Earning elite status with hotel loyalty programs can provide travelers with a range of benefits and perks, such as room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points. Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program of Marriott International, offers several levels of elite status, and it is possible to earn these statuses by utilizing Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
Marriott Bonvoy is one of the largest hotel loyalty programs worldwide, with over 8,500 properties in nearly 140 countries. The program offers five levels of elite status: Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite. While elite status is typically earned through qualifying nights stayed at Marriott properties, it is also possible to earn elite qualifying nights through Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
One of the main perks of Marriott cobranded credit cards is the annual elite night credits they offer. By holding a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, cardholders can earn 15 to 25 elite night credits each year. The number of elite night credits varies depending on the specific card. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card all offer Silver Elite status with 10 elite qualifying nights.
What’s even better is that you can double dip on elite nights by having both consumer and business cards. This means that you can earn up to 40 elite nights per year just from credit cards alone. With Titanium Elite status requiring 75 elite nights, this brings you just 35 nights away from reaching the highest status level.
However, it’s important to note that you cannot receive elite nights from multiple personal cards. Additionally, you must be the primary cardholder on both a business and consumer card to combine the elite nights.
Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status offers benefits such as late checkout and a 10% bonus on points earned. This status is included with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, typically earned after 25 qualifying nights, offers enhanced amenities such as space-available room upgrades and a welcome gift. This status can be achieved through various credit cards, including the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card.
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which requires 50 qualifying nights, provides additional perks such as annual Choice Benefits and free breakfast at select properties. Cardholders of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card automatically receive Platinum Elite status. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card also offers Gold Elite status for spending $75,000 on purchases each account year.
If you’re close to the next elite status tier but need a few more nights, you can also earn elite qualifying nights by spending on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. For every $5,000 spent, you can earn 1 elite qualifying night. While this may seem like a lot of spending, it can be beneficial if you’re just a few nights away from reaching the next tier.
It’s worth noting that award nights and free night awards count towards elite qualification. So, if you have free night certificates from Marriott cobranded credit cards, you can consider them as nights closer to your next elite status tier.
Starting the year with elite status can save you a significant amount of money. By utilizing Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, you can earn up to 40 elite qualifying nights, potentially saving you thousands of dollars each year. While there may be an annual fee associated with these credit cards, the benefits and perks received from elite status can more than make up for it.
In conclusion, earning elite status with Marriott Bonvoy through credit cards is a smart strategy for frequent travelers. By taking advantage of the elite night credits offered by Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, you can start each year with a head start towards reaching elite status. The benefits and perks received from elite status can provide significant savings and enhance your travel experiences. So why not consider opening a Marriott Bonvoy credit card and start reaping the rewards?