Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card

From the CompareCards.com Editorial Team:

With the Marriot Rewards card from Chase, those who like to travel and stay in Marriott hotels can earn lots of extra credit and then use it to pay for their hotel stays. Members can receive a free night stay every year just for carrying the card, for example, and you can also earn as many as 30,000 bonus points for signing up for the card and then activating the account with your first purchase.

That’s a pretty strong incentive, and it more than covers the cash equivalent of the $65 annual fee because in most rewards programs 30,000 points is roughly worth about $300. But from there the card keeps going with rewards earned at a 1 point per dollar rate on all ordinary eligible purchases, plus double points for each dollar spend on specific travel related categories like airlines, restaurants, and rental cars. The big bonuses kick in when you stay at Marriott locations, however, because then you earn 5 points for every dollar charged to the Marriott Rewards card.

Other incentives frequently offered to new card members when they open an account include receiving 15 nights worth of credit toward Elite status or a two-for-one golf coupon. The APR is 14.24%, which is not a bad rate in today’s market.

The Bottom-Line
If you stay at hotels that are within the Marriott chain then this is an ideal rewards card for you that pays five times more than most programs for expenses paid to Marriott using the card. You can also qualify for various bonuses, so despite a $65 annual membership fee you will still come out way ahead if you sign up and take advantage of special offers.

The Good
You can earn tons of rewards when using the card to pay for Marriott hotel stays, and you can get 30,000 points just for signing up and using the card. Plus you get a free night at a Marriott each year you carry the card.

The Not So Good
If you don’t stay at Marriott you’ll miss out on the strongest rewards program features. Pus the card carries a $65 per year fee – which is, incidentally, offset by getting a free night in a Marriott each year.