Comparing the Marriott Bonvoy Bold and Hilton Honors Amex

Travel rewards credit cards come with a range of annual fees, from none to several hundred dollars. Generally, cards with annual fees offer superior earning rates, more travel benefits, and annual rewards.

While many enthusiasts prefer premium cards for their perks, no-annual-fee co-branded options can still appeal to occasional travelers.

If you’re considering a no-annual-fee hotel credit card, look at the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card. Both options grant entry-level elite status and feature similar bonus categories to help you accumulate points with every purchase.

Let’s compare the Marriott Bonvoy Bold and Hilton Honors Amex to determine which entry-level card is right for you.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Hilton Honors Amex Comparison

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary. Terms and conditions apply. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

**Eligibility varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Coverage provided by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Welcome Offers: Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Hilton Honors Amex

Both the Marriott and Hilton cards feature enticing bonus offers.

New cardholders of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold will receive 60,000 bonus points and a free night (up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 in the first three months. The estimated value of this offer reaches up to $770, according to Flying Frugal’s June 2025 valuations.

In comparison, new Hilton Honors Amex cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months. This offer is worth around $600, making it less valuable than the Bold’s current welcome offer.

Winner: Bonvoy Bold. Its higher welcome bonus makes it the clear choice.

Benefits: Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Hilton Honors Amex

Both cards offer entry-level elite status with useful perks for starting a relationship with hotel loyalty programs. The Bonvoy Bold provides automatic Silver Elite status with basic perks like a 10% points bonus, priority late checkout, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Hilton Honors Amex’s Silver status includes similar perks, such as a 20% points bonus and elite rollover nights, which can help achieve Hilton’s fifth-night-free benefit on awards.

The Bonvoy Bold also includes five elite night credits each year, which can be combined with credits earned from the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. Meanwhile, the Hilton Amex awards automatic Gold status if $20,000 is spent within a calendar year.

Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, making them useful for international travel. While the Bold offers more extensive travel protections, including baggage delay insurance and trip reimbursement, the Hilton Amex provides purchase protection and rental insurance.

Winner: Marriott Bonvoy Bold. It has better travel protections and easier access to higher-level elite status without a minimum spend.

Earning Points: Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Hilton Honors Amex

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold earns:

• 3 points per dollar at Marriott properties
• 2 points per dollar on groceries, ride-hailing, and select services
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

With Marriott Bonvoy membership, you earn an additional bonus, bringing the potential total to 14 points per dollar at Marriott stays, equating to a 9.8% return on spending.

On the other hand, the Hilton Honors Amex earns a base of 7 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and 5 points on dining, groceries, and gas stations. This totals 19 points per dollar spent with Hilton properties, which translates to a 9.5% return.

Winner: Hilton Honors Amex. It has better earning rates in popular spending categories.

Redeeming Points: Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Hilton Honors Amex

Marriott Bonvoy Bold cardholders can redeem points primarily for stays at Marriott properties, and there are various airline transfer options available. Marriott’s dynamic pricing means rates can vary, so using Cash + Points can be a great way to cover the cost of your stay if you’re low on points.

Flying Frugal credit cards writer Chris Nelson recently redeemed 47,000 Bonvoy points for a three-night stay at JW Marriott Hotel Beijing.

Hilton’s award redemption is similar but also features dynamic pricing. Elite members enjoy a fifth free night on award stays, and the Points Explorer tool helps find the best value for points.

Winner: Marriott Bonvoy Bold. More properties make it easier to find use for your points.

Should I Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Bold or Hilton Honors Amex?

Both the Marriott Bonvoy Bold and Hilton Honors Amex are entry-level cards with valuable benefits for no annual fee. If elite status isn’t your priority and you’re just getting into hotel credit cards, either one would be a solid pick. The choice ultimately depends on your preference for brand loyalty and whether the card’s features align with your spending habits.

Bottom Line

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold and Hilton Honors American Express Card deliver basic benefits and some travel protections, making them viable options for no-annual-fee cards. Frequent travelers might want to consider cobranded cards with higher annual fees to gain extensive benefits.

If you’re just starting, these cards can effectively kickstart your loyalty journey. For more elite status perks, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, which provides Gold elite status for both Marriott and Hilton.

For further insights, check out our complete reviews of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold and Hilton Honors Amex.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex, please click here.