American Express Platinum Travel vs Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

American Express is well-known worldwide for its wide range of credit card options. One of its notable offerings is the American Express Platinum Travel card, designed especially for frequent travelers. This card provides attractive welcome bonuses and milestone rewards in the form of Membership Reward points. With a joining fee of Rs. 3500, cardholders can earn 2 points for every Rs. 100 spent.

On the other hand, there’s the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank card, tailored for Marriott enthusiasts in India. Priced at Rs. 3000 plus taxes, it offers benefits such as Free Night Awards, Silver Elite status, and Bonvoy points. Alongside these, cardholders can enjoy additional perks like lounge access, golf rounds, and insurance coverage. The choice between these two cards depends on which aligns better with your lifestyle and preferences.

Features and Benefits of American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:

1. Welcome Benefits:

• Earn 10,000 Membership Reward points on spending Rs. 15,000 in the first 3 months.

2. Milestone Benefits:

• Receive 15,000 MR points on spending Rs. 1.9 Lakhs annually.
• Achieve 25,000 MR points and a Taj stay voucher on spending Rs. 4 Lakhs yearly.

3. Travel Benefits:

• Enjoy 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses twice per quarter.
• Avail a Priority Pass membership with waived $99 fee (international lounge access with a $32 usage fee).
• Redeem MR points for car/hotel/flight bookings on Amex Travel portal.

4. Movie & Dining Benefits:

• Get a 20% discount on dining bills at partner restaurants.
• Exclusive offers on Qmin and Swiggy.

5. Reward Rate:

• Earn 2 MR points per Rs. 100 spent.
• Redeem points for E-Commerce, Amex shopping portal, INSTA spends, or through Cash + Points scheme.

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card:

1. Welcome Benefits:

• Receive 1 Free Night Award worth 15,000 points at Marriott hotels.
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status and 10 Elite Night credits annually.

2. Milestone Benefits:

• Receive up to three complimentary night awards by meeting expenditure milestones of Rs. 6 Lakhs, Rs. 9 Lakhs, and Rs. 15 Lakhs.

3. Travel Benefits:

• Experience the perk of accessing lounges both domestically and internationally with 12 complimentary passes. Additionally, savor the benefits of golf with 2 free rounds and 2 lessons every quarter.

4. Reward Rate:

• Earn 8 Marriott Bonvoy points per Rs. 150 at Marriott hotels.
• 4 points per Rs. 150 on dining, travel, and entertainment.
• 2 points per Rs. 150 on other eligible categories.

5. Insurance Benefits:

• Air accident cover: Rs. 10 Lakhs.
• Emergency medical expenses: Rs. 15 Lakhs.
• Protection against baggage and travel document loss, compensation for flight delays, coverage for loss liability, and safeguarding with a credit shield.

Fee and Charges of American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:

• Joining fee: Rs. 3,500 + taxes.
• Renewal fee: Rs. 5,000 + taxes.
• Interest rate: 3.5% per month.
• Cash advance fee: 3.5% or Rs. 250 minimum.
• Forex markup fee: 3.5% of transaction amount.

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card:

• Joining and renewal fee: Rs. 3,000 + taxes.
• Interest rate: 3.6% per month.
• Cash advance fee: 2.5% or Rs. 500 minimum.
• Forex markup fee: 3.5% of transaction amount.

Comparison between American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:

• Joining/Annual Fee: Joining Fee – Rs. 3500 + taxes, Annual Fee – Rs. 5000 + taxes
• Welcome Benefit: 10,000 MR points
• Reward Rate: 2 Membership Reward points per Rs. 100
• Reward Redemption: MR points for online shopping, INSTA purchases, transfers, Cash + Points for bill payment
• Dining/Movie Benefits: Up to 20% off at restaurants
• Travel Benefits: 8 domestic lounge access/year, Priority Pass membership (international lounges at $32/visit)
• Forex Markup Fee: 3.5%

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card:

• Joining/Annual Fee: Joining Fee – Rs. 3000 + taxes
• Welcome Benefit: Enjoy a complimentary night’s stay at Marriott hotels upon enrollment.
• Reward Rate: Earn 8 Marriott Bonvoy points for every dollar spent on hotel purchases, 4 points for travel, dining, and entertainment expenditures, and 2 points for all other purchases.
• Reward Redemption: Redeem points for exclusive dining offers and enjoy discounted hotel stays at Marriott properties.
• Dining/Movie Benefits: Not applicable
• Travel Benefits: Up to 4 Free Night Awards, 12 complimentary lounge access
• Forex Markup Fee: 3.5%

Which credit card suits you best?

• Travel Necessity:
  • Essential for frequent domestic or international travelers.
• Amex Platinum Travel:
  • Premium American Express card.
  • Joining Fee: Rs. 3500 + taxes, Renewal Fee: Rs. 5000 + taxes.
  • 2 Membership Reward points for card spends.
  • Domestic lounge access and Priority Pass membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy HDFC:
  • Ideal for loyal Marriott customers.
  • Joining Fee: Rs. 3000 + taxes.
  • First hotel co-branded card in India.
  • Earn Marriott Bonvoy points, exclusive hotel privileges.
  • Lounge access, golf rounds, insurance benefits.
• Amex Platinum Transfer Benefit:
  • Amex points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio.
• Versatile Choices:
  • Both cards offer great benefits; choose based on preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What sets the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card apart from others?

• A: The Amex Platinum Travel Card offers premium travel perks, 2 Membership Reward points for spends, domestic lounge access, and a transfer option to Marriott Bonvoy points.

2. Q: What distinguishes the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card?

• A: Tailored for Marriott loyalists, it provides exclusive privileges like Marriott Bonvoy points, hotel benefits, lounge access, golf rounds, and insurance perks.

3. Q: What are the fees associated with the Amex Platinum Travel Card?

• A: Joining fee is Rs. 3500 + taxes, and renewal fee is Rs. 5000 + taxes.

4. Q: Could you please provide details regarding the charges associated with the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card?

• A: The joining fee is Rs. 3000 + taxes.

5. Q: Can Amex Platinum Travel points be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy points?

• A: Yes, at a 1:1 ratio, offering added flexibility.

6. Q: What benefits does the Amex Platinum Travel Card provide for travelers?

• A: Besides accruing points, it also provides access to domestic lounges and membership to Priority Pass.

7. Q: Are there specific privileges for Marriott Bonvoy HDFC cardholders at Marriott hotels?

• A: Certainly! Enjoy unique perks such as points rewards, access to exclusive lounges, rounds of golf, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

8. Q: What factors should I consider when deciding between these two cards?

• A: Take into account your personal travel inclinations and your loyalty towards particular brands; each card presents distinctive benefits.

9. Q: Can the Amex Platinum Travel Card be used internationally?

• A: Yes, it is suitable for both domestic and international travel.

10. Q: Is the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card the only hotel co-branded card in India?

• A: Yes, it is the first hotel co-branded credit card in the country.