Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs United Gateway: Which Is Better In 2025?

United Gateway Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a quick look at why the United Gateway℠ Card stands out as a strong entry-level option.

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• It’s a great starting point for earning United miles without the commitment of an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders get access to valuable travel protections like an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation coverage.
• With no annual fee to offset, the card's introductory bonus provides immediate value once you meet the initial spending requirement (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• You can earn MileagePlus miles on everyday purchases, with accelerated earnings on select travel and transit spending.
• New purchases are covered against damage or theft, and eligible U.S. manufacturer warranties can be extended.
• The card is widely accepted, works with major digital wallets, and lets you add authorized users at no additional cost.

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Cons

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• It lacks many premium travel benefits found on other airline cards, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
• The introductory bonus and ongoing rewards are less generous than what you might find with higher-tier travel cards.
• Miles earned with the card are not transferable to other airline or hotel loyalty programs, limiting redemption flexibility.

United Gateway vs Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®

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Categories

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When considering which is better, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or United Gateway, it's important to look at your travel habits. Each card caters to a different type of traveler, one focused on hotel stays and the other on airline loyalty.

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• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who are loyal to Marriott properties. It's also a strong choice for those looking to achieve elite status and earn points on everyday purchases.
• United Gateway℠ Card is best for occasional United Airlines flyers, credit card beginners, and budget-conscious travelers. This card provides a way to earn airline miles without the commitment of a premium travel card.

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Redemption

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Points are primarily redeemed for free nights and room upgrades at hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. You can also transfer your points to a variety of airline partner programs.

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United Gateway℠ Card: Miles can be used to book award flights on United and its Star Alliance partner airlines. Redemptions are also available for other travel purchases, like hotel stays and car rentals, through the United portal.

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Travel Perks

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• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
  • No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, which includes perks like priority late checkout.
  • A Free Night Award is provided each year after your account anniversary.
  • Travel protections such as baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement are included.
• United Gateway℠ Card
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Cardholders receive 25% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases like food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights.
  • Provides access to expanded award availability when redeeming miles for United flights.
  • Comes with key travel protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a personalized tool that helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive any credit card using your real spending data to see personalized reward projections before you apply.
• Receive detailed approval odds based on your credit report.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee, ensuring you get the best available sign-up bonus.
• Manage multiple cards, track spending, and monitor your credit score all in one place.
• Earn extra rewards through Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Marriott guests who want to maximize their loyalty to the brand. It also appeals to value-focused travelers who can leverage the annual free night award to offset the fee, and status seekers who benefit from the 15 elite night credits provided each year. Furthermore, as our Boundless® Credit Card review explains, everyday spenders can accumulate points on daily purchases like groceries and gas, making it a well-rounded travel card.

Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's also well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and those new to rewards cards, offering a straightforward way to accumulate MileagePlus miles on everyday spending categories like gas and local transit. This no-fee card provides a solid entry point into the world of travel rewards, as detailed in this United Gateway℠ Review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® vs United Gateway comparison has left you feeling that neither card is the right fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards on the market that might be a better match for your wallet.

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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.
• Plan your spending. Make sure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement without overspending.
• Assess your loyalty. This card's value is maximized by travelers who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties.

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Application Strategy

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• Limit your new card applications, as Chase considers how many cards you've opened recently.
• Consider calling the reconsideration line if your initial application is not approved.
• Time your application with a large purchase to help meet the spending requirement for the 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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Can I transfer points between Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus?

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Yes, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to United MileagePlus, and you'll even receive a mileage bonus for doing so thanks to their RewardsPlus partnership. However, transfers are a one-way street, as you cannot convert United miles into Marriott Bonvoy points.

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What are the annual fees for these cards?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has a $95 annual fee. In contrast, the United Gateway℠ Card has no annual fee, making it a more budget-friendly option to hold long-term.

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What if I'm not loyal to Marriott or United?

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If you aren't committed to either brand, a general travel rewards card that earns flexible points might be a better choice for your wallet. These cards offer more versatility, allowing you to book travel with a wider range of airlines and hotels without being tied down.

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