 25,000 points.
- Travel Protections: The card includes travel-related benefits like travel inconvenience insurance and accident insurance, which can be helpful for frequent travelers.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The card comes with an annual fee of £95, which can be steep for those who don’t frequently stay at Marriott properties or utilize the full range of benefits.
- High APR: With a variable APR of 54.8%, this card carries a significantly higher interest rate than many other credit cards. This makes it less suitable for those who may carry a balance.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: There is a 2.99% foreign transaction fee, which may deter international travelers from using this card for purchases outside Marriott hotels.
- Limited to Marriott Bonvoy: While the rewards program is extensive, the points are tied to the Marriott Bonvoy system. If you prefer to stay at non-Marriott hotels or don’t travel frequently, the points may not offer much value.
How to Activate the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
Upon receiving your Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, activation can be done quickly and securely through two main methods:
- Online: Visit the official American Express card activation page. You will need to enter your 15-digit card number and 4-digit security code (CID). Once your details are submitted, follow the prompts to complete the activation process.
- Amex App: You can also activate the card through the American Express app. After logging into your account or creating one, you’ll be prompted to activate your new card.
In both cases, once the card is activated, you can start using it immediately for purchases.
Fees and Tariffs
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with several costs that potential cardholders should be aware of before applying. Here’s a summary of the main fees and tariffs associated with the card:
- Annual Fee: £95 per year.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): The card has a 54.8% variable APR for purchases, making it important to avoid carrying a balance to minimize interest costs.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: A 3% charge applies to transactions made outside the UK.
- Late Payment Fee: Up to £12 may be charged for missed or late payments.
- Cash Advance Fee: A fee of 3% or £3, whichever is higher, applies to cash withdrawals.
Customer Service
If you need assistance with your Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, here are the official customer service channels you can use:
- Phone Number (UK): For general inquiries or cardholder assistance, you can call 0800 917 8019. If you’re outside the UK, dial +44 (0)1273 696 933 for international support.
- Live Chat: You can access the live chat option by logging into your American Express account on their website. This feature is available 24/7 for customer support.
- Official Website: For more information and assistance, visit the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card page.