An entry-level card to broaden the membership base
The Marriott Bonvoy Bright American Express Card will join the partnership’s two existing Canadian cards on 9 February 2027: the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and its Business version. With no annual fee, it earns 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per Canadian dollar spent at participating hotels across the portfolio, 2 points on dining and 1.25 points on all other eligible purchases.
The card comes with Silver Elite status, which unlocks the programme’s entry-level benefits at participating properties. Cardholders will also receive five Elite Night Credits each year to help them work towards the next tier.
According to Rey Saeidi, Vice President, Proprietary and Co-Brand Products, Lending and Rewards at American Express Canada, travel is a powerful motivator for cardmembers. With the Bright card, the issuer aims to help more Canadians discover the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy, whether they are new to the programme or looking to turn their everyday spending into travel.
Gold Elite status extended to the consumer card
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, designed for personal cardholders, moves up from Silver to Gold Elite status. This tier brings 25% bonus points on eligible stays, late check-out until 2pm and enhanced room upgrades, subject to availability.
Earning rates are unchanged: 5 points per dollar at participating hotels and 2 points on all other purchases. The 15 annual Elite Night Credits are retained. The annual Free Night Award is also kept, but cardholders will now need to spend C$3,000, approximately €1,900, to earn it. It covers one night in a standard room at a hotel with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points.
In return, the annual fee will rise from C$120 to C$150, or from approximately €76 to €95. The increase will apply from the first billing date falling on or after 9 February 2027.
The Business card enhanced with no fee increase
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card also moves up to Gold Elite status, with no change to its annual fee, which remains C$150, approximately €95. The card keeps an earning structure built around business spending, with 5 points at participating hotels, 3 points on fuel, dining and travel, and 2 points on all other purchases.
As with the consumer card, the annual Free Night Award will now require C$3,000 in spending, and the 15 annual Elite Night Credits are retained. Full terms and conditions for all three cards will be published at launch on 9 February 2027.
A partnership spanning more than fifteen years in Canada
The two groups have worked together in the Canadian market for more than fifteen years. Jamie Russo, Vice President, Global Cobrand Cards and Insurance at Marriott, describes a shared commitment to helping members get more out of Marriott Bonvoy, whether they are planning a stay, working towards Elite status or earning points.
American Express also points out that it ranked highest among credit card issuers for customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2026 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
Analysis – This three-tier line-up serves two objectives. The no-fee card is designed to recruit new members. The complimentary Gold Elite status is designed to retain holders of the fee-paying cards, who fund these additional benefits through a higher annual fee and a spending threshold for the free night. For Marriott, whose programme had around 309 million members at the end of the third quarter of 2026, co-brand cards are also a significant source of revenue, the sharing of which sparked a revolt among owners in the United States. With more cardholders holding Gold status, late check-outs and upgrades are likely to become more frequent at the group’s Canadian hotels.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
American Express and Marriott Bonvoy reshape their Canadian co-brand card portfolio
New no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bright Card launches on February 9, 2027, with Silver Elite status and five Elite Night Credits
Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Bonvoy Business Cards upgraded from Silver to Gold Elite status
Consumer Card annual fee rises from C$120 to C$150 (approx. €76 to €95); Business Card unchanged at C$150
Annual Free Night Award now requires C$3,000 in yearly spend, for stays worth up to 35,000 points
The partnership in Canada spans more than 15 years
