Marriott offers some fantastic opportunities to earn free night awards through their credit cards, which can lead to substantial value for those who travel often. While the classic Marriott credit card strategy has been popular, recent changes, especially from American Express, have led to the creation of a new approach. This new strategy shortens the time it takes to start earning free nights and makes it easier to get high-tier Marriott cards.
Strategy Overview:
Cut the traditional four-year timeline down to just two years while maximizing the value of your Marriott credit card portfolio.
Classic Marriott Strategy: A Review
The classic Marriott strategy revolves around earning free night awards each year by holding four Marriott credit cards. These cards are issued by two different companies: American Express and Chase.
Required Cards:
- Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
- American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card
- American Express Bonvoy Business Card
- Chase Ritz-Carlton Card
Annual Free Night Awards:
- Boundless & Business cards: 35k free night award
- Brilliant & Ritz-Carlton cards: 85k free night award
- Net annual fee: ~$720 after statement credits
However, earning the full suite of Marriott cards has a catch. Due to specific rules on applying for cards from both Chase and American Express, you can't just apply for all four cards at once. You must follow a specific sequence and timing to maximize your rewards while adhering to both companies' rules. The classic strategy requires patience and a long-term approach, with the whole process taking about four years to complete.
New Marriott Strategy: A Faster Path
The new strategy takes advantage of recent changes made by American Express, particularly higher annual fees and longer timeframes for meeting the minimum spend requirement. While these changes might seem like setbacks, they actually help create a more efficient credit card earning process for Marriott free nights.
Step-by-Step Implementation
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Start with the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant Card
Apply and get approved for the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant Card. You will have six months to meet the required spend.
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Follow Up with the Amex Bonvoy Business Card
After obtaining the Brilliant Card, apply for the Bonvoy Business Card. The same six-month spend period applies here as well.
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Next, Apply for Chase Bonvoy Boundless
After at least 90 days since your American Express Bonvoy applications, you can apply for the Chase Bonvoy Boundless card. This timing works out since it falls between the minimum spend periods for your other cards.
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Product Change to Ritz-Carlton
After 12 months with your Chase Bonvoy Boundless Card, you can then product change it into the Chase Ritz-Carlton Card to take advantage of its benefits. Repeat the process with the Boundless card for an annual free night.
Benefits of the New Strategy
Key Advantages:
- Faster Timeline: Complete in two years instead of four
- Immediate High-Level Benefits: Earlier access to Brilliant card perks
- Quicker Ritz-Carlton Access: Faster path to luxury benefits
- Efficient Timeline: More streamlined approach to earning free nights
Drawbacks to Consider
Key Challenges:
- Multiple Welcome Offers: Managing three simultaneous welcome offers
- Timing Requirements: Careful timing needed for all applications
- Credit Card Rules: Must navigate Chase 5/24 and Amex 2/90 rules
- High Minimum Spend: Multiple spending requirements to track
Who Should Consider This Strategy?
Perfect For:
- Those wanting to accelerate Marriott rewards earning
- People comfortable managing multiple credit card offers
- Travelers seeking luxury benefits sooner
- Those who can meet multiple minimum spend requirements
Skip If You:
- Prefer a slower, steadier approach
- Find multiple welcome offers overwhelming
- Can't meet high minimum spend requirements
- Are new to credit card rewards
Final Thoughts
The new Marriott credit card strategy offers a faster, more efficient route to earning Marriott free night awards. By leveraging changes in American Express' credit card policies, you can acquire all the necessary cards and bonuses in just two years instead of four. While there are certainly challenges in terms of timing and managing multiple welcome offers, the benefits are clear for those who want to fast-track their Marriott rewards and enjoy luxury benefits sooner.