Review: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Card Worth It for Canadian Travellers?

Are you looking for a credit card that turns your everyday purchases into extraordinary travel experiences? The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is designed for savvy Canadian travellers who love maximizing rewards. If you want to earn free nights at luxurious Marriott brand hotels, this card offers incredible value.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the card’s features, benefits, and how it can help you elevate your travel game. Whether you’re a frequent Marriott guest or just starting your journey into travel rewards, we’ll help you decide if this card is right for you.

Looking to elevate your travel game? Click here to learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card!

How to Earn the Welcome Bonus

Earning the 50,000-point welcome bonus is straightforward and a major draw for new cardmembers. Simply spend $1,500 in the first three months of card membership, and you’ll be rewarded with enough points for multiple free nights or fantastic travel redemptions.

Here are some tips to reach the spending requirement quickly:

• Charge recurring monthly bills to your card.
• Use the card for groceries, dining, and everyday expenses.
• Plan ahead by making large purchases you’ve been considering.

Ready to claim your welcome bonus? Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card today!

Card Fees

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with an annual fee of $120, making it one of the more affordable travel rewards cards. There’s no additional fee for supplementary cards, so you can extend the benefits to a family member.

Be mindful of the 2.5% foreign transaction fee, which applies to purchases made outside of Canada. However, the value from points earned on your spending often outweighs these fees for frequent travellers.

How to Earn Rewards

This card’s points earning structure is simple yet rewarding:

• 5 points per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties. This includes eligible purchases at Marriott hotels, retail establishments like Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques, and online gift card purchases.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Keep in mind that only purchases made directly with Marriott qualify for the 5x multiplier, so bookings through third-party sites won’t earn as many points.

How to Redeem Points

Marriott Bonvoy points are incredibly flexible, offering numerous redemption options:

Hotel Stays

Use your points for free nights at Marriott properties worldwide, including luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels. Booking off-peak stays or using points for room upgrades can maximize value.

Flight Redemptions

Transfer your points to over 40 airline partners for flights. Many programs, like Aeroplan and British Airways Avios, offer favourable transfer ratios, making this a fantastic way to redeem your points.

Unlock incredible redemptions with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card.

Amex Experiences and Benefits

With this card, you gain access to Amex Experiences, including:

• Front of the Line® presale tickets for concerts and events.
• Exclusive access to premium lounges and venues, like Massey Hall.
• Amex Offers, which provide discounts at popular retailers and restaurants.

These perks go beyond travel, adding value to your everyday lifestyle.

Insurance Benefits

Travel with confidence, knowing the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers comprehensive insurance coverage:

• Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $500,000.
• Trip Cancellation Insurance: Up to $2,000 per insured person.
• Flight and Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $500 for essential items and accommodations.
• Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance: Up to $500 per trip.

This level of protection ensures peace of mind while travelling.

Travel Benefits

Annual Free Night Award: Stay for Free Every Year

One of the most valuable perks of the Marriott Bonvoy Card is the Annual Free Night Award. After your first card anniversary, you’ll receive a certificate redeemable for a night at Marriott properties valued at up to 35,000 points.

This benefit alone can offset the card’s annual fee, as stays at luxurious hotels often exceed the cost of holding the card. Use it for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a stopover during your travels. Popular redemption options include brands like The Westin, Sheraton, and Le Méridien.

Automatic Silver Elite Status: A Gateway to Elite Perks

As a cardmember, you automatically qualify for Silver Elite Status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This includes:

• Priority late checkout: Enjoy more flexibility with your travel schedule.
• 10% bonus points on stays: Boost your points earnings when you book directly with Marriott.
• Room preferences: Get a better room based on your preferences whenever available.

Silver Elite Status enhances your stays with thoughtful upgrades and conveniences, ensuring every trip feels elevated.

Gold Elite Status: Unlock Premium Rewards

Frequent travellers who spend $30,000 annually on their Marriott Bonvoy Card will enjoy an automatic upgrade to Gold Elite Status. This tier includes additional perks like:

• Enhanced room upgrades: Receive upgrades to premium rooms, including those with better views and extra amenities.
• 2 PM late checkout: Relax and enjoy your stay without rushing to meet an early checkout time.
• 25% bonus points on stays: Accelerate your rewards with increased earning potential.

If you combine the card’s 15 Elite Night Credits with just 10 paid nights, you can also achieve Gold Elite Status without meeting the annual spending threshold.

Fast-Track to Elite Status

Your card includes 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, a significant boost toward earning higher status levels in the Marriott Bonvoy program. These credits apply automatically and count toward achieving:

• Platinum Elite: At 50 nights, unlock perks like free breakfast and guaranteed room upgrades.
• Titanium Elite: At 75 nights, enjoy even more exclusive benefits, including suite upgrades and additional welcome gifts.

For travellers looking to climb the elite ladder, this feature saves time and increases the value of your Marriott Bonvoy membership.

Access to Marriott’s Global Portfolio

With Marriott Bonvoy, you have access to the world’s largest collection of luxury and mid-range hotels, spanning over 7,000 properties in 130+ countries. This includes iconic brands like:

• The Ritz-Carlton: Renowned for its unmatched luxury and impeccable service.
• St. Regis: Offering refined elegance and personalized touches.
• W Hotels: For modern travellers who appreciate bold design and unique experiences.

Your Marriott Bonvoy points can also unlock unforgettable experiences, from Michelin-starred dining to rejuvenating spa treatments.

How to Earn the Referral Bonus

The referral bonus offered by the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is an incredible way to boost your points quickly. 

By sharing your referral link with friends and family, you can earn 10,000 points per referral, up to 150,000 points annually. That’s enough for free nights at luxurious Marriott properties or valuable airline transfers. It’s a simple and effective way to maximize your rewards while helping others enjoy the card’s benefits.

Start earning referral bonuses today—share your Marriott Bonvoy referral link now!

Who Should Get the Marriott Bonvoy Card?

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is an excellent choice for Canadian travellers looking to maximize their rewards and enjoy exclusive benefits. Here’s who it’s best suited for:

Frequent Marriott Hotel Guests

If you regularly stay at Marriott properties, this card is a must-have. You’ll earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on eligible stays and gain access to perks like free hotel nights and elite status boosts.

Travellers Seeking Flexible Rewards

With redemption options including free hotel nights, flight transfers to over 40 airline partners, and unique experiences, this card offers unmatched flexibility for travel enthusiasts.

How to Get Approved

To qualify, you’ll need:

• A good credit score (670+).
• Stable personal income, such as $35,000–$70,000 annually, making it accessible to salaried employees and freelancers with consistent earnings.
• To be at least the age of majority in your province or territory.

If you meet these criteria and value premium travel experiences, the Marriott Bonvoy Card is a great addition to your wallet.

Ready to apply? Get the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card today!

Conclusion: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Card Worth It in Canada?

If you’re a Canadian traveller looking for a credit card that offers flexibility, exceptional value, and hotel benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a standout option. With a 50,000-point welcome bonus, an annual free night award, and access to Marriott’s 7,000+ properties worldwide, this card can transform your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.

The $120 annual fee is easily justified by the value it delivers. From elite status boosts to comprehensive travel insurance, the card is packed with features that frequent and occasional travellers alike will appreciate. Whether you’re booking luxury stays, redeeming points for flights, or planning your next adventure, the Marriott Bonvoy Card opens up endless possibilities.

For Canadians who love to travel smart and maximize their rewards, this card is absolutely worth it.

Don’t miss out—apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card today and start turning your travel dreams into reality!