What is the best Marriott credit card?

The best Marriott credit card is Marriott Rewards Premier Plus from Chase. This card gets you 100,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first three months. You’ll earn six points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott-owned hotels and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases. 

If you prefer a non-hotel specific rewards card, Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in your first three months. Through Chase’s partnership with Marriott, you can transfer these points to a Marriott Rewards account at a 1:1 ratio. But you might not want to do that since Marriott points are worth about 0.86 cents each and Sapphire Preferred points can be worth up to 1.25 cents through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Sapphire Preferred also gets you 2 points per $1 spent on dining and travel purchases and 1 on all other purchases.

Members of Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards would benefit from the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card.  As a Marriott subsidiary, Ritz-Carlton allows its rewards members to earn points and receive benefits at Marriott hotels, and vice versa. You’ll earn two free nights at any participating Ritz-Carlton hotel when you spend $4,000 in your first three months. And you’ll get 5 points per $1 at participating Ritz-Carlton and other Marriott-owned properties. There’s also a $300 annual travel credit redeemable toward baggage fees, airline seat upgrades and other airline incidentals.

Here are the best Marriott credit cards:

• For Marriott Perks: Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card

100,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 3 months. 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood hotels. 2 points per $1 on all other purchases. Points do not expire as long as you make purchases on the card every 24 months.
Free annual one-night stay at a Marriott property (valued at up to 35,000 points) after each account anniversary. No foreign transaction fee. $95 annual fee. Good credit required. 

• For Affordable High Rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred

50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months. 2 points per $1 on travel and restaurants and 1 on all other purchases. Points worth $625 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Points eligible for 1:1 transfer to Marriott Rewards and 10 other hotel and airline loyalty programs. Rewards don't expire as long as your account is open. 
No foreign transaction fee. No annual fee for the first year, $95 after. Excellent credit required.

• For Biggest Earning Potential: Chase Sapphire Reserve

50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months. Points worth $750 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 3 points per $1 on travel and dining and 1 on all other purchases. Points eligible for 1:1 transfer to Marriott Rewards and 10 other hotel and airline loyalty programs. Rewards don't expire as long as your account is open. 
$300 annual statement credit for travel purchases. No foreign transaction fee. $450 annual fee. Excellent credit required.

• For Ritz-Carlton Perks: Ritz-Carlton Credit Card

2 free nights at any participating Tier 1-4 Ritz-Carlton hotel when you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months. 5 points per $1 at participating Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Starwood hotels. 2 points per $1 on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, car rentals and dining at restaurants. 1 per $1 on all other purchases. Points redeemable through the Ritz-Carlton or Marriott rewards programs. 
$300 annual travel credit redeemable toward baggage fees, seat upgrades and other airline incidentals. No foreign transaction fee. $450 annual fee. Good credit required.

To find the best Marriott credit card for you, prioritize the key features that mean the most to you, like low fees or high rewards. Then, consider your credit level and how much you spend. Lastly, decide whether you want a card that focuses on a single hotel chain or something that offers greater flexibility earning and redeeming points.

The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus credit card. It's best for Marriott hotels, and it has a sign-up bonus.

If you absolutely need a Marriott -branded card, the safest bet is the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus. However, I feel that a better option is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The rewards can be redeemed for multiple hotels and flights. Just for that flexibility alone, I'd go for the Sapphire Preferred. Only downside: you need excellent credit vs. good for the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus.