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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

Up to 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months

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 bonusUp to 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 monthsVaries 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.