Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Bank of America Travel Rewards: Which Is Better In 2025?

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why the Bank of America® Travel Rewards card stands out.

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• This card is a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious travelers as it comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• It offers a simple, flat-rate rewards structure, earning unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with the potential to earn up to a 75% bonus for qualifying Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.
• With no annual fee to offset, you start getting value from your rewards from the very first dollar you spend (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Highly flexible redemption options let you use points as a statement credit against a wide range of travel and dining purchases, with no blackout dates or airline restrictions.
• Offers an introductory bonus for new cardholders to help jumpstart rewards earning.
• Includes travel protections like rental car insurance and fraud liability coverage.

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Cons

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• Lacks bonus categories for accelerated earnings on travel or dining.
• Offers limited premium travel perks, such as airport lounge access or point transfers to loyalty programs.
• The card’s highest earning potential is reserved for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards vs Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Bank of America® Travel Rewards, depends on your specific travel habits and spending patterns.

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• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card - This card is designed for frequent travelers, especially those who regularly stay at Marriott properties and want to earn hotel-specific rewards and work towards elite status.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card - A great option for occasional travelers or beginners, this card provides a simple way to earn flexible rewards on all purchases.

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Redemption

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®: Points are primarily redeemed for free nights at hotels and resorts within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. You can also transfer points to a variety of airline partners.

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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: You can redeem your points for a statement credit to offset a wide range of travel and dining purchases. This provides flexibility as you are not tied to a specific brand or booking portal.

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Travel Perks

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• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: The travel ecosystem for this card is centered on the Marriott Bonvoy program. Cardholders receive an annual Free Night Award after their account anniversary and are granted automatic Silver Elite Status. The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, and points can be transferred to a wide array of airline partners.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: This card offers a highly flexible ecosystem. While you can book through the Bank of America Travel Center, you are not required to. You can redeem points as a statement credit for nearly any travel or dining purchase. It does not have foreign transaction fees but also doesn't offer premium perks like hotel elite status or airport lounge access.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, Kudos can simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your real spending data, giving you a personalized projection of its value.
• Personalized card matching: Get matched with cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your actual spending history.
• Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis based on your credit report to understand your chances of being approved for a card.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular card rewards when shopping at participating stores.
• Financial monitoring: Keep track of your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card is an excellent choice for frequent Marriott guests looking to maximize their rewards and enhance their stays. It also caters to value-focused travelers who can leverage the annual free night award to offset the fee, as well as status seekers aiming for a higher elite tier. As detailed in this credit card review, even everyday spenders can benefit from earning bonus points on combined purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants.

Who Should Choose the Bank of America® Travel Rewards?

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for beginners in the travel rewards world or casual travelers who prioritize simplicity and a $0 annual fee. It's particularly valuable for existing Bank of America customers, who can earn up to a 75% rewards bonus through the Preferred Rewards program. According to a Kudos review, the card also appeals to students building credit and individuals who prefer a straightforward, one-card strategy for all their purchases.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® vs. Bank of America® Travel Rewards comparison shows that neither card quite fits your wallet, don't sweat it. There are several other top-tier travel cards that might be a better match for your goals.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most travel rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history.
• Have a spending plan - Make sure you can comfortably meet the welcome offer spending requirement without overspending.
• Know the rewards system - Understand if points transfer to partners or are redeemed for statement credits.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules - Some issuers have application restrictions, like the 5/24 rule often associated with Chase cards.
• Leverage existing bank relationships - Certain cards, like those from Bank of America, may offer enhanced benefits to current customers.
• Time your application wisely - Applying before a large purchase can help you meet the spending requirement for a welcome offer.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What's the difference between a hotel credit card and a general travel card?

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A hotel credit card, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, offers brand-specific perks and rewards, while a general travel card provides flexible points redeemable for a wide range of travel expenses. Your choice depends on whether you prefer loyalty benefits with one brand or the freedom to book with any provider.

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Can I use Marriott Bonvoy points for things other than hotel stays?

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Yes, while Marriott Bonvoy points are most valuable for hotel stays, you can also transfer them to dozens of airline partners or redeem them for experiences and merchandise. However, redemption values for non-hotel options are often lower.

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Which card is better if I don't always stay at Marriott properties?

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The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is generally better for travelers who aren't loyal to a single hotel chain. Its points can be redeemed as a statement credit for various travel purchases, offering much more flexibility.

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