American Express Saudi Arabia and Marriott Bonvoy launch credit card

By Leandra Monteiro

American Express Saudi Arabia and Marriott Bonvoy, the travel program from Marriott International, announced the launch of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Credit Card; the first credit card to offer lodging rewards in Saudi Arabia.

“The launch of the new Marriott Bonvoy American Express Credit Card aligns with our strategy to provide customers with greater payment choice while meeting their specific needs against a backdrop of continued growth in travel.  As the first Card in the Kingdom which provides hospitality rewards, it allows Cardmembers to earn points when making everyday purchases that can be redeemed towards hotel stays at Marriott properties across the world and other experiences. We are always exploring ways in which we can enrich our Cardmembers’ experience and we’re pleased to partner with Marriott Bonvoy to continue to deliver incredible value and service to our Cardmembers, wherever life takes them,” commented Fahad Bin Mubarak Al Guthami, Chief Executive Officer at American Express Saudi Arabia.

The new Card issued by American Express Saudi Arabia allows Cardmembers the chance to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on their daily spending while giving them access to exclusive benefits, offers and experiences across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands and over 8,100 hotels and resorts, as well as more than 65,000 premium home rentals on Homes & Villas by Marriott International, in some of the most memorable destinations in the world.

In addition, Cardmembers will enjoy greater access to perks provided to members of Marriott Bonvoy including an exclusive 20% discount on food and beverage options at participating Marriott properties in the Kingdom until October 31, 2023.

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Credit Card is a US dollar card that provides a 0% foreign exchange fee when spending in Saudi Riyals (SAR). Cardmembers can earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every US$1 (or its equivalent in other currencies) spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties around the world. Cardmembers can also earn – 3 points for each US$1 spent internationally (excluding US dollar and SAR) and 2 points for every US$1 (or SAR equivalent) transaction within Saudi Arabia.

Cardmembers will automatically be given annual Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, which gives them additional benefits such as bonus points for stays and Priority Late Checkout. Members will be upgraded to Gold Elite status if they spend US$30,000 within a calendar year. Eligible Cardmembers can also enjoy a limited-time welcome bonus offer of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points if they spend US$3,000 in the first three months.

Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said, “We are thrilled to work with American Express Saudi Arabia to offer Marriott Bonvoy members more ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points at our hotels in the Kingdom and across our portfolio of hotels, resorts and home rentals globally. Not only is this an expansion of our existing relationship with American Express, but it is also a reflection of our hyper-local strategy that focuses on delivering extra value to our members in the Kingdom. We are excited for new Cardmembers in the Kingdom to use their card to earn points and experience our extraordinary properties and homes around the world, as well as access some incredible money-can’t-buy experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.”