The Best-Ever Offer in Canadian History
For a limited time (until August 18, 2025), new cardholders can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points—the highest welcome bonus ever offered on this card in over six years. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 65,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- 30,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months
- 15,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17
Why does this matter? Historically, the typical welcome bonus hovered around 50,000 points, with only brief spikes to 75,000 or 80,000. This 110,000-point offer is a 120% increase over last year’s standard, making now the best time to apply if you want to turbocharge your points balance.
What Can 110,000 Points Get You?
- Up to 15 free nights at lower-category Marriott properties in Canada or worldwide.
- 3-5 nights at mid-tier hotels in major Canadian cities—think Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Banff.
- 1-2 nights at luxury properties, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, or W Hotels.
- Transfer to airlines: 110,000 points = 36,666 airline miles (plus bonuses) for programs like Aeroplan.
Annual Free Night Award: The Secret Weapon
Every year after your card anniversary, you receive a Free Night Award valid at any Marriott property costing up to 35,000 points per night. This benefit alone can easily offset the annual fee.
How to Maximize the Free Night
- Luxury Stays: Redeem at high-end properties during peak travel periods for maximum value. Many Canadian travel hackers report getting $400–$500+ in value from a single free night.
- Family Travel: Use the free night for staycations, ski trips, or family getaways in Canada’s top destinations.
- No Expiry Pressure: The free night certificate is valid for 12 months, giving you time to plan the perfect redemption.
Real-World Example
A single night at the AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown can cost $539 after taxes and fees, but requires just 18,500 points. That’s a return of nearly 3 cents per point—far above the average value for hotel points in Canada.
Earning Points: Everyday Spending, Big Rewards
Earning Rates
- 5 points per $1 at Marriott Bonvoy hotels (including all eligible on-property charges—dining, spa, etc.)
- 2 points per $1 on all other purchases, making this card a solid everyday earner
Maximizing Your Points
- Use for all Marriott stays: No other Canadian card offers a better return at Marriott hotels.
- Everyday purchases: While other cards may offer higher rates for groceries or gas, the 2x base rate is competitive for non-bonused spend, especially if you value Marriott points highly
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points: Outsized Value
Hotel Stays
- Over 8,000 properties worldwide—from budget to ultra-luxury, Marriott’s footprint is unmatched
- Dynamic pricing: Points required for a free night vary by property and date, but savvy hackers can find outsized value by booking during off-peak times or at newly opened hotels
Fifth Night Free
Book four consecutive award nights and get the fifth night free—a unique perk that stretches your points even further for longer stays
Private Homes & Experiences
Marriott Bonvoy points can also be redeemed for private home rentals and exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, adding flexibility for non-traditional travel
Elite Status Perks and Fast-Track to Gold
Automatic Silver Elite Status
Just for holding the card, you get Silver Elite status, which includes:
- 10% bonus points on stays
- Priority late checkout
- Member rates at participating hotels
15 Elite Night Credits
Each year, you receive 15 elite night credits, helping you fast-track to higher status tiers. Spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year to unlock Gold Elite status, which adds:
- Room upgrades (when available)
- 2pm late checkout
- Enhanced earning on stays
Why Status Matters
Elite status unlocks perks like upgrades, welcome gifts, and bonus points—making every Marriott stay more rewarding and enjoyable.
Airline Transfer Partners: Beyond Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy points are the most flexible hotel points in Canada because they transfer to nearly 40 airline frequent flyer programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan.
Transfer Ratio
- 3:1 ratio: 60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 airline miles.
- Bonus: For every 60,000 points transferred, you get an extra 5,000 miles (25,000 total)
Why This Matters for Canadian Travel Hackers
- Aeroplan Sweet Spots: Top up your Aeroplan balance for domestic or international flights.
- Global Flexibility: Transfer to programs like British Airways Avios, Alaska Mileage Plan, and United MileagePlus for unique redemption opportunities.
Insurance and Cardholder Protections
The Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada includes a suite of travel insurance benefits:
- Flight delay insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance
- Car rental theft and damage insurance (when booking with the card)
These protections can save you hundreds of dollars and provide peace of mind on every trip.
Supplementary Cards and Family Strategy
- No fee for supplementary cards: Add up to nine additional cards for free, letting family members help earn points faster
- Pooling Points: Combine points within a household for bigger redemptions or group travel.
Marriott Bonvoy Amex vs. Other Canadian Travel Cards
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada | Amex Cobalt | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite |
| Annual Fee | $120 | $156 | $139 |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 110,000 points | Up to 15,000 MR/month | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan |
| Hotel Free Night | Yes (35,000 pts/year) | No | No |
| Airline Transfer | Yes (3:1, 5K bonus) | Yes | N/A |
| Elite Status | Silver Elite + 15 nights | No | Aeroplan 25K |
| Supplementary Card Fee | $0 | $0 | $50 |
Key takeaway: The Marriott Bonvoy Amex is the only Canadian card offering a free hotel night, meaningful elite status, and robust airline transfer options—all for a modest annual fee.
Who Should Get This Card?
- Frequent Canadian travelers: Unlock free nights, upgrades, and elite perks at hotels coast-to-coast.
- International explorers: Use points for global stays or transfer to airlines for flights.
- Families and couples: Pool points and enjoy free supplementary cards.
- Travel hackers: Stack with other cards for maximum points-earning and redemption flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada worth the annual fee?
Absolutely. The annual free night award alone can be worth 2–4x the $120 fee, not to mention the welcome bonus, elite status, and insurance coverage.
Can I get the card if I’m self-employed or a student?
Yes! No minimum income is required, and sole proprietors are eligible.
How do I maximize the welcome bonus?
Plan your spending to hit the $3,000 threshold in 3 months and $20,000 in 12 months for the full 110,000 points.
What’s the best use of Marriott Bonvoy points?
Free hotel nights at high-value properties, especially during peak periods, or transferring to Aeroplan for flight redemptions.
Can I combine points with my spouse or family?
Yes, Marriott allows point transfers between members, making it easy to pool for big redemptions.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Canadian Travel Hacker Needs This Card
For Canadians serious about travel hacking, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a must-have. Its historic welcome bonus, annual free night, elite status perks, flexible redemption options, and low annual fee make it the most valuable hotel credit card in Canada—period. Whether you’re looking to unlock luxury stays, stretch your points for family travel, or top up your airline miles, this card delivers consistent, repeatable value year after year. Don’t miss out on the best-everoffer—add the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada to your travel hacking toolkit and watch your adventures multiply.
Ready to level up your Canadian travel hacking game?
Apply before August 18, 2025, to secure the 110,000-point bonus and start unlocking free nights, elite perks, and unforgettable experiences across Canada and beyond.
