Credit Card Review: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card (Japan)

Before I set off to the location independent lifestyle, the first thing I make sure was to have the right credit card to support the lifestyle with the right credit card benefits. Having a base in the UK and Japan, it was natural for me to consider American Express issued by either of the countries. While there is a Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card issued in the United Kingdom, it didn't stand out as a superior option in comparison to the one issued in Japan.

If you’re considering migrating to Japan or already reside there, let me introduce you to my top pick for a credit card: the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card. While I primarily address a UK and European audience, this article might also resonate with those eyeing Japan as their new home. With Tokyo becoming increasingly popular among Americans for its safety and allure, exploring the perks of this card could be a game-changer.

Before delving into the details, check out my article about why I decided to live in hotels with Marriott Bonvoy instead of other major hotel groups such as Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.

1. The Best Mileage Card in Japan

While other mileage credit cards issued in Japan such as ones by Japan Airlines (JAL) or All Nippon Airways (ANA), have limited redemption options, the Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card guarantees a superior point system that sets it apart. Unlike JAL and ANA, which only accumulate miles with expiry dates, the Marriott points never expire, giving cardholders the peace of mind to accumulate and redeem points at their own pace.

One of the key advantages is the flexibility in point redemptions. The card allows members to transfer points to 39 airlines, including JAL, making it possible to enjoy multiple travel options. With a straightforward conversion rate of generally 3 Marriott Points to 1 mile, or for every 60,000 points transfer, 2 Marriott Points to 1 miles for particular airlines such as United Airlines, cardholders can effortlessly redeem their points for flights and other travel expenses.

The image below is a demonstration of point transfer from Marriott Bonvoy to United Airlines.

60,000 Marriott Points now become 30,000 United Airlines Miles, which was redeemed for an emergency flight on Thai Airways from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur.

2. Marriott Points: 3–6 Points per 0.7 USD

If you are from the US, you might consider the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (US) the most prestigious for its benefits, such as Platinum Elite Status. I agree with the status contribution weights a lot, however, it only earns 2 Marriott Points per 1 USD spent. Marriott Bonvoy Premium (Japan), on the other hand, benefits from the conversion rate.

The rewards for hotel stays are even more enticing. Cardholders receive an impressive 6 Marriott Points for each dollar spent on eligible hotel stays. This elevated earning rate ensures that travellers are greatly rewarded for their loyalty and hotel expenses.

3. Elite Status, More Points, and 15 Nights Credit

The Platinum Challenge presents an excellent opportunity for cardholders to quickly achieve Platinum Status within just 16 days of stay.

This challenge opens the door to a host of exclusive benefits and privileges, enhancing the overall travel experience. While the UK version of the card offers only Silver Status, the Japanese variant’s Platinum Challenge sets it apart as an attractive option for those aspiring to higher-tier status.

As a testament to its premium status, the Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card offers Elite Status to its cardholders. With Gold Elite Status, cardholders enjoy a 25% bonus on base points earned during their stays, while Platinum Elite Status grants an even more generous 50% bonus. These bonus points add up quickly, significantly accelerating the accumulation of Marriott Points and enhancing the overall value of the card.

After 6 months having this credit card, now I became a titanium elite member and this card surely gave me a fast track to be where I am now.

4. Multiple Free Nights Awards

This credit card comes with a couple of

1. Spend 300,000 JPY within 3 months : + 1 free night (generally 39,000 points but if you apply with my invitation link: 45,000 points)
2. Spend 1,500,000 JPY in a year : 1 free night (50,000 points)
3. Stay for 75 nights at Marriott : 1 free night (40,000 points)
4. On your birthday : 1 free night (?? points)

While the card membership fee might come across relatively high, it is quite easy to earn back the initial cost with the above free night awards.

5. Marriott Offers

Cardholders are pampered with a plethora of exclusive offers from various Marriott brands. These offers can range from enticing cash-back campaigns to bonus points for specific spending thresholds. For instance, the screenshot showcases cash-back campaigns for luxurious stays at Tokyo Edition and JW Marriott Nara, as well as rewarding 5,000 bonus Marriott Points for every 350 USD spent at any Marriott brand.

These exciting offers provide an extra layer of value to cardholders, making it even more rewarding to use the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card for their travel and lifestyle expenses.

Update: I found out the most Marriott related offers are only applicable in Japan. For example, the second offer in the screenshot does not count any Marriott stays outside Japan.

What about the cons?

1. Foreign Transaction Fees

As is common with many American Express cards outside the US, this card carries foreign transaction fees of 2%. Although it’s standard practice for American Express outside the US, one might wish for additional benefits for foreign transactions just like American Express Gold Card (UK).

2. Relatively High Annual Fees?

One of the significant drawbacks of the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card might be its annual fee of 350 USD (49,500 JPY). This fee might discourage some potential applicants, especially if they’re seeking a card with more comprehensive benefits.

Despite being considered a Platinum Card in Japan, the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card does not offer additional premium features typically associated with Platinum-level cards. Unlike other premium cards that provide exclusive services like concierge assistance or complimentary access to airport lounges through Priority Pass, this card focuses primarily on its Marriott Bonvoy rewards program.

While the card’s annual fee might seem steep, it’s important to weigh the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards, generous point system, and the potential value they can provide through hotel stays and airline transfers.

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card undoubtedly secures its position as the top mileage card in Japan. With its straightforward point system, impressive points earning rate, and the opportunity to achieve Platinum Status swiftly, this card opens a world of rewarding travel experiences. Alongside a plethora of exclusive Marriott offers, it truly enriches the journey for those who embrace the adventures of Japan and beyond.

If you find the Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card appealing, I encourage you to sign up using my invitation link below, as you will receive 45,000 Marriott Points, which can be redeemed for luxurious stays at 5-star Marriott hotels.