Marriott Rewards and Chase have introduced the Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card. Cardmembers earn five Rewards points for every dollar spent on the card at any Marriott property worldwide. In addition, cardmembers earn two Rewards points for every dollar spent on qualified dining, airline and rental car card purchases, and one point for all other card purchases.

Premier cardmembers receive a 15,000-point bonus upon the first use of the card; a free night certificate valid at category 1 — 4 hotels, which is awarded upon account approval; a two-for-one golf certificate for use at participating Marriott-managed golf courses; a free-night certificate valid at category 1 — 5 hotels every year on the account anniversary date; and 15 nights toward elite status every year, which makes every cardmember a Silver Elite member and also gives a boost toward Gold or Platinum Elite status.

The new card is only available to residents of the United States. To apply for the card or to obtain more information, log onto http://www.marriottrewards.com/premiervisa

Bottom line: If you are a current Marriott Visa cardholder, the advantages are distinct enough (even with the annual fee of $65 vs. the current Marriott Signature Visa which has a $30 annual fee) to move up the credit card ladder. The card is especially valuable if you currently stay 35 nights a year with Marriott, because the bonus of 15 nights toward elite status would move you to the Gold level, which includes room upgrades and lounge access — something Silver level members do not currently benefit from. The extra bonus points for spend activity might make this one of the richest hotel credit cards on the market.