The credit card industry was taken aback when Marriott Bonvoy and American Express launched the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card in September 2022. With an annual fee of $250, it left many scratching their heads. Most credit cards fall into the “basic” card camp with annual fees under $100 or the “luxury” card camp with annual fees of $400 or more. So, what exactly do you get for this fee, and is it worth the extra $150 compared to entry-level credit cards? Let’s take a closer look.
One of the most enticing features of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is its welcome bonus. New applicants can earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. According to The Points Guy’s valuations, this bonus is worth $714. These points can be redeemed for award stays at luxurious properties such as The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and The West Hollywood Edition. However, it’s worth noting that if you’ve had Marriott credit cards from Chase or American Express in the past, there may be restrictions on your ability to collect a new member bonus.
Another noteworthy benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is the automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. The Points Guy values this status at $805 per year. With Gold Elite status, cardmembers can enjoy benefits like upgrades to preferred rooms (excluding suites), late checkout, and a welcome gift of bonus points at check-in. Additionally, cardholders receive 15 elite night credits in their Marriott Bonvoy account each year, which can be stacked if they also hold a business credit card from Marriott. This means that by holding both the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy and the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, cardmembers will start the year with 30 elite night credits, putting them more than halfway towards earning Platinum Elite status.
However, unlike many hotel credit cards, there is no path to achieving elite status by spending a certain amount on the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card each year. Platinum Elite status, which offers benefits like suite upgrades and free breakfast, requires 50 elite night credits per year. To reach this level, cardholders would need to rely on their stays and the elite night credits from the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card.
Cardmembers can also earn 1,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for each paid stay at a participating hotel or resort. The value of these points, according to The Points Guy, is $8.40. Additionally, if cardmembers spend $15,000 or more on their cards within a calendar year, they can receive a free night award worth up to 50,000 points. However, due to Marriott Bonvoy’s dynamic pricing, it can be challenging to find nights that cost 50,000 points or less, especially during holidays or events. Nevertheless, cardholders have the option to add up to 15,000 points for more redemption options.
In terms of earning points, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy offers 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4 points per dollar on the first $15,000 per year in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (2 points per dollar thereafter), and 2 points per dollar on other purchases. While these rates aren’t exceptional, they are competitive for a cobranded card.
Cardholders also have access to several travel protections, including Amex Offers, which provide targeted discounts or bonus points on eligible purchases.
Ultimately, whether the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is worth its $250 annual fee depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you desire Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and don’t stay enough nights annually to qualify, the Bevy could be justified. However, for many, the automatic free annual night that comes with the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business Card (plus automatic Gold status) for a $125 annual fee or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase (plus Silver status) for a $95 annual fee may offer more value.
In conclusion, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card offers a range of benefits, including a generous welcome bonus, elite status, bonus points per stay, and an annual free night earning option. While it may not compare to cards with higher annual fees, it provides a middle ground between basic and luxury credit cards, making it an appealing option for those seeking a balance between perks and cost.