Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card Canada Review – 6 Ways to Earn Points Faster

Last updated on December 10th, 2023

Are you thinking of getting the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX credit card in Canada? Well, luckily for you, I have the credit card and currently use it on my travels abroad.

Is it worth it? For me, it is. Read my full Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card Canada review below to see if it’s right for you.

Note that all prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Are you thinking of getting the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX credit card in Canada? Well, luckily for you, I have the credit card and currently use it on my travels abroad.

Is it worth it? For me, it is. Read my full Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card Canada review below to see if it’s right for you.

Marriott History

Marriott International is one of the largest and most well-known hotel chains globally, boasting over 7,000 properties in 131 countries and territories.

The company’s roots date back to 1927 when J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott opened a nine-stool root beer stand in Washington, DC.

Over the years, this small business evolved into Hot Shoppes and eventually Marriott Corporation before expanding into the hotel industry in 1957.

What sets Marriott Bonvoy apart from other hotel chains is its commitment to providing exceptional service and diverse accommodation options. From luxurious resorts to comfortable extended-stay suites, Marriott Bonvoy has a property for every type of traveler.

Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is a highlight for frequent travelers, offering numerous ways to earn and redeem points. Members can earn points through hotel stays, dining at participating restaurants, or purchasing with Marriott co-branded credit cards.

Rewards are not limited to free nights; they include exclusive experiences like culinary events, concerts, and more through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

The program features several membership tiers (Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite), each offering unique benefits such as late checkout, complimentary upgrades, and bonus points.

Amenities and Services

Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide range of amenities and services that cater to different travel needs. These include state-of-the-art fitness centers, spa treatments, business centers, and child-friendly activities.

Some properties also offer unique features like rooftop bars, private beaches, or golf courses.

Compared to other hotel chains, Marriott Bonvoy stands out for its consistent quality across its vast portfolio of brands. Whether staying at a budget-friendly Fairfield Inn & Suites or the ultra-luxurious Ritz-Carlton, you can expect clean accommodations, friendly service, and a comfortable stay.

Top Destinations

Marriott Bonvoy hotels are in many top travel destinations, including New York City, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai, and Sydney. Each property offers a unique experience reflective of its locale.

For instance, the St. Regis New York offers timeless elegance in the heart of Manhattan, while the W Dubai – The Palm is known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. In Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay provides easy access to famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House.

Marriott Bonvoy offers a diverse range of accommodations and experiences that cater to varied travel preferences. Its loyalty program and commitment to quality service make it a top choice for many travelers. Whether for business or leisure, a stay at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel will surely be memorable.

Marriott Bonvoy Points Value for Canadians

Some loyalty programs offer little value. 

We’ll look at the value of Marriott Bonvoy points and help you decide if it’s worth it.

First of all, the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is free to enroll. So, you won’t need to pay anything to have a membership.

How to Earn Marriot Bonvoy Points: For most Marriott hotel stays, you’ll earn 10 points for every 1 USD. Stays at Marriott residences and apartments will earn 5 or 2.5 points per 1 USD.

For example, if you spend 1000 USD (~ 1,350 CAD) on your accommodation, you’ll earn 10,000 Bonvoy points.

But how much are Marriott Bonvoy points worth when you redeem for a free night’s stay?

Let’s take a look at the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. To redeem for one night during low season, it costs 41,000 Bonvoy points, valued at $267.

So, each point for this redemption is valued at 267 ÷ 41000 = $0.0065 , or every 10,000 Bonvoy points is valued at $65.

So, you spend $1,350 to earn $65 in points value. It’s not amazing since the value of the points will decrease during the high season.

You can expect every 10,000 points to value around $35 in Canada during the high season.

Of course, Marriott hotels in countries with a lower cost of living will allow you to get more value for your points. There are also promotions with Bonvoy PointSavers.

For example, the Ritz Carlton, a luxury 5-star hotel in Bali during high season in December, costs roughly $421 per night or 41,600 points with the PointsSavers. This values every 10,000 points to be $101.

Using your Marriott Bonvoys for free nights with the PointsSaver in countries with lower living costs will give you the best return from the loyalty program.

If you want to maximize your Marriott Bonvoys points earned through your spending, then the best option is to double dip with the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card.

6 Ways Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points Faster in Canada

1. Use your Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card whenever possible
2. Take advantage of American Express offers in Canada
3. Book your cruises through Marriott
4. Book your car rentals through Hertz
5. Book your flights through Marriott and sign up for the Emirates or United partnerships.
6. Sign up for Marriott Bonvoy Offers and Promotions

Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card Canada Review of Benefits

As we mentioned, you earn primarily 10 points for every 1 USD spent at Marriott hotels.

With the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card, you earn an additional 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott that is charged to your card. For all other purchases outside of Marriott, you earn 2 points for every $1 charged to your card.

Receive One Free Night Each Year

Every anniversary of your card membership, you’ll receive one free night’s accommodation valued at up to 35,000 points. The welcome bonus points and annual free nights easily cover the $120 membership fee.

Automatic Silver Elite Status

Though the Silver Elite status has little value within the Bonvoy tiers, you’ll receive 15 Elite Night Credits, automatically qualifying you for Silver Elite Status. And with ten more nights, you qualify for Gold Elite Status. An Elite Night Credit is simply a one-night stay.

Being a Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Member will make you eligible to earn points 10% faster at Marriott hotels and marriott.com, plus receive priority late checkout.

Included Travel Insurance Coverage

• Flight delay insurance up to $500
• Baggage delay insurance up to $500
• Hotel burglary insurance up to $500 per trip
• $500,00 accidental death and dismemberment travel insurance
• $85,000 car rental theft and damage insurance

Other Insurance Coverage

• Buyer assurance protection plan that extends the manufacturer’s warranty by one year
• Purchase protection plan that covers up to $1000 for accidental damage or theft within the first 90 days of purchase

RSA Canada underwrites the insurance benefits provided above by American Express.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I believe the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX Card in Canada is worth it because the $120 annual fee is more than covered by the welcome points and free annual nights. Furthermore, you can save money and enjoy more nights at cheaper rates at Marriott budget and luxury hotels.

If you seldom travel, a cash-back credit card would be a better choice.