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Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card  🇨🇦

50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

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American Express just announced that its Marriott Bonvoy cardholders will receive a new benefit starting in 2019: 15 Elite nights. Details.

15 Elite Marriott Bonvoy nights for Marriott Bonvoy credit card holders

In Canada, American Express distributes 2 Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, which are linked to the Marriott Bonvoy program:

• Marriott BonvoyTM American Express^MD Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy™ Business American Express^® Card

These two cards have different audiences: individuals and companies. However, corporate cards are also available to individuals.

Which is handy when trying to earn Marriott Bonvoy points: they each offer 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

New benefit in 2019

Beginning in 2019, holders of:

• Marriott BonvoyTM American Express^MD Card.
• Or the Marriott Bonvoy^MD Corporate American Express^MD Card.

…will benefit from 15 Elite nights per calendar year, making it easier for them to reach the higher status (Gold / Platinum).

For example, with the new 15-night Elite credit, a member with Silver Elite status will only have to make a reservation:

• 10 additional nights per year to reach Gold Elite status,
• or 35 additional nights per year to reach Platinum Elite status

The most interesting status is the Platinum Elite status, which offers free access to the lounges and/or breakfasts at most Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

2 cards = accumulation of Elite nights?

In the U.S., elite room nights do not add up based on Marriott Bonvoy cards held. In other words, we should see the same thing in Canada: only 15 Elite nights assigned to your Marriott Bonvoy account, even if you have both cards.

American Express makes this clear in the fine print of its email:

You will receive a maximum credit of 15 Elite nights per calendar year even if you have more than one Marriott Bonvoy consumer or small business credit card account or more than one Marriott Bonvoy account.

Other benefits of these cards

This benefit is in addition to other current benefits:

One night certificate offered

At the annual membership renewal, American Express offers you a certificate for a free night’s stay at the group’s hotels, worth up to 35,000 points.

Silver Elite status for all holders

The Marriott BonvoyTM American Express^MD Card offers Elite Silver status to all cardholders. This status offers for example Access to a late departure in priority (= not guaranteed) and 10% points in bonuses during your stay.

To obtain this status, you must normally stay in the group’s hotels for 10 nights per year.

Elite Gold status after $30,000 in spending

For cardholders who put $30,000 in spending per year on their card, they will be granted Gold Elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Stacking Ratio

American Express applies this point accumulation ratio to both personal and corporate cards:

• 5 points for every $1 in purchases at a participating Marriott Bonvoy location
• 2 points per dollar everywhere else

The Marriott Bonvoy^MD Corporate American Express^MD Card has an enhanced point accumulation ratio for certain purchases:

• 3 points per dollar of eligible gas, meal and travel purchases

Bottom Line

So this is a great addition to the benefits of the Marriott BonvoyTM American Express^MD Card and the Marriott Bonvoy^MD Corporate American Express^MD Card!

Remember: even stays made with points count towards the status. This is especially helpful when you take advantage of Marriott Bonvoy’s fifth night free for every 4 nights earned with points!