Chase and Marriott have introduced enticing new benefits for Marriott Bonvoy loyalty card members, aimed at enhancing their travel experiences. Among the standout features is the "Travel Now, Pay Later" benefit, which allows cardholders to break down qualifying travel purchases ranging from $100 to $5,000 into equal monthly payments without incurring interest or plan fees. These purchases can be made directly with airlines or at Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels, all while continuing to earn points.
This initiative arrives at a time when many Americans are eager to travel, with nearly half having planned their summer vacations months in advance, according to PYMNTS Intelligence's "Consumer Credit Economy Monitor" report. The report highlights that 41% of travelers are driven by a heightened interest in traveling, often attributed to post-pandemic cabin fever. Financial optimism also plays a role, with improved personal finances and stable employment motivating many to take trips.
Despite their willingness to spend, travelers remain cost-conscious, with the average anticipated expenditure for summer getaways around $2,400. A significant 78% of these travelers plan to use credit cards to cover at least part of their travel expenses.
Additionally, Marriott has rolled out a new online booking program for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) called Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy. This platform offers a suite of online booking tools along with benefits and rewards from Marriott's brand portfolio, aimed at streamlining business travel and expense management for SMBs.
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