Yup, you read that right. The no-annual-fee version of the various Marriott co-brand credit cards is about to undergo some major negative changes, as a Marriott Bold devaluation is coming soon. How, you ask? In the only way possible, really.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold is the free flavor of Marriott’s vast collection of co-brand credit cards, ranging from the everyday person’s Marriott Bonvoy Boundless all the way up to the bonkers Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant by American Express. Not to mention, there are other cards out there that aren’t available to new applicants but that you can absolutely product change into. That, however, is a topic for another time. Today, we’re here to discuss that a Marriott Bold devaluation is coming soon, changing the value of Marriott’s most economical card.
A Marriott Bold Devaluation is Coming
Recently, Doctor of Credit reported on some changes Chase made to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold product page. These changes reveal that a Marriott Bold devaluation is coming soon. Specifically, Chase’s page states that cardholders will receive 15 elite qualifying nights (EQNs) and can earn 2x points on travel through July 10, 2024. Ouch.
However, things get strange immediately after the above two points. The next point states, “New Enhancements Coming Soon!” and then goes on to rehash the two devaluations above. Say what? Is this a mistake? Did they mean to provide information on what’s replacing these benefits in this space? Last time I checked, a benefit reduction isn’t an “enhancement,” and no disingenuous announcement by a loyalty program has ever gone this far in trying to warp reality.
Of course, the card’s disclosures don’t help whatsoever.
Thankfully, Doctor of Credit was able to dig up some info. Apparently, the intel came from a post in the Marriott subreddit, which then linked out to a FlyerTalk discussion. An FT member reports receiving an insert into their new cardholder welcome kit for the Bonvoy Bold outlining the upcoming changes.
Specifically, after July 10, 2024, the EQN benefit is going to be scaled back to 5 EQNs per year, though you’ll also receive automatic Silver Elite status. Whomp whomp. Silver? That’s entirely useless but maintains the status offered under the 15 EQN system. For those using the 15 nights to lessen their renewal burden, those extra 10 nights are going to sting.
As for the points earnings, it seems as if the travel bonus is being replaced by earning double points on the following categories:
- grocery stores and select food delivery services
- rideshares
- internet, phone and, cable services, plus select streaming services
For me, this is a win, as I was never going to use this card for travel expenses, anyway. These are merchant types I’d actually like to earn bonuses on, as they’re more practical for my daily spending needs. Now, whether or not I’d want to earn Bonvoy points is a whole different story. I do need to earn some here and there to keep my current bank, though. And with no activity at all last year, I ought to make sure I use the card at least a little this year.
Alternatives
Again, this change doesn’t really affect me. I’m no longer chasing Marriott status and just wanted a card to keep my account “active.” So this change is actually a net positive for me. However, I do feel for those who need those 15 EQNs to maintain their status. Thankfully, there are other options, though the least expensive ones are still going to cost you at least $100 per year.
If you put a significant amount of spending on your Marriott card and are impacted by the fact that a Marriott Bold devaluation is coming, I strongly suggest looking at doing a product change into the Marriott Bonvoy Premier card. This is the card I used to have, which costs $100/year, comes with a 25k annual free night certificate, awards 15 EQNs per year, and lets you earn an additional EQN per $3k spent. It does earn fewer points, and its free night certificate isn’t as good as the newer Boundless card, but it’s the only Marriott co-brand card that allows you to earn additional EQNs. I should know; it’s partially how I earned Lifetime Platinum.
The Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite is another excellent product change offer, but you attain status through hitting certain spending thresholds, among other excellent benefits. The spending requirements for the Ritz card are a hell of a lot lower than what you’ll have to hit for the Premier card, but remember that the Premier card’s EQNs count towards your lifetime accrual, so it’s a tradeoff for sure.
To highlight the difference, you can earn Platinum Status with the Ritz card by spending $75k on it during a calendar year. If you go the Premier route, you’d have to spend $105k to earn 35 nights, which combines with the 15 EQNs the card gives you to get you to Platinum. It’d take $180k to earn Titanium status. Of course, this is assuming you don’t stay any nights at all and rely purely on credit card EQNs.
A Marriott Bold Devaluation Is Coming, Final Thoughts
While not ideal, at least we have viable alternatives to cope with the fact that a Marriott Bold devaluation is coming. Yes, you’re going to have to pay an annual fee, but I’d argue that you’d get more value from these upgraded cards, so long as you can make use of their annual free stay certificates. Of course, there are other pros and cons you have to consider as well.