What To Know
- Are you a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardholder contemplating a switch to a lower-tier card.
- Downgrading may result in a loss of elite status, such as Gold or Platinum, if you do not meet the minimum spending requirements on the lower-tier card.
- No, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is a premium card and cannot be downgraded from the Boundless card.
Are you a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardholder contemplating a switch to a lower-tier card? If so, you’re likely wondering, “Can you downgrade Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?” The answer is yes, but it comes with certain considerations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of downgrading your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, exploring the eligibility criteria, potential benefits, and any associated drawbacks.
Eligibility for Downgrading
To be eligible for a downgrade, you must have an active Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card account in good standing. This means your account should be free of any delinquent payments or outstanding balances. Additionally, you must have held the Boundless card for at least 12 months.
Available Downgrade Options
Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, you can downgrade your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card to one of the following options:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Offers 3x points on Marriott purchases and 2x points on all other purchases.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy: Features a $95 annual fee, 2x points on Marriott purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Marriott Bonvoy Basic: No annual fee, 1x point on all purchases.
Benefits of Downgrading
Downgrading your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can offer several benefits, including:
- Reduced Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold and Bevy cards is significantly lower than that of the Boundless card.
- Simplified Rewards Structure: The lower-tier cards offer a more straightforward rewards structure, making it easier to track and redeem points.
- Eligibility for Other Promotions: Downgrading may make you eligible for welcome bonuses or other promotions on the lower-tier cards.
Drawbacks of Downgrading
It’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks associated with downgrading your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card:
- Loss of Elite Status: Downgrading may result in a loss of elite status, such as Gold or Platinum, if you do not meet the minimum spending requirements on the lower-tier card.
- Reduced Points Earning: The lower-tier cards offer a reduced points earning rate compared to the Boundless card.
- Limited Travel Benefits: The Bold and Bevy cards do not offer the same travel benefits as the Boundless card, such as airport lounge access or priority boarding.
How to Downgrade Your Card
To downgrade your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, you can follow these steps:
1. Contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service via phone or online chat.
2. Inform the representative that you wish to downgrade your card.
3. Provide the representative with the details of your new card choice.
4. Once approved, your Boundless card will be deactivated, and the new card will be issued.
Timing Considerations
It’s important to consider the timing of your downgrade. Downgrading too close to a billing cycle may result in a prorated annual fee for the Boundless card. Additionally, downgrading before a large purchase or upcoming travel plans may not be advisable.
Alternative Options
If downgrading is not the right choice for you, consider these alternative options:
- Keep the Boundless Card: If you frequently travel with Marriott and value the elite status and travel benefits, it may be worthwhile to keep the Boundless card.
- Apply for a Different Marriott Card: You can apply for a different Marriott card that better aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences.
- Cancel the Boundless Card: If none of the above options appeal to you, you can cancel the Boundless card and explore other travel rewards cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I downgrade my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card immediately?
No, you must have held the Boundless card for at least 12 months to be eligible for a downgrade.
2. Will I lose my Marriott points if I downgrade?
No, your Marriott points will remain intact and can be redeemed as usual.
3. Can I downgrade my Boundless card to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card?
No, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is a premium card and cannot be downgraded from the Boundless card.
4. What is the annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold card has an annual fee of $95.
5. Do I need to pay a fee to downgrade my Boundless card?
No, there is no fee associated with downgrading your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card.
