Marriott and Chase recently announced changes to their credit cards that will allow cardholders to earn Elite status faster and earn more Marriott Rewards bonus points. For every $3,000 in annual spending, cardmembers will now earn one extra Elite night credit. In addition, cardmembers will receive 15,000 bonus points on 7-night redemption stays at category 7 and 8 hotels. There is no limit to number of extra Elite nights or bonus points earned.

These new perks are in addition to the existing benefits on the Marriott Rewards Credit Card, Business Card and Premier Credit Card, which include:

• 22,500 Marriott Rewards earned bonus points after the first purchase (30,000 for the Premier)
• a free night stay at a category 1-4 (plus an annual free stay at a category 1-5 for the Premier)
• 3 points earned per dollar spent at Marriott locations and 1 point per dollar for all other purchases (5 points per dollar spent at Marriott locations, 2 points per dollar spent on eligible dining, airline and rental car purchases and 1 point per dollar spent elsewhere on the Premier)
• Silver Elite status with 10 Elite nights credit every year (15 on the Premier)

The card carries a $30 annual fee ($65 for the Premier) which is waived for the first year. More details can be found here.