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Best time to apply for Marriott cards based on offer history

March 24, 2026
29 min read
W Maldives
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editor's Note

This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Marriott is the world's largest hotel chain, with over 9,000 properties in 144 countries spread across 35-plus brands. Like most hotel chains, Marriott offers an extensive family of cobranded credit cards.

Two issuers offer these credit cards: American Express and Chase. Options range from no-annual-fee, entry-level cards to premium cards and a business card.

Here are some of the most popular Marriott credit cards available to new applicants, a snapshot of each one's welcome offer range and some guidance on the best time to apply.

We'll only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers that feature better deals than those outlined below.

(Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of those mentioned below may not be available.)

Best Marriott welcome offers

CardBest welcome offer we've seenWhen to apply
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
If the offer is at least 185,000 points or at least two free nights (worth up to 85,000 points each)
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
If the offer is at least 155,000 points
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
If the offer is at least 125,000 points or at least three free nights (worth up to 50,000 points each)
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.) Additionally, you can receive up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
If the offer is at least 150,000 points or at least four free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each)
Earn two free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $1,000 in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
If the offer is at least two free night awards, or at least 60,000 points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points)

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Marriott's most premium card, the Bonvoy Brilliant, has a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees).

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant_2025_CCFL
THE POINTS GUY

The card earns:

  • 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly
  • 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Brilliant offers benefits like automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual 85,000-point free night award each year after renewal (certain hotels have resort fees; terms apply) and various travel protections in case something goes awry during your travels.

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Here are the offers we have seen on the Bonvoy Brilliant:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.
$1,400
September 2025 to March 2026
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$700
July to September 2025
Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,295
May to July 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after spending an additional $2,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $1,050
March to May 2025
Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,295
October 2024 to March 2025
Earn 95,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$665
August to October 2024
Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,295
May to August 2024
Earn 95,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$665
February to May 2024
Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,295
November 2023 to February 2024
Earn 95,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$665
September to November 2023
Earn two free night awards (valued at up to 85,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

Earn X bonus points after spending X on purchases in the first X months of card membership.

(valuated at up to X points each)

Up to $1,190
August to September 2023
Earn 95,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$665
June to August 2023
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Up to $1,400
January to June 2023
Earn 95,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$665

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's March 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardmembers can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we've seen on the Bonvoy Brilliant is also the current offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.

When to apply

If the offer is for at least 185,000 bonus points or at least two free nights (worth up to 85,000 points each), it's a good time to consider applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.


Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card


Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

The Bonvoy Bevy is a mid-tier credit card that earns 6 points per dollar spent on Marriott hotels. It has a bevy of benefits and a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Bevy_2025_CCFL
THE POINTS GUY

The Bevy comes with perks like automatic Gold Elite status (terms apply), elite night credits and modest travel protections.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bonvoy Bevy:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.
$1,225
September 2025 to March 2026
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$595
July to September 2025
Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,085
May to July 2025
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after spending an additional $2,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $945
March to May 2025
Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,085
October 2024 to March 2025
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$595
August to October 2024
Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,085
May to August 2024
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$595
February to May 2024
Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$1,085
November 2023 to February 2024
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$595
September to November 2023
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
August to September 2023
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$595
June to August 2023
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
$875
January to June 2023
Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$595

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new applicants can earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we've seen on the Bonvoy Bevy is also the current offer: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.

When to apply

If the offer is at least 155,000 points, it's a good time to submit an application.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bonvoy Bevy.


Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card


Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Small-business owners who frequently stay at Marriott's properties will find plenty to like about the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express. The card comes with a $125 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it also offers many perks that can help justify it.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express
THE POINTS GUY

This card offers a free night award of up to 35,000 points (resort fees may apply), elite night credits and solid earnings on Marriott stays.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bonvoy Business:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn an additional two free night awards after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases ($9,000 in total) in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,750
January to March 2026
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
October 2025 to January 2026
Earn up to 125,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership and an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Up to $875
July to October 2025
Earn 125,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
February to July 2025
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
February to March 2025
Earn 125,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
October 2024 to February 2025
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
September to October 2024
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,750
July to September 2024
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
May to July 2024
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,750
March to May 2024
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
February to March 2024
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,750
November 2023 to February 2024
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
September to November 2023
Earn 125,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
August to September 2023
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
May to August 2023
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$525
March to May 2023
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$875

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new applicants can earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn an additional two free night awards after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases ($9,000 in total) in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we've seen on the Bonvoy Business (no longer available) allowed new cardmembers to earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

When to apply

If the offer is for at least 125,000 points or at least three free nights (worth up to 50,000 points each), it's a good time to submit an application.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.


Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card


Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a mid-tier Chase card with a $95 annual fee. It earns 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott properties.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa
THE POINTS GUY

The Boundless card also comes with many premium-like benefits, including an up to 35,000-point anniversary free night award (certain hotels have resort fees), automatic Silver Elite status and elite night credits.

Here are the offers we've seen over the past few years:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,500
January to March 2026
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, you can receive up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,850
November 2025 to January 2026
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
September to November 2025
Earn 125,000 bonus points and one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,225
July to September 2025
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
June 2025
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,750
April to June 2025
Earn three free nights (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. (Certain hotels may have resort fees.)
Up to $1,400
March to April 2025
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
January to March 2025
Earn a $150 statement credit after making your first purchase in the first 12 months from account opening, plus earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,000
November 2024 to January 2025
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
September to November 2024
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$875
March to September 2024
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
January to March 2024
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,750
August 2023 to January 2024
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,050
June to August 2023
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Up to $875
May to June 2023
Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,050
April to May 2023
Earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $1,750

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders can earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we've seen on the Bonvoy Boundless (no longer available) was to earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

When to apply

If the offer is at least 150,000 bonus points or at least four free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each), you should consider applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.


Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card


Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

The no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold from Chase is an entry-level Marriott credit card. It offers modest benefits and perks similar to those you would get with elite status for those who don't stay at Marriott properties frequently.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Visa
THE POINTS GUY

The Bold offers automatic Silver Elite status, elite night credits and modest travel protections.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Bold card:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$210
January to March 2026
Earn two free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $700
November 2025 to January 2026
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$210
September to November 2025
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$420
July to September 2025
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$210
June 2025
Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $770
March to June 2025
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$210
January to March 2025
Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $770
November 2024 to January 2025
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$210
July to November 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Up to $770
August 2023 to July 2024
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$210
June to August 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Up to $700

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we've seen on the Bonvoy Bold (no longer available) provided new cardholders two free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

When to apply

If the offer is at least two free night awards, or at least 60,000 points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points), it's a good time to consider applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold.


Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card


Application restrictions

Before applying for one of these Marriott credit cards, make sure you're eligible for the welcome offer.

The Marriott American Express cards only allow you to earn one bonus for each of their cards once in a lifetime, and they have strict rules, so you may not be eligible for some cards' welcome bonuses.

Marriott hotel room
MARRIOTT

Additionally, Marriott has extra rules on welcome bonus eligibility if you have previously held other Marriott or former Starwood Preferred Guest credit cards. You can use this eligibility table to see if you are eligible for a welcome bonus.

On the Marriott Chase cobranded cards side, you are subject to the 5/24 rule, which means you can't have opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months. This rule is in addition to the Marriott application rules if you have previously held another Marriott or former SPG credit card.

Related: Want to open a new Chase card? Here's how to calculate your 5/24 standing

Bottom line

Using the data and offer history above can help you time applications and potentially net you many more Bonvoy points. Historical data shows that, during certain months, welcome offers tend to be higher than in other months year over year.

Lastly, with this offer history, you have a baseline and threshold on the bare minimum welcome offer you should apply for. If it exceeds that threshold, it would be an ideal time to apply for a Marriott card.

Related: Best welcome offers of the month

For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, click here.
For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.
For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click here.

Featured image by RALF TOOTEN/MARRIOTT
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
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Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
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Annual fee
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Regular APR
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