American Express is revising its Marriott Bonvoy cards in a way that affects both what holders pay and what they must spend to keep one of the cards’ best perks. The changes, set to begin in February 2027, bring a new no-annual-fee card to the Marriott Bonvoy co-brand lineup in Canada, according to the issuer’s announcement ([1]). The package also includes a higher fee on the personal card and a stronger elite status benefit, so the trade-offs are worth examining closely.
The free night now depends on spending
The most significant shift involves the annual Free Night Award. The award previously required no spending, but it will now require $3,000 in spending ([3]). Holders will still get a one-night stay in a standard room at up to 35,000 points, and the award can be topped up with up to 25,000 points. For anyone who kept the card mainly for that free night, the calculation has changed.
The personal card’s fee is also moving. The annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card will increase from $120 to $150, effective on the cardmember’s first annual fee billing date on or after February 9, 2027 ([2]). The Business card is treated differently. Its annual fee remains unchanged at $150.
Gold Elite status replaces Silver
Both existing cards are also gaining a better elite benefit. Currently these cards come with complimentary Silver Elite Status, and as of February 9 that benefit will be upgraded to Gold Elite Status. Gold members receive 25% bonus points on eligible stays, 2 p.m. late checkout and other perks, which makes the upgrade more tangible than the label alone suggests.
The timing appears deliberate. One Canadian travel blog describes the move as a direct response to the new Hilton Amex card‘s automatic Honors Gold Elite Status ([4]). That interpretation is an analysis rather than something the issuer has stated.
A no annual fee option joins the lineup
The newcomer is the Marriott Bonvoy Bright American Express Card, which is a no-annual-fee card launching February 9, 2027. It is designed for people who are new to the program, as well as those who want to turn everyday spending into travel rewards. Cardholders will receive five Elite Night Credits annually, helping them get closer to the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
Reports differ on the status tier. An earlier Canadian blog post described the card as offering complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status, but the issuer’s release specifies Gold Elite status for Bright cardholders. The release should be treated as the more reliable source. One commentary notes that the card suits casual Marriott guests or those who just need a few extra Elite Qualifying Nights ([3]).
For clarity, the key changes are summarized below.
| Card | Annual fee | Free Night Award | Elite status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express | $120 to $150 | $3,000 yearly spend required | Silver to Gold |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express | $150, unchanged | $3,000 yearly spend required | Silver to Gold |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bright American Express | No annual fee | Not described in the release | Gold |
What US cardholders should verify
The announcement and coverage reviewed for this report describe Canadian cards, and no US notice was found. The current US picture is different. One guide lists the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card annual fee at $120 ([5]). Marriott’s own card page says cardholders receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary ([6]), with no spending threshold mentioned. US holders should check their issuer notices before assuming the Canadian terms apply.
For Canadian cardholders, the decision now turns on usage. A commentary from Points Miles and Bling argues that the higher fee remains justifiable for anyone who can consistently get good value from the 35,000-point Free Night Award. Holders who rarely use that award, or who would not reach $3,000 in yearly spending, should compare the card with the new no annual fee option before February 2027.
