Marriott Bonvoy is one of the largest hotel loyalty programs in the world, and it offers a wide range of credit cards for consumers to choose from. With options issued by both Chase and American Express (Amex), Marriott Bonvoy credit cards cater to different needs and preferences. From no-annual-fee cards to premium cards, there is something for everyone. However, one card that stands out among travelers is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. This article will provide an overview of this card and discuss the credit score needed to get approved.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card has an annual fee of $95. While this might seem like a significant cost, the card offers several perks and rewards that make it worthwhile. Currently, it has an exceptional sign-up bonus of five Free Night Awards, each valued up to 50,000 points, after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. This is one of the best sign-up bonuses available for a Marriott credit card.
One of the standout features of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is the automatic Marriott Silver elite status it offers. This status provides travelers with benefits such as priority late check-out, a dedicated reservation line, and a 10% bonus on points earned during stays. Additionally, cardholders receive 15 elite night credits each year, helping them qualify for a higher tier of elite status. Another valuable perk is the free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points that cardholders receive annually. This certificate alone is valued at $294, more than covering the cost of the annual fee.
To be eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, consumers generally need good or excellent credit, which translates to a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, approval is possible with a score outside this range. Other factors, such as income and the age of credit accounts, also play a role in the approval process. Additionally, having a strong relationship with the bank, especially if you are a longtime Chase customer with substantial balances in your accounts, can improve your chances of approval.
It is essential to consider the Chase 5/24 rule when applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. This rule states that if you have opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months, Chase will automatically reject your application. While there is no limit on the total number of card accounts you can have open, opening too many accounts within a short period can work against you. Furthermore, there are specific application restrictions for Marriott credit cards, relating to whether you have recently had other Marriott cards issued by Chase or Amex.
Before applying for any credit card, it is crucial to check your credit score. Many credit cards offer free access to your FICO score, or you can open accounts on sites like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame for free monitoring and tracking of your score. These services also allow you to dispute any inaccurate or fraudulent information on your credit report.
Several factors affect your credit score, and it is essential to understand them before applying for new lines of credit. Payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix all play a role in determining your creditworthiness. Having a longer credit history and a good record of on-time payments can increase your chances of approval. However, having delinquencies or bankruptcies on your credit report can be a red flag for issuers, even if your numerical credit score is high.
If you are rejected for a credit card, it is important not to give up. Review the reasons given for your rejection and call the bank’s reconsideration line to discuss your case. Building a strong argument based on your credit history and financial responsibility may help reverse the decision. While there is no guarantee of success, spending a few minutes on the phone can be worth it if it helps you get the card you want.
In conclusion, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a popular choice among travelers due to its annual free night certificate, Marriott elite status benefits, and a reasonable annual fee. While a good credit score of at least 670 is typically needed for approval, other factors such as income and relationship with the bank also play a role. It is important to be aware of the application restrictions and the Chase 5/24 rule when applying for this card. Checking your credit score and understanding the factors that affect it can also increase your chances of approval. If rejected, don’t hesitate to call the bank’s reconsideration line to discuss your case.