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Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Review
February 6, 2025
What Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a premium hotel rewards credit card designed specifically for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties. As an American Express business card offering, it provides substantial opportunities to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on business and travel expenses, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs who prefer Marriott hotels.
This business credit card integrates seamlessly with the Marriott Bonvoy program, one of the most extensive hotel loyalty programs globally. With over 8,000 properties spanning 139 countries, cardholders gain access to a vast network of accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options.
The card features a tiered rewards system that emphasizes spending at Marriott Bonvoy properties while also rewarding other common business expenses. Beyond points earning, it includes automatic elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program and several travel and business-oriented benefits that can deliver significant value to the right cardholder.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Pros & Cons
Before diving into the details, let's examine the key advantages and disadvantages of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
Pros:
- Generous rewards structure: Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties, 4x points on global dining and at U.S. restaurants, 4x points at U.S. gas stations and on wireless telephone services, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Automatic elite status: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with 15 Elite Night Credits annually toward higher status tiers.
- Anniversary Free Night Award: Receive one Free Night Award every year after your card anniversary (redemption level up to 35,000 points).
- No foreign transaction fees: Save on international purchases with no foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.
- Additional employee cards: Add employee cards at no extra cost to maximize your business point earnings.
- Room rate discount: 7% Marriott Bonvoy room rate discount for eligible bookings at participating properties.
Cons:
- Annual fee: $125 annual fee (not waived the first year), which may be a consideration for small businesses with limited expenses.
- Limited redemption flexibility: Points are most valuable when redeemed for Marriott stays; other redemption options typically provide less value.
- Personal credit score impact: Application requires a personal credit check, which could impact your personal credit score.
- Brand loyalty required: Maximum value requires loyalty to Marriott properties, limiting flexibility for those who prefer other hotel chains.
Who Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card For?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is ideally suited for:
Business Travelers Loyal to Marriott
Business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties will benefit most from this card. The 6x points earning rate at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties, combined with the automatic Gold Elite status benefits such as 25% bonus points on stays and priority late checkout, creates substantial value for loyal Marriott guests.
Small to Medium-Sized Business Owners
Entrepreneurs managing small to medium-sized businesses with moderate travel needs can leverage this card's benefits to subsidize business travel expenses. The ability to add employee cards at no additional cost makes it easier to consolidate business spending and maximize rewards.
Companies With Multiple Businesses
Organizations operating multiple businesses can streamline their rewards programs by using this card across various entities, centralizing point accumulation while keeping expenses organized by business unit.
Those Seeking Hotel Elite Status
The automatic Gold Elite status and additional 15 Elite Night Credits annually provide a significant head start toward higher status tiers in the Marriott Bonvoy program, making this card attractive for those aspiring to Platinum or Titanium Elite status.
Comparing the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X on vacation rentals and flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card excels in providing substantial opportunities to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on business and travel expenses
- The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions
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Consider Using Kudos
While maximizing your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card rewards is valuable, savvy business owners know that optimizing across all cards is the key to maximizing overall returns. This is where Kudos comes in as an essential companion to your rewards strategy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online. For business owners juggling multiple credit cards with different bonus categories, Kudos automatically suggests which card to use for each purchase to maximize rewards, points, or cash back based on your unique spending patterns.
With integration across over 15,000 stores, Kudos ensures you're never leaving rewards on the table. The extension can help you identify when to use your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card for maximum returns and when another card in your wallet might be more advantageous.
During exclusive "Flash Boost" events, Kudos can help you multiply your rewards up to 5X, creating even more value from your everyday business purchases. For business owners looking to optimize their credit card strategy, Kudos provides personalized recommendations that complement your existing cards, including helping you discover new cards that align with your spending habits.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card delivers exceptional value for business owners who regularly stay at Marriott properties and can benefit from the automatic Gold Elite status and annual Free Night Award. The card's rewards structure generously compensates spending at Marriott properties while also rewarding common business expenses like dining, gas, and wireless services.
However, the $125 annual fee necessitates regular use and strategic redemption to justify the investment. Business owners should calculate their potential earnings based on their specific spending patterns and Marriott stay frequency before applying.
For maximum value, we recommend:
- Using the card for all Marriott stays to earn 6x points
- Taking advantage of the 4x points categories for business dining and wireless services
- Leveraging the Gold Elite benefits when staying at Marriott properties
- Redeeming points strategically during off-peak periods for maximum value
- Utilizing the annual Free Night Award at properties that would otherwise cost more than the annual fee
For businesses that aren't loyal to Marriott or don't travel frequently, a more general business rewards card might be more suitable. However, for Marriott loyalists, the combination of enhanced earnings, elite benefits, and the annual Free Night Award creates a compelling package that can easily offset the annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card FAQ
What credit score do I need for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card?
Most approved applicants have good to excellent credit scores, typically 670 or higher. Both personal and business credit scores may be considered, but your personal credit score has a greater impact on approval decisions.
How does applying for this card affect my personal credit score?
American Express will perform a hard inquiry on your personal credit report when you apply, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. The account may also appear on your personal credit report, affecting your credit utilization ratio.
Can I use this card for multiple businesses?
Yes, you can use the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card for expenses across multiple businesses you own. However, the card will be issued to one specific business entity for legal purposes, even if you use it for various businesses.
How do I redeem Marriott Bonvoy points?
You can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays, upgrades, experiences, or transfer them to over 40 airline partners through the Air+Car transfer program. Redemptions can be made through the Marriott Bonvoy website or mobile app.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
No, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international business travel and purchases from foreign merchants.
What is the current welcome bonus offer?
Welcome bonus offers change periodically. As of the latest update, new cardmembers can earn a substantial welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first few months of card membership. Check the American Express website for the current offer.
Do I earn points at all Marriott properties?
You earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide, which includes most Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and other brands in the Marriott portfolio. Some properties may be excluded, so verify participation before booking.
Can I access ATMs with this card?
Yes, you can use the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card at ATMs to withdraw cash as a cash advance. However, cash advances typically incur high fees and interest rates, so this feature should be used sparingly.
What Gold Elite benefits are included?
Gold Elite benefits include 25% bonus points on stays, enhanced room upgrades when available, 2 PM priority late checkout, and enhanced internet access at participating properties.
How does the 7% Marriott Bonvoy room rate discount work?
As a cardholder, you receive a 7% discount on standard rates for eligible bookings made directly with Marriott for participating properties when logged in as a Marriott Bonvoy member.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
