Is Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status worth it?
Marriott is a popular hotel chain beloved by many (including me) because of its incredibly large global footprint and wide variety of properties. I have held one of the top-tier elite statuses, Titanium Elite, for the past few years now and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. This status is so valuable to me that at times I've found myself checking in to many Marriott hotels, but not for work or vacation like most travelers. So, what was the reason for doing what points and miles enthusiasts like myself call "mattress runs"?
Well, it was for me to acquire Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status. I've already requalified for Titanium Elite status for next year, and it was so worth it. Keep reading to find out what Marriott Titanium Elite status is, the benefits of obtaining this tier of status and how to earn it.
What is Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status?
Titanium Elite status is the second-highest published status you can achieve with the Marriott Bonvoy program; it sits above Platinum Elite status and below Ambassador Elite status. To achieve this status, you need 75 elite qualifying night credits per year. Titanium Elite is the highest Marriott Bonvoy status you can attain without meeting a spending requirement.
Related: An overview of the 37 Marriott hotel brands
What are the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status?
The benefits associated with Titanium Elite status are very enticing. Some of the best benefits are:
- 75% bonus point earnings (you'll earn at least 17.5 points per dollar spent at most Marriott properties, excluding extended-stay brands)
- 4 p.m. late checkout
- Welcome gift of choice (bonus points, breakfast or amenity)
- Lounge access at hotel brands with lounges and complimentary breakfast, based on availability
- Room upgrades, including suites, based on availability on the day of arrival at participating hotels
- Complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status
- Complimentary United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Silver status
- Complimentary Air Canada Aeroplan 25K status
- Annual Choice Benefit after completing 50 qualifying stays, and then another Choice Benefit after completing 75 qualifying stays
Related: Ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points
For my two Annual Choice Benefits for 2024, I chose five Nightly Upgrade Awards at the 50-night mark and a free night award certificate worth up to 40,000 points at the 75-night mark.
Personally, I always like to pick Annual Choice Benefits that I can quantify. For example, since TPG values Marriott points at 0.7 cents apiece (per our October 2025 valuations), a 40,000-point free night award is worth $280.
I also get a lot of value with Nightly Upgrade Awards, especially when staying at luxury properties, such as a JW Marriott or St. Regis. These upgrades are perfect to use in conjunction with Marriott's "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" perk on award bookings. This benefit allows you to stay five nights in a standard Marriott room and receive one night free when booking with points. These Nightly Upgrade Awards allow you to put in a request for the highest possible upgrade and not just the next level up. Last year, I used one at the JW Marriott Hotel Beijing Central to get upgraded to a massive wraparound Sky Garden suite.
Related: Your guide to using Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards
Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status vs. Platinum Elite status
If you're interested in obtaining Marriott elite status without meeting the annual stay requirements, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card will give you complimentary Platinum Elite status (enrollment is required). Though you will receive many perks similar to those of Titanium Elite status, there are seemingly a lot more people at this elite tier due to the card's benefits.
Therefore, I found during my travels that with more Platinum Elite members out there, my chances of getting room upgrades were becoming slimmer, so getting to the next level of status would increase those odds. Plus, with the rollout of automated complimentary upgrades, my chances are that much higher of getting an upgrade. So far, I have traveled abroad over 15 times this year, and I have only not been upgraded to a suite once.
The single biggest motivating factor for obtaining Titanium Elite status is complimentary United MileagePlus Premier Silver status. Having held various United MileagePlus statuses in prior years, I know this is a valuable perk. I knew I would not requalify for United status this year, so achieving Titanium Elite status is a great way for me to keep this airline status.
Though Premier Silver is United MileagePlus' lowest tier, it does include beneficial perks like one free checked bag (up to 70 pounds); priority check-in, security and Group 2 boarding; complimentary first-class upgrades as early as the day of departure (though upgrades at Premier Silver are rare); and the most important benefit for me, complimentary access to Economy Plus or preferred seating. This is essential as I am a big guy, standing over 6 feet tall, so even the extra few inches of legroom that the Economy Plus seats provide matters.
Additionally, thanks to Marriott's partnership with Air Canada, top-tier Marriott elite members also receive Aeroplan 25K status, which provides solid perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and annual upgrade credits. While I don't fly on Air Canada often, I'm never one to turn down complimentary elite status.
Related: United Premier status: What it is and how to earn it
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status
As I mentioned, you must earn 75 elite qualifying night credits to achieve Titanium Elite status. These elite night credits can be earned in a variety of ways, including (terms apply):
- Staying at Marriott hotels
- Holding Marriott Bonvoy cards (you can earn up to 40 elite nights if you hold the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card and one of the business cards)
- Spending on Marriott's cobranded cards (the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card — see rates and fees — will earn 1 elite night credit for every $5,000 you spend on the card)
- Elite night credits from Annual Choice Benefits (these count toward Marriott lifetime status)
- Marriott promotions, like the promo for double elite nights Marriott typically runs at the beginning of each year
Related: Why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Bottom line
While a sweet spot with Marriott Bonvoy is Platinum Elite status, achieving Titanium Elite status requires just 25 more elite night credits, which can easily be achieved if you hold one (or two) of Marriott's cobranded credit cards. The added benefits you get when you jump from Platinum to Titanium elite status are minimal, but the added perk of United MileagePlus Premier Silver elite status and the increased earning rate definitely move the needle for me.
It's just a bummer that Marriott removed Lifetime Titanium status, because I would certainly strive for it.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.