The world of travel rewards can be incredibly fulfilling, offering amazing experiences and significant savings. If you're a Marriott Bonvoy credit card holder, you're already on your way to maximizing your stays. But what if you could unlock even more benefits? What if you could elevate your travel experience to a whole new level? That's exactly what a card upgrade can offer!
Upgrading your Marriott Bonvoy credit card isn't just about getting a shinier piece of plastic; it's about gaining access to enhanced earning rates, elevated elite status, more valuable free night awards, and a suite of premium perks that can transform your travels. Ready to explore how? Let's dive in!
Understanding the Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Ecosystem
Before we jump into the upgrade process, it's essential to understand the different Marriott Bonvoy credit cards available from issuers like Chase and American Express. Each card offers a unique set of benefits, annual fees, and earning structures. Typically, you'd upgrade from a lower-tier card to a higher-tier one within the same issuer.
For instance, with Chase, you might upgrade from the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. With American Express, you could upgrade from the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Knowing the benefits of the card you currently have and the card you aspire to have is the first crucial step in making an informed decision.
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| How To Upgrade My Marriott Bonvoy Card |
Step 1: Discover Your Upgrade Potential – Are You Ready to Elevate?
Alright, let's get personal! The very first thing you need to do is assess your current card and your travel habits. Are you frequently staying at Marriott properties? Do you dine out often or spend a lot on travel? Your spending patterns and travel frequency are key indicators of whether an upgrade makes sense for you.
Sub-heading: Know Your Current Card's Benefits
Take a moment to really understand the benefits of your existing Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
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What's your current annual fee?
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How many points do you earn per dollar on Marriott stays, dining, and other categories?
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Do you receive any annual free night awards, and if so, what's their point value?
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What elite status does your card grant you (e.g., Silver Elite, Gold Elite)?
Having a clear picture of what you already have will help you appreciate the potential gains from an upgrade.
Sub-heading: Identify Your Desired Card & Its Perks
Now, let's dream a little! Research the higher-tier Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offered by your current card issuer.
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What are their annual fees?
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How do their earning rates compare to your current card? Often, premium cards offer significantly higher point multipliers on Marriott purchases and sometimes even on everyday spending categories like dining and groceries.
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What kind of free night awards do they offer? Higher-tier cards often come with Free Night Awards with a higher point value, allowing you to redeem them at more luxurious properties.
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What elite status do they confer? Upgrading can instantly boost you to a higher elite status (e.g., from Silver to Gold, or Gold to Platinum), which comes with perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays.
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Are there any new travel credits or lounge access benefits? Some premium cards offer statement credits for specific travel expenses or access to airport lounges, significantly enhancing your travel comfort.
Compare these benefits carefully to see if the increased annual fee is justified by the added value you'd receive.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility – The Gates to Greater Rewards
Once you have a target card in mind, it's time to see if you qualify. While upgrading is generally easier than applying for a brand-new card, there are still a few factors that come into play.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
Sub-heading: Account Tenure
Most credit card issuers prefer that you've had your current card for at least one year before considering an upgrade. This demonstrates responsible credit card usage. While not always a hard and fast rule, it's a good general guideline.
Sub-heading: Creditworthiness
While a product change (upgrade) typically doesn't result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, your issuer will still consider your overall creditworthiness. This includes your payment history, current debt, and credit score. Ensure your account is in good standing with no missed payments.
Sub-heading: Issuer-Specific Rules
Each credit card issuer (Chase, American Express) has its own specific policies regarding upgrades.
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Amex, for example, might have rules regarding how recently you opened another Marriott card or received a bonus.
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Chase might have specific upgrade paths between their Marriott Bonvoy cards.
It's always a good idea to check the issuer's website or call their customer service for the most up-to-date and accurate eligibility criteria.
Step 3: Making the Call – The Direct Approach
The most common and often most straightforward way to upgrade your Marriott Bonvoy credit card is by calling your card issuer's customer service.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Information
Before you call, have the following ready:
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Your current Marriott Bonvoy credit card number.
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Your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program member number.
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The name of the Marriott Bonvoy card you wish to upgrade to.
Sub-heading: Dial the Right Number
Find the customer service number on the back of your credit card or on your issuer's official website. It's usually a dedicated line for credit card services.
Sub-heading: State Your Intent Clearly
When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you are interested in upgrading your Marriott Bonvoy credit card. Mention the specific card you currently hold and the card you'd like to upgrade to.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Sub-heading: Discuss the Details
The representative will guide you through the process. Be prepared to discuss:
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Annual Fee Change: They will confirm the new annual fee and when it will be charged.
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Benefits Transition: Ask how quickly the new benefits (e.g., elite status, free night awards, new earning rates) will take effect.
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Card Number and Expiration: In most cases, your card number will remain the same, but you will receive a new card with an updated expiration date and design.
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Impact on Welcome Offers: It's important to note that product changes (upgrades) generally do not come with a new welcome bonus. If earning a new sign-up bonus is a priority, you might consider applying for a new card instead of upgrading, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for a new application. However, applying for a new card typically involves a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Sub-heading: Confirm and Acknowledge
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Once you've discussed all the details and are comfortable with the terms, confirm your upgrade request with the representative. They will typically send you a confirmation email or letter.
Step 4: The Waiting Game & New Card Arrival
After you've initiated the upgrade, there will be a short waiting period.
Sub-heading: Processing Time
The processing time for an upgrade can vary, but generally, you can expect your request to be processed within a few business days to a couple of weeks. Some benefits, like elite status, might update faster in your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your New Card
Your upgraded card will be mailed to you, usually within 7-10 business days. Once it arrives, activate it immediately and start enjoying your enhanced benefits!
Sub-heading: Updating Your Account Details
Ensure your new card details are updated wherever you have recurring payments set up to avoid any interruptions in service.
Step 5: Maximize Your New Benefits – Unlock the Full Potential!
Congratulations on your upgraded Marriott Bonvoy card! Now it's time to put those new perks to good use.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
Sub-heading: Utilize Enhanced Earning Rates
Start using your new card for Marriott stays and in any bonus categories to take advantage of the higher point earning potential.
Sub-heading: Enjoy Elevated Elite Status
If your upgrade came with a higher elite status, explore the benefits that come with it. This could include:
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Complimentary room upgrades (including select suites, based on availability).
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Late checkout privileges.
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Bonus points on your Marriott stays.
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Complimentary breakfast or other welcome amenities at certain brands.
Sub-heading: Redeem Your Free Night Awards Strategically
If your upgraded card offers a more valuable Free Night Award, plan your next stay to maximize its worth. Look for properties where the cash rate is significantly higher than the point value of your award.
Sub-heading: Explore Additional Perks
Don't forget any new travel credits, lounge access, or travel insurance benefits your upgraded card might offer. These can add significant value to your travel experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common questions about upgrading your Marriott Bonvoy credit card:
How to know if I'm eligible to upgrade my Marriott Bonvoy card?
You generally need to have had your current card for at least one year. Your creditworthiness and payment history with the issuer are also considered. It's best to call your card issuer directly to confirm your specific eligibility.
How to upgrade my Marriott Bonvoy Bold to Boundless?
You can typically upgrade your Marriott Bonvoy Bold to a Boundless by calling Chase customer service. They will review your account and offer the product change if you qualify.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
How to upgrade my Marriott Bonvoy Bevy to Brilliant?
To upgrade from the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy to the Brilliant card, you'll need to contact American Express customer service. They will walk you through the process and confirm your eligibility.
How to find the customer service number for my Marriott Bonvoy card issuer?
The customer service number is usually printed on the back of your physical credit card. You can also find it on your card issuer's official website (e.g., Chase.com or AmericanExpress.com).
How to check the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy card I want to upgrade to?
Visit the official websites of Chase or American Express and navigate to their Marriott Bonvoy credit card offerings. Each card's benefits, annual fees, and earning rates will be clearly listed.
How to know if an upgrade will impact my credit score?
Product changes or upgrades generally do not result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, so they typically have little to no immediate impact on your credit score. However, always confirm with the issuer when you call.
How to receive the new welcome bonus when upgrading?
Product upgrades typically do not come with a new welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses are usually reserved for new card applications. If a bonus is your priority, consider applying for a new card (if eligible) rather than upgrading.
How to ensure my elite status upgrades after the card upgrade?
Once your card upgrade is complete, the issuer will typically report your new elite status to Marriott Bonvoy. It may take a few business days for this to reflect in your Marriott Bonvoy account. You can verify by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy profile.
How to tell when my new card will arrive after an upgrade?
After approving your upgrade, your card issuer will generally send your new card within 7-10 business days via mail. The representative on the phone may provide a more specific timeframe.
How to make the most of my upgraded Marriott Bonvoy card benefits?
To maximize benefits, use your upgraded card for all Marriott stays to earn at the higher rate, take advantage of your new elite status perks (like room upgrades or late checkout), and strategically redeem any enhanced Free Night Awards for valuable stays.
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