On May 3rd, 2020, the Chase Marriott Premier Plus officially launched.
This new product from JPMorgan Chase is the new-and-improved version of the Marriott Rewards Premier, also from Chase. The card has some interesting new features, as well as a hefty sign-up bonus – let’s dive in and learn more about the card in our Chase Marriott Premier Plus review.
On May 3rd, 2020, the Chase Marriott Premier Plus officially launched.
This new product from JPMorgan Chase is the new-and-improved version of the Marriott Rewards Premier, also from Chase. The card has some interesting new features, as well as a hefty sign-up bonus – let’s dive in and learn more about the card in our Chase Marriott Premier Plus review.
Sign Up Bonus
Bonus: 100,000 Marriott Rewards points
Spend requirement: $5,000 in the first 3 months
Exclusions: Offer excludes current holders of the Marriott Rewards Premier or Marriott Rewards Premier Plus credit card, and previous holders of the Marriott Rewards Premier or Marriott Rewards Premier Plus credit card who received a signup bonus within the last 24 months
5/24 status: This card most likely falls under 5/24, meaning you won’t be able to get it if you have signed up for 5 or more credit cards within the last 24 months.
Card Basics
Annual fee: $95, not waived the first year
Card type: Visa Signature (see Visa Signature benefits for details)
Earning rate: 6x points per $1 spent at qualifying Marriott and SPG properties; 2x points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Benefits
Free night: Every year on your account anniversary, get a free night credit for a stay at any Marriott/SPG property up to 35,000 points (see Marriott award chart for details – but keep in mind that the award chart will be changing in September). Given the annual fee, this is similar to paying $95 for a night’s stay, which could be a good value.
Silver status: Cardholders will automatically be given Marriott Rewards Silver Elite Status, which offers these benefits.
Gold status: If you spend $35,000 on the card in a cardmember year, you will get Marriott Reward Gold Status (info here).
Elite night credits: Get 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, starting in 2019.
Chase Marriott Premier Plus Review
Given the 100,000 point signup bonus (equivalent to 2-15+ free nights at Marriott properties, depending on category), this card is worthwhile to sign up for. The bonus is pretty solid, although not mind-blowing as we’ve seen the same bonus on the old version of the card (which had a lower annual fee). DoctorofCredit did a good job of comparing this card to the old version.
In terms of keeping this card long-term, it’s likely worthwhile. The earning rates are decent, but nothing exceptional. The annual free night credit is obviously the biggest reason to keep this card. It gives you a free night at a hotel costing up to 35,000 Marriott points, which means it excludes the very nicest Marriott hotels, but still includes a lot of quite expensive rooms. A quick search in Seattle showed me that I could use the free night certificate to get a free room with a cash value of $350+. Since the annual fee is $95, that presents good value – so long as you actually have a reason to stay in expensive hotels.
Likewise, the elite status benefits and elite night credits are only valuable if you stay at Marriott properties frequently and enjoy the status benefits. Personally, I don’t find much value in Marriott status, but frequent business travelers may enjoy the perks.
Overall, this card is a significant upgrade from the old version, and a solid credit card all around. It’s a shame it falls under 5/24, otherwise I would be applying today!
