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Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help users decide between the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. We will examine their key features, rewards structures, and other benefits to determine which card best fits your financial needs and lifestyle.
Card Overviews
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and want to earn rewards without an annual fee. With a focus on hotel stays and everyday spending, this card offers an attractive rewards structure and additional benefits for loyal Marriott customers.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for United Airlines travelers, providing extensive benefits such as travel credits, free checked bags, and priority boarding. While there is an introductory annual fee, the value-added features make it a compelling choice for frequent flyers with United.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | Up to 14X points at Marriott hotels, 2X points at select categories, 1X on other purchases | 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X mile on other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Travel now, pay later; Pay Yourself Back® | Priority boarding; Free first checked bag; Travel credits |
Rewards Highlights
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Rewards
- Earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
- Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- No annual fee
- Generous rewards for Marriott stays
- Multiple bonus categories for everyday spending
- Flexible redemption options with Pay Yourself Back®
- Cons:
- Limited to Marriott hotel benefits
- Lower overall rewards for non-Marriott purchases
The New United℠ Explorer Card Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Strong welcome bonus
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding and lounge access
- Travel credits enhance overall value
- Cons:
- $150 annual fee after the first year
- Rewards primarily beneficial for United Airlines travelers
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is ideal for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and prefer a no-annual-fee option with solid rewards on everyday spending. If you are a loyal Marriott customer, this card will enhance your travel experience with valuable points.
On the other hand, The New United℠ Explorer Card is better suited for travelers who predominantly fly with United Airlines and can take advantage of priority boarding, free checked bags, and travel credits. The annual fee may be justified by the extensive travel benefits provided.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card depends on your individual travel habits and financial goals. Consider where you spend most of your money and which benefits align with your lifestyle to make the best decision.