American Express Canada and Marriott Bonvoy are expanding their Canadian credit card offerings with a new no-annual-fee card and enhanced benefits for existing cardholders, beginning February 9, 2027.
The new Marriott Bonvoy Bright American Express Card will join the existing Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, both of which will be upgraded to include complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.
The changes mark the latest development in a partnership between American Express and Marriott that has spanned more than 15 years in Canada.
"Travel is a powerful motivator for our Cardmembers, and our relationship with Marriott Bonvoy helps turn everyday spending into experiences they can look forward to," said Rey Saeidi, Vice President, Proprietary and Co-Brand Products, Lending and Rewards at American Express Canada.
"With the introduction of the no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bright Card, we're making it easier for more Canadians to experience the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy, whether they're just starting to explore the program or looking for more ways to turn everyday spending into future travel."
New No-Fee Card Offers Points and Silver Elite Status
The Marriott Bonvoy Bright American Express Card will carry no annual fee and allow cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases.
Cardholders will earn three points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, two points on eligible dining purchases and 1.25 points on other eligible purchases.
The card also includes complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status and five Elite Night Credits annually, which count toward qualifying for higher membership tiers.
Existing Cards Get Gold Elite Status, But One Fee Is Increasing
Both existing Marriott Bonvoy American Express cards will receive complimentary Gold Elite Status, replacing the current Silver Elite benefit.
Gold Elite members receive 25% bonus points on eligible hotel stays, late checkout until 2 p.m. and room upgrades, subject to availability.
For personal cardholders, the annual fee will increase from $120 to $150, effective on the first annual fee billing date on or after February 9, 2027.
The card will continue to earn five points per dollar on eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotel purchases and two points on other eligible spending.
Cardholders will also continue to receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually and an Annual Free Night Award after their card anniversary, although the award will now require $3,000 in annual purchases.
The award can be redeemed for a standard room at participating hotels requiring up to 35,000 points per night.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card will maintain its $150 annual fee while adding complimentary Gold Elite Status.
Business cardholders will continue earning five points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, three points on eligible gas, dining and travel purchases, and two points on other eligible spending.
The business card will also retain its 15 annual Elite Night Credits and Annual Free Night Award, with the same new $3,000 spending requirement.
"Our longstanding relationship with American Express is rooted in a shared commitment to helping members get more from Marriott Bonvoy," said Jamie Russo, Vice President, Global Cobrand Cards and Insurance at Marriott. "With the introduction of Marriott Bonvoy Bright and enhancements across the portfolio, we're giving Canadians even more ways to engage with Marriott Bonvoy, whether they're planning their next stay, working toward Elite Status or earning points along the way."
The changes give Canadian travellers a no-fee option for earning Marriott Bonvoy points, while existing cardholders will need to weigh the additional Gold Elite benefits against the higher annual fee and new spending requirement for free night awards.
Full details on eligibility, benefits and terms and conditions for all three cards will be available when the updated portfolio launches on February 9, 2027.
Topics From This Article to Explore
