Travel Smarter....Travel Like a Pro!

marriott rewards premier visa reviewThe Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase is designed for those who frequently stay at (or would like to stay at) Marriott Hotels. The card offers one point for every dollar spent, or three points for every dollar spent at any of the 5,700+ Marriott and Starwood properties.

The 1:1 ratio is a standard dollar to point ratio for travel credit cards. In addition to hotel stays, Marriott points can be redeemed for vacations, airline miles and merchandise (although the best value is for hotel stays).

The card also offers many of the common benefits and services provided by Chase, such as auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and various concierge and event services.

Sign up Bonus, Rewards and Transfer Options

The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card has a sign up bonus of 80,000 points (when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months of having the card). With respect to ongoing purchases made with the card, it offers one point for every dollar spent, or three points for every dollar spent at any of the 5,700+ Marriott and Starwood properties.

The card can also help you reach your elite status faster or reach that next level of status that you would not have otherwise achieved. You'll receive 15 nights credit towards Elite status every year, giving you Silver Elite status or better. Plus For every $3,000 you spend, you'll receive one additional night credit toward Elite status – with no limit to the number of nights you can earn.

Points earned in the first year with the Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card

Assume you spend $3,000 per month on the Credit Card in the first 12 months.

+ 80,000 Marriott Rewards Points– Sign up bonus for spending $3,000 in first 3 months

+   7,500 Marriott Rewards Points for adding an authroized user

+ 36,000 Marriott Rewards Points – 1:1 ratio of points per dollar charged on the card (this would be higher if some of your purchases were for Marriott Stays, as they are at a 5:1 ratio)

= 123,500 Marriott Rewards Points earned in the first year.

That is enough for 4 free nights at a category 5 hotel.  If you book the four nights on one trip you will get an extra night with the Marriott “redeem 4 nights, get the 5th night free” feature. (click here for a list of all hotels by category, as well as the points require for a free night in each category)

On top of this, you will receive a Free Night Stay in a Category 1-5 hotel each year after your account anniversary.

Additional Benefits of the Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card

The Marriott Rewards Credit Card also comes with a suite of benefits to help you when you are on the road traveling. These benefits include:

  • Visa Signature Concierge: Complimentary personal service, ranging from last minute dinner reservations to planning a special occasion.
  • Exclusive Visa Signature Events: Visa signature opens the door to unique opportunities and special treatment at games, concerts, shows, getaways and events.
  • Auto Rental Collision Coverage: Receive auto coverage for damage due to collision or theft.
  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement: You are eligible to receive reimbursement for your losses when you pay for your tickets with you Visa Marriott Card.
  • Roadside Dispatch: 24 hour, toll free dispatch for emergency roadside assistance such as, towing, fuel, delivery and more.
  • Travel Accident Insurance: Automatically receive accident insurance coverage for you and your family when you pay for your travel tickets with you Marriott Visa Card.

Our Take on the Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card

Is it right for you?

The Marriott Rewards Credit Card from Chase is the great Hotel Rewards Credit Card if you are a frequent guest at Marriott properties or want to earn free nights at a Marriott property, Starwood property (Marriott points transfer to SPG at a ratio of 3 Marriott Points to 1 SPG Starpoint) or Ritz Carlton hotel. We like the card for following reasons:

  • 80,000 points in sign up bonuses
  • With the Starwood/Marriott merger, they are now the largest hotel chain with the largest and best selection of properties to choose from. These properties range from discount hotels like Fairfield Inn to boutique hotels in their Autograph Collection and Luxury Collection to World Class Ritz Carlton and St Regis. No other program offers this quantity of properties, with this range of selection.
  • 15+ nights credit toward elite status
  • Free night certificate each year you have the card
  • The first year is free – even if you don’t stay at Marriott’s often, with the first year annual fee waived, it make sense to give it a shot for 12 months. Just cancel if you don’t like it.

On the downside, if you rarely stay at Marriott properties (or if you don’t have plans to stay at a Marriott property) and you don’t want to have your credit score knocked down a couple of points for the sign up bonuses, this may not be the best hotel card for you. Otherwise, it is a great option to have in your wallet.

Apply here… with this secure link to the Application Page for the Marriott Rewards Credit Card from Chase.

For a complete list of all Travel Credit Cards go to our Travel Credit Card Page.   On this page you will find all of the best travel credit cards including the best Travel Reward Cards, Airline Mile Cards, Hotel Point Cards and the latest sign up bonus offers.

Know your Credit Score

Before you apply for any credit card, you should make sure you have an understanding of your credit score and credit history. Most Travel Credit Card Companies require you to have a strong credit score, ideally they will prefer a FICO score of at least 700.

Once you apply for a credit card, the credit card company will perform a credit inquiry. Be aware that credit inquiries will affect your credit score. Each time you apply for a credit card (or any type of loan for that matter), the inquiry will reduce your score anywhere from 2-5 points.

By law, you are allowed to obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the credit bureaus once a year. The free annual copies of your credit report will give you all of the data that provides the foundation for your credit score, but the Credit Reports don't provide the Credit Score itself. You will need both your Credit Report and Credit Score to get the full view of your credit situation.

Here are four links to get your Free Credit Score:

Here is the link to get your Free Credit Report:

Disclaimer:

Finally, please only apply for any travel credit card if you pay your bills in full each month. Carrying a balance on any travel credit card will eliminate the benefit of the travel rewards due to the higher interest rates associated with these cards.