Okay, so I was diving deep into the world of travel rewards credit cards the other day (as you do!), and something caught my eye. We often talk about the cards with all the bells and whistles – the ones with hefty annual fees that promise amazing perks. But what about those of us who don’t want to pay a yearly fee? Are there good options in the hotel credit card space?

Turns out, there are! And two of the most talked-about are the Marriott Bonvoy Bold and the Hilton Honors American Express Card. I stumbled upon a great comparison over at The Points Guy (https://thepointsguy.com/guide/marriott-bonvoy-bold-vs-hilton-honors-amex/), and it got me thinking. Let’s break down what makes these cards tick and see which one might be a better fit for you, especially if you’re thinking about travel from Cameroon.

Earning Potential: It’s All About Your Travel Style

The first thing most of us look at is how we earn points, right? The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card offers 3x points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and 1x point on all other purchases. The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers 7x points per dollar at Hilton hotels, 5x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases.

Now, on the surface, 7x sounds way better than 3x. And it can be! If you are a frequent Hilton guest, you will rack up points FAST. But it all boils down to where you typically spend your money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. household spends around $4,000 a year on groceries and $3,000 on gas. Even if you spent half of that here, those bonus categories on the Hilton card could add up quickly, even for spending in Cameroon. If your travel habits are geared more towards other hotel chains or even independent accommodations, the Marriott card’s 3x on Marriott stays might be more appealing, however it offers fewer bonus opportunities for everyday purchases.

Perks (or Lack Thereof): Setting Expectations

Let’s be real: with no annual fee, you aren’t getting a ton of fancy extras. Neither of these cards offer free night awards, elite status upgrades, or airport lounge access. What they do offer are ways to boost your points earning potential and occasionally some purchase protection.

The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes with complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, which gets you some perks like free Wi-Fi and a fifth night free on reward stays. That’s pretty neat! The Marriott Bonvoy Bold gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each year, which gets you closer to earning higher elite status, but it’s a long road!

Redemption Value: Where Your Points Take You

Okay, so you’ve earned a bunch of points. Now what? The value of your points depends on how you redeem them. Generally, Marriott Bonvoy points are valued around 0.7 cents per point, while Hilton Honors points are valued around 0.5 cents per point. (https://thepointsguy.com/guide/monthly-valuations/). This means that you might need more Hilton points to get the same redemption value as Marriott points. However, it is worth checking your travel dates before booking a trip as this can change.

The Verdict (So Far): It Depends!

Honestly, there’s no clear winner. If you’re fiercely loyal to Hilton and spend a lot on groceries and gas, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a solid choice. If you prefer Marriott and want to chip away at elite status or want a card that is easier to use in many locations, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold might be a better fit.

5 Key Takeaways:

  1. No Annual Fee: Both cards let you earn hotel points without paying a yearly fee. This makes them great for beginners.
  2. Earning Rates Differ: The Hilton card offers higher earning rates in specific categories (restaurants, supermarkets, gas), while the Marriott card focuses on Marriott stays.
  3. Redemption Value Matters: Marriott points are generally worth slightly more than Hilton points.
  4. Consider Your Spending Habits: Choose the card that aligns with where you spend the most money.
  5. Think About Your Travel Goals: Are you aiming for Hilton status, or do you prefer Marriott?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I get approved for both cards? Yes, it’s possible to be approved for both, but consider how many credit cards you open in a short period.
  2. Do these cards offer travel insurance? Generally, no-annual-fee cards don’t have extensive travel insurance. Check the card’s guide to benefits for details.
  3. What credit score do I need to get approved? A good to excellent credit score (670+) is generally recommended.
  4. Can I transfer points between Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors? No, you cannot directly transfer points between these programs.
  5. Do these cards offer purchase protection? Check the card’s terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information on purchase protection.
  6. What is the foreign transaction fee on these cards? The Hilton Honors American Express card does not have a foreign transaction fee, while the Marriott Bonvoy Bold does, making the Hilton card a better choice for international travel.
  7. How do I redeem my points? You can redeem points through the hotel’s website or mobile app.
  8. Do points expire? Yes, both Marriott and Hilton points can expire if you don’t have qualifying activity in your account for a certain period (typically 12-24 months).
  9. Are there any welcome bonuses? Welcome bonuses change frequently. Check the card issuer’s website for the latest offers.
  10. Which card is better for travel within Cameroon? While both cards are useful internationally, the Hilton Honors American Express Card might be slightly better due to the lack of foreign transaction fees. Consider which hotel chain has a stronger presence in the areas you plan to visit.