Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards Alter Sign-up Bonuses

Chase is switching up the welcome bonuses for two of its travel credit cards.

Here’s a closer look at the new sign-up bonuses:

• New offer: 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

• Previous offer: 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

• Rewards rate (unchanged): The $0-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card earns 3 points per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per $1 spent on other eligible travel purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Cardholders will qualify for Silver Elite status.

• New offer: Earn three free night awards valued up to 50,000 points each after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10 points per dollar spent on up to $2,500 in combined purchases at grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations within the first six months from account opening.

• Previous offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

• Rewards rate (unchanged): The $95-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card earns 6 points per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. The card also offers automatic Silver Elite status.

Yes. If you consider the value of the three nights (50,000 points each; 150,000 total) and the additional bonus categories over the first six months (up to 25,000 points), this offer is worth 175,000 points when maxed out. That is well beyond the previous offer of 100,000 points.

This comes into play when you book your stay. With three free night awards for rooms valued at up to 50,000 points, you have more latitude to book pricier rooms. However, you won’t be able to book luxurious or ultra-high-demand rooms at peak times.

Conversely, if you choose to book rooms valued at fewer than 50,000 points, you won’t be maximizing the value of those nights.

Nerdy tip: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card cardholders also get a free annual night award that is valued at up to 35,000 points. So assuming you meet the spending requirement, you could have four nights to use in your first year of card ownership.

Translating all that into Marriott’s jargon: Those 50,000 points can cover nights at Category 1-5 Marriott properties year-round, an off-peak or standard booking at a Category 6 property or an off-peak booking at a Category 7 property.