Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful
Mid-tier Marriott card. The 50k free night cert can pay for the fee on a single stay at a Cat 5 property, but Hyatt is a more valuable program for most people, consider that card first.
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Side-by-side
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful comes from Chase at $250/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the United Explorer Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,040 more in estimated value) than the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful's. Get the United Explorer Card first; revisit the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 85,000 Bonus Points | 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | airline |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 6x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful
$250/yr · 85,000 Bonus Points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful or United Explorer Card?
- The United Explorer Card has a public bonus (70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040), while the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful's $250 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $250/yr, the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Explorer Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and United Explorer Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful: $4,000 spend in 3 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.