The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* review
May 14, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$719
Get this card if you:
- are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy program
- want Silver Elite status, with great perks like late checkout
- value travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees
At a glance
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is a travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending at Marriott properties. Benefits include an annual free night award, complimentary Silver Elite status, and the flexibility to transfer points to various frequent flyer programs.
Highlights
$719
First year value
up to 50,000 points
Welcome bonus
$120
Annual fee
No annual fee on supplementary cards
Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance APR
Eligibility
Good
Recommended credit score
Quick overview of the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
Travel to new heights with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. Right off the bat, it’s important to note that this is a travel rewards card. Cardholders earn Marriott Bonvoy® points, which can be redeemed for free stays with no blackout dates at over 7,000+ of the world’s most desired hotels. You can also transfer points to frequent flyer miles with a wide selection of airlines, including Aeroplan. The potential for those who travel frequently is obvious. Plus, with a reasonable $120 annual fee, the bar isn’t too high for applicants with a good credit score.
Who's it for?
Great for frequent Marriott Bonvoy® travelers, as it offers:
- Complimentary hotel upgrades
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Packed with premium travel perks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Annual free night award — Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points†
- Earn points with every eligible card purchase
- Complimentary upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Flexibility to transfer to other frequent flyer programs
- Includes travel accident insurance†
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons
- Annual fee—$120
- Travel medical insurance not included
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card welcome offer
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card comes with a super generous Welcome Bonus:
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
Subject to change at any time.
The biggest selling feature of this credit card is the potential to earn points that can be used towards free nights at over 7,000+ of the world’s most desired hotels. Here’s the earning structure:
- Earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
-
Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points on everything else
When you charge purchases to this card, your points can add up quickly—and exponentially when you use the card to purchase at Marriott Bonvoy®* properties.
Unlike some rewards programs, there isn’t a straightforward points-to-dollars equation to share. This is because, although there are no blackout dates, there are differently rated properties (hotels on a scale of 1 to 8 categories), and standard, peak, and off-peak seasons. In other words, your points are going to go further at certain times of the year and spent on certain things at certain properties. That said, it doesn’t take a calculus degree to see that Marriott Bonvoy® points have a fair value.
However, a points program is only as good as its redemption process. After all, who cares how many points you accumulate if you can’t redeem them easily? Because these points are Marriott Bonvoy® branded, redemption is a breeze. Simply go to Marriot.com and use your points when you reserve (and don’t forget to earn 5 points on the dollar by putting that reservation on your card!). You can also use points to buy travel experiences, merchandise, gift cards, tickets to events and more. Or instantly redeem points for dining out, spa experiences, drinks, and more. It’s an incredibly flexible program, allowing you to put points towards almost whatever you want.
It is worth noting that the points are also transferable to more than 40 different airline partners, so if you want to offset a flight cost, you can do that too. The transfer ratio is 3:1 for Aeroplan but it will depend on the airline. As an incentive, you’ll get an additional 15,000 points per 60,000 points transferred.
- Travel accident insurance: You get up to $500,000 in Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage when you fully charge your plane, train, ship or bus tickets to your card.
- Car rental theft and damage: You are covered for theft, loss and damage of your rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000 for rentals of 48 days or less.
- Flight delay: If your experience a flight delay or are denied boarding for 4 hours or more, you are eligible for up to $500 in coverage (combined maximum with Baggage Delay Insurance) for essential and reasonable accommodations.
- Baggage delay: If your checked-in baggage on your outbound trip is delayed for six or more hours, you can receive up to $500 in coverage.
- Lost or stolen baggage: If your checked-in or carry-on baggage gets lost or stolen, you are eligible for coverage of up to $500 per trip.
- Hotel/motel burglary insurance: If your hotel room is burglarized, you can receive coverage of up to $500 for the loss of your personal items (excluding cash).
- Buyer's Assurance and Purchase Protection: American Express Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to 1 year on many purchases, while the Purchase Protection Plan gives up to 90 days of protection from damage or theft on many retail items.†
Note that travel emergency medical insurance is not included, so that will be an extra expense.†
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card also carries other perks of value to the frequent traveller. As a cardholder, you receive:
- An Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
- Complimentary upgrade to membership, which offers big benefits to cardholders.
- Exclusive entertainment access: American Express Invites and Front of the Line benefits give cardholders exclusive access to pre-sales and special events.†
🌟 Marriott Bonvoy® Points hotel redemption rates (subject to change)
Hotel category
Off-peak
Standard
Peak
1
5,000 points
7,500 points
10,000 points
2
10,000 points
12,500 points
15,000 points
3
15,000 points
17,500 points
20,000 points
4
20,000 points
25,000 points
30,000 points
5
30,000 points
35,000 points
40,000 points
6
40,000 points
50,000 points
60,000 points
7
50,000 points
60,000 points
70,000 points
8
70,000 points
85,000 points
100,000 point
How the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card compares
up to 45,000 points†
Welcome Bonus
$1,582
First Year Value
$732
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.† Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
- need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
- want to access exclusive Amex offers
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$450 in travel rewards (45,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 25,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$58 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$386 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 30% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories.
Potential First Year Value = up to $894 (rounded down to $850)
To qualify for these offers make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential and foreign transaction fee savings as of November 4, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$450 in travel rewards (45,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 25,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$58 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$386 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 30% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories.
Potential First Year Value = up to $894 (rounded down to $850)
To qualify for these offers make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential and foreign transaction fee savings as of November 4, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
If you're an avid traveller, you can also consider the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card. With this card, you earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more, 5x on dining or ordering in via the popular apps and SCENE movie tickets. You earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options, including rideshares, buses and subways, as well as eligible select streaming services., too. The 3x earn rate also extends to eligible streaming services. The Scotiabank Gold Amex also comes with $1 million of travel emergency coverage, which the Marriott Bonvoy Amex card lacks.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
- quickly rack up rewards on dining and grocery purchases
- want a flexible rewards program with travel rewards
- want access to exclusive events and robust travel insurance
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$191.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
- Flexible month-by-month fee structure
- Free supplementary cards
- 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
- Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
- Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
- Slightly higher than average annual fee
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
- Flexible month-by-month fee structure
- Free supplementary cards
- 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
- Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
- Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
- Slightly higher than average annual fee
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
The American Express Cobalt® Card is great for people looking to quickly rack up rewards points, without forfeiting comprehensive insurance coverage. With one of the highest earning rates available, the Amex Cobalt offers 5x the points on food and groceries, 3x the points on streaming subscriptions, 2x on transit and gas, and 1x points on all other purchases. Its annual fee of $191.88 is divided into manageable monthly payments, rendering it highly affordable.
Best of all, the card allows for a 1:1 points transfer rate with select hotels, airlines, and frequent flyer programs, presenting exceptional value. Its travel insurance coverage surpasses that of the Marriott Bonvoy Amex card.
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card vs TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
| Card | Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 | $139 (get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.) |
| Benefits | 5 points for every $1 in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, plus the points you already earn as a Marriott Bonvoy® Member; 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases |
1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®); 1 Aeroplan point on all other purchases†
|
| Insurance coverage | Travel accident, Car rental theft/damage, Flight delay, Baggage delay, Lost/stolen baggage, Hotel burglary, Buyer's assurance and Purchase protection | Travel medical emergency, travel accident, Trip interruption, Trip cancellation, Car rental theft/damage, Flight/trip delay, Delayed/lost baggage, Hotel burglary, |
| Read review | You are reading it! | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card review |
| Apply now |
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card Disclosures:
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while this offer is in effect.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
Is it worth it?
Frequent travellers—particularly those who already purchase in the Marriott Bonvoy® brand family—need this card. The sign-up bonus and benefits are outstanding and easy to redeem, and it’s clear that the more you use it, the better your travel will be. The free annual night reward sweetens the pot even for those without a packed travel roster, so at the very least, The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card should be on the shortlist as one of the cards in your wallet.
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card FAQs
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Sandra MacGregor
Freelance Contributor
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.
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