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The best credit card for resorts in the Maldives.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for resorts in the Maldives.

The Maldives is a Marriott (Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi competitor: JW Marriott, St Regis Vommuli, W Maldives) and Hilton (Conrad Rangali, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi) chain battle. Hyatt has Park Hyatt Hadahaa. All three programs have award inventory.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

St Regis Maldives Vommuli and W Maldives both have award nights that fall under 85,000 points off-peak, which means the Brilliant's free night cert covers a full night at a $2,000-plus cash property. Platinum status at Marriott Maldives properties gets you free upgrades that can include going from a beach villa to a water villa, which is a 4-figure cash difference. The card pays for itself on a single trip.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Hilton Honors Aspire.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi are Diamond playgrounds. Diamond breakfast in the Maldives saves $200 to $300 per day for two people. The 4th-night-free benefit on award stays cuts a 5-night Conrad redemption by 20 percent.

American ExpressAnnual fee $550

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy BrilliantHilton Honors Aspire
Annual fee$650$550
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Most Maldives resorts charge a seaplane transfer of $400 to $700 per person each way. That is not included in the room rate or the points stay. Book a daytime arrival (last seaplane is usually 4 PM local) or you pay extra for a speedboat transfer or a hotel night in Male.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for resorts in the Maldives?

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express. St Regis Maldives Vommuli and W Maldives both have award nights that fall under 85,000 points off-peak, which means the Brilliant's free night cert covers a ... Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Maldives?

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Roughly 95,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Maldives. Cash rate is around $1850 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Hilton Honors Aspire a better choice for resorts in the Maldives?

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi are Diamond playgrounds. Diamond breakfast in the Maldives saves $200 to $300 per day for two people. The 4th-night-free benefit on award stays cuts a 5-night Conrad redemption by 20 percent. Annual fee is $550.