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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
This comparison aims to help users decide between the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different travel preferences and spending habits, making it essential to understand their features.
Card Overviews
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer Marriott hotels. It offers substantial rewards on hotel stays and dining, along with additional perks like elite status and free night awards, making it ideal for loyal Marriott customers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card caters to those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. It provides bonus points for airline purchases, anniversary points, and benefits like EarlyBird Check-In, making it a great option for dedicated Southwest travelers.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $250 | $69 |
| Welcome Bonus | 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after $5,000 in purchases in first 6 months | 50,000 points after $1,000 in purchases in first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 6X points at Marriott hotels, 4X at restaurants and supermarkets, 2X on all other purchases | 2X on Southwest purchases and select categories, 1X on all other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | $250 Annual Fee | $69 Annual Fee |
| Additional Benefits | 1 Free Night Award, 15 Elite Night Credits, Gold Elite Status | 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year, 3,000 anniversary points |
Rewards Highlights
- Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Pros and Cons
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
- Pros:
- High earning potential on Marriott hotel stays.
- Free night award after spending threshold.
- Complimentary Gold Elite Status.
- Cons:
- High annual fee compared to other cards.
- More beneficial for those who stay frequently at Marriott hotels.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Pros:
- Lower annual fee.
- Bonus points for Southwest purchases and anniversary points.
- EarlyBird Check-In® benefits enhance travel experience.
- Cons:
- Less rewarding for non-Southwest purchases.
- Lower welcome bonus compared to Marriott card.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize hotel rewards, enjoy elite status benefits, and take advantage of free nights.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Best suited for those who regularly fly with Southwest Airlines and prefer earning points for air travel, along with additional perks related to flying with the airline.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card should be based on your individual travel habits and financial goals. Consider where you spend the most, your loyalty to specific hotel or airline brands, and which rewards will benefit you the most in the long run.