The rewards cards offered by Mariott allow you to choose between points, air miles and rewards certificates. The program offers three levels of Elite Membership: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. This article highlights some of the benefits of each of the three cards offered by Marriott and compares the cards to other travel rewards cards such as: the Amex Starwood, Discover Miles, and Chase Sapphire. With this information you can see how they stack up against each other and hopefully make an informed decision on which card or cards will work best for you.

Marriott Rewards Credit Card

The Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card is a rewards card that offers 22,500 bonus points after your first purchase. Once you are approved for the card you will receive a free night stay at category 1-4 hotels. Members also receive 10 nights credit towards Elite status. You can qualify for the anniversary 10 nights Elite status credit, as long as your account is open and not in default on your account anniversary date. The card offers 3 points per $1 spent at Marriott locations and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. The rate for purchases and balance transfer 9.99% plus the prime rate. The annual fee waived for the first year and $30 thereafter.

Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card

The Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card offers 30,000 bonus points after your first purchase. Once approved as a member you will receive a free night at any category 1-4 hotels. You will also receive a free night stay EVERY YEAR upon account anniversary at any category 1-5hotels and 15 nights credit toward Elite status. For every $1 spent at Marriott locations you will earn 5 points, 2 points per $1 spent on airline, dining and rental car purchases and $1 spent everywhere else. The card offers a purchase and balance transfer APR of 10.99% plus the prime rate. The annual fee is waived the first year and is $30 thereafter.

Marriott Rewards Business Card

The Marriott Rewards Business Card offers 22,500 bonus points after your first purchase. Once approved for an account you will receive a free night stay at any category 1-4 hotels. Account holders also receive 10 night credit toward Elite status. You will earn 3 points per $1 spent at Marriott locations and 1 point per $1 everywhere else. You can get cards for key employees at no additional cost, consolidated monthly billing statements and quarterly management reports. The purchase and balance transfer APR is 9.99% plus the prime rate. The annual fee is waived the first year and is $30 thereafter.

How Do They Match Up

We’ve always been partial to the Starwood Preferred Guest card from American Express. It offers great bonus Starpoints, you can accumulate Starpoints quickly, and they can be used for hotel stays or flights. But each card listed below has pros and cons.

Of the five cards listed the Discover Miles Card offers a low APR at a rate of 8.74% plus the prime rate. All three of the Mariott Rewards Cards offer low rates as well at 9.99% plus the prime rate. The Mariott Cards do not offer any special introductory rates like the Amex Starwood Card, Discover Miles Card, and the Chase Sapphire(SM). However, the bonus offers appear to be on the generous side for the Mariott Cards with all three cards offering bonus points after your first purchase and a free hotel stay once you are approved for the card. The cards also requires an annual fee of $30 that is waived the first year, as does the Amex Starwood Card with a fee of $45. The cards that offer no annual fee are the Discover Miles, and Chase Sapphire cards.