Earlier this month, Marriott revealed its new loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy. And now, we’re getting our first bits of information about the new Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
Marriott Bonvoy, as we know, differs from the Marriott Rewards program relaunched in August 2018 only by name. Mostly, as Platinum Premier Elite is becoming Titanium Elite and Platinum Premier with Ambassador is becoming Ambassador Elite. However, one of the missing pieces of the new program was how the existing co-brand credit cards would change. But yesterday, news broke on how at least some of those cards are changing.
American Express Cards
Much like the Marriott Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy transition, the credit card changes are really only in name and card design. And so, here’s what to expect from American Express:
- Starwood Preferred Guest Amex becomes the Marriott Bonvoy Amex
- Change occurs on February 13, 2019; last day to apply for the SPG Amex is February 12, with no new apps taken thereafter
- For cardholders with that opened their card before January 23, 2019, earn 25,000 bonus points for every $25,000 spent through the end of 2019 up to 100,000 points
- Starwood Preferred Guest Luxury Amex becomes the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
- Change occurs on February 13, 2019
- New 100,000 signup bonus offer for $5,000 spend in the first three months, runs February 13 through April 24
- Benefit tweak: $100 on-property credit when cardholders use their card and a special rate to book two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties; begins March 28, 2019
- Starwood Preferred Guest Business Amex becomes Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex
- Change occurs on February 13, 2019
- New 100,000 signup bonus offer for $5,000 spend in the first three months, runs February 13 through April 24
- New Perk: earn additional 35,000 point certificate with $60,000 spend or more per year
- Annual fee changes from $95 to $125
Chase
As is the case with the Amex cards, not a lot is changing with Chase cards. Check it out:
- Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Plus becomes the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
- Change occurs on February 28, 2019
- For a limited time, earn 100,000 signup bonus offer for $5,000 spend in the first three months
- JP Morgan Ritz-Carlton Rewards Visa Infinite becomes the Ritz-Carlton Card
- Benefit tweak: $100 on-property credit when cardholders use their card and a special rate to book two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties; begins April 2019
- Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Business Plus becomes Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business
- Change occurs on February 13, 2019; last day to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business is February 12, with no new apps taken thereafter
- New Perk: earn additional 35,000 point certificate with $60,000 spend or more per year
- Annual fee changes from $95 to $125
- Chase Marriott Rewards Premier becomes the Marriott Bonvoy Premier(?)
- No change date or changes to benefits announced yet
Here Are the New Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards, Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there isn’t much to the changes happening here. Yeah, some of the cards are getting minor tweaks aside from the name and design changes, but that’s about it. The primary concern to me in all this, though, is whether or not the Marriott Rewards Premier Visa will retain its 1 EQN per $3,000 in spend benefit or not. And you can bet I’ll report back if I can find more information.
Oh, and I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not a fan of the Marriott Bonvoy Amex. Even the old SPG Amex and even the Bonvoy Brilliant cards are more attractive, in my opinion.