Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs Marriott Bonvoy Bevy: Which Is Better In 2025?

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card stands out to us.

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• Cardholders can accelerate their point earnings with generous rewards on Marriott stays, dining, and U.S. supermarket purchases.
• You'll receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status just for being a cardmember, though the card does come with an annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
• Frequent travelers will appreciate the annual Free Night Award opportunity and the absence of foreign transaction fees on international purchases.

_{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.}

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Pros

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• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status provides access to valuable hotel perks like potential room upgrades and late checkout.
• Earn accelerated points on eligible hotel stays, at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Enjoy travel-friendly benefits, including an opportunity to earn an annual Free Night Award and no foreign transaction fees.

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Cons

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• Carries an annual fee that is not waived for the first year.
• Earning the annual Free Night Award is conditional on meeting a significant spending requirement each year.
• The card’s value is limited for travelers who aren't loyal to the Marriott brand or those who prefer more flexible rewards.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, depends entirely on your travel style and loyalty. One card is tailored for dedicated airline passengers, while the other is built for hotel enthusiasts.

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• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card is best for frequent travelers who are loyal to Southwest Airlines. It serves as an excellent entry-level option for those looking to earn airline-specific rewards and work towards the valuable Companion Pass.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Also designed for frequent travelers, this card specifically caters to those who prefer staying at Marriott properties. It is a strong mid-tier choice for travelers who value hotel elite status and want to maximize rewards on both hotel stays and everyday purchases.

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Redemption

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Points are primarily redeemed for flights on Southwest Airlines, offering a straightforward way to book award travel. You can also use points for other travel-related purchases like international flights, hotels, and car rentals through the airline's portal.

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Points are most valuable when redeemed for free nights at thousands of hotels and resorts within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Additionally, points can be transferred to numerous airline partners or used for unique travel experiences.

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Travel Perks

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• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: The travel ecosystem for this card is rooted in the vast Marriott Bonvoy hotel portfolio. Cardholders receive automatic Gold Elite status, unlocking perks like room upgrades and late checkout. Beyond hotel stays, points can be transferred to numerous airline partners, adding valuable flexibility. The card also includes a Free Night Award after meeting an annual spending requirement and does not charge foreign transaction fees.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card’s ecosystem is built entirely around Southwest Airlines. Its primary feature is that all points earned count toward the coveted Companion Pass. Cardholders also receive annual anniversary bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-In vouchers to improve the travel experience. While points are best used for Southwest flights, they can be redeemed through the airline's travel portal for other travel like hotels and car rentals. This card does include a foreign transaction fee.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To avoid guessing games and make a data-driven decision, the Kudos platform lets you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards, far more than the handful tied to affiliate links on other sites.

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• Test Drive Cards: Before you apply, you can simulate a card’s potential earnings based on your actual spending history to see its true value.
• Approval Odds: Get a detailed analysis of your chances of being approved for different cards, based on your credit report.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: Kudos will match a better welcome offer if you find one within three months of being approved for a card through the platform.
• Bonus Tracking and Boosts: Monitor your progress toward sign-up bonuses and earn extra rewards on purchases with Kudos Boost.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and occasional Southwest flyers who want airline perks without committing to a high annual fee. Its benefits, such as the annual 3,000 bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-In® credits, provide tangible value that can easily offset the cost. Additionally, it's a strategic tool for those aiming to earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, making it a great entry point for Southwest loyalists and credit card beginners, as detailed in this 2025 review.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card is tailored for frequent Marriott guests who want to accelerate their rewards and enjoy automatic Gold Elite status. It also appeals to moderate-to-high spenders who can leverage the 4X points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases annually) and meet the $15,000 spending requirement to earn an Annual Free Night Award. Ultimately, as a detailed review explains, this card is best for travelers who can justify its $250 annual fee (see rates and fees) by maximizing its hotel perks and spending-based rewards.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card comparison left you unconvinced, don't worry. There are several other excellent travel rewards cards that might be a better fit for your spending habits and travel style.

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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 good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer without overspending.
• Have a rewards strategy: Know how you plan to use the points and benefits before you apply.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application: Apply before a large purchase or at the start of the year to maximize benefits like the Southwest Companion Pass.
• Review your current cards: Avoid applying for cards with overlapping benefits that don't stack, such as the Elite Night Credits on some Marriott cards.
• Try different application channels: If you don't receive the best offer initially, try applying through a partner link or a different browser.

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 Southwest and Marriott?

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While you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Southwest Rapid Rewards, the transfer ratio is generally not favorable. Transferring points from Southwest to Marriott is not an option.

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Do both cards offer elite status?

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Yes, both cards offer a boost toward elite status. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card comes with complimentary Gold Elite status, while points earned on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card count toward A-List status and the Companion Pass.

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Is it worth getting both cards?

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For travelers who frequently fly with Southwest and stay at Marriott properties, holding both cards can be a very effective strategy. This allows you to maximize rewards and benefits within two separate, valuable loyalty programs.

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