Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the only business card Marriott offers. If you need a business card or don’t have room for another personal card, it’s worth considering for its welcome offer alone: 3 free nights, each worth up to 50,000 points. However, we’re not confident the annual fee of $125 will be worth it after the first year. The card’s only standout perks are a “free” night capped at 35,000 points — which doesn’t stretch far at Marriott — and complimentary Gold Elite Status, which provides a few minor perks but nothing close to Platinum Elite Status.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
You immediately receive 3 free nights (up to 50,000 points each) as a sign-up bonus after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. Beyond that, the benefits aren’t strong, although the $125 annual fee is relatively modest. Because it’s a business card, if you’re up against your 5/24 limit and really want a Marriott co-branded option, this one could be worthwhile for the bonus. Just remember the American Express “once per lifetime” rule, which allows you to earn the welcome bonus only once per card.
Whether you keep this card longer depends on how much you value the annual “free” night (capped at 35,000 points) and the complimentary Gold Elite Status. Beyond those perks, the benefits are fairly weak. They include 15 Elite Night credits toward Platinum Status (50 nights required), spending multipliers (4X points on restaurants, gas stations, and wireless services; 2X points on everything else), a 7% discount on eligible Marriott bookings, and up to 18.5X points on Marriott purchases.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- The benefits beyond the welcome offer aren’t very strong, and several other Marriott cards offer similar or better perks at a lower annual fee.
- If you’re seeking higher-status perks and regularly stay at Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is likely a better choice.
What to Know About Marriott Bonvoy
Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, and points don’t expire, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
How The Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card Fits In The Marriott Bonvoy Ecosystem
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the only co-branded business card offered by the chain. If you’re looking for a business card and/or you’ve hit the 5/24 limit for personal cards, it’s your only Marriott option. Remember, Bonvoy’s 24-month rule allows only one Bonvoy welcome bonus every two years, so choose carefully which Bonvoy card to apply for.
If you can get a personal card instead, there are five options. Two are backed by American Express, and three are backed by Chase. We quickly rule out the Bonvoy Bountiful (Chase) and the Bonvoy Bevy (Amex) because they cost $250 per year and offer an 85,000-point sign-up bonus, yet require $15,000 in annual spending just to earn a “free night.” That’s rarely worthwhile.
The Bonvoy Boundless card has a $95 annual fee and provides 3 free nights (each up to 50,000 points) as a welcome offer, plus a true free night each year worth up to 35,000 points—all at a lower annual fee. While Marriott points aren’t as valuable as those of other chains, 35,000 points might still justify the $95 annual fee if you want to keep this card until you can qualify for another Bonvoy welcome bonus in 24 months. Meanwhile, the Bonvoy Bold card has no annual fee but offers only a 30,000 (current special 60,000)-point welcome bonus and minimal perks.
At the top of the line is the Bonvoy Brilliant, with a $650 annual fee. It comes with complimentary Platinum Elite Status, an annual free night worth up to 85,000 points, and various statement credits and perks that might be worth it if you’re loyal to Marriott and travel frequently. This card also has a 95,000-point sign-up bonus.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90,000 | $6,000 | 0.7 ¢ | $125 | $125 |
$672
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott stays & transfer top-offs | Solid 4x categories, annual free room | Amex 3/90 , No CR , No 2nd Biz , Amex 4 Credit , Bonvoy 1/24 , No 5/24 , Amex 1/10 , Amex Popup Jail |
Award System
Most Recent Special Offer
$8,000 spend ended Mar 2025
Spend Categories
2X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
6X points
4.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Your awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. This will get you a nice room.
Using this card gives you $50,000 secondary coverage for damage or theft of a rental vehicle.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Included Gold status includes: late checkout and free WiFi.
Get up to 1 additional year on original manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Marriott Bonvoy Outside Point System
Transfers Out To
3:1 67% value retained
3:1 67% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
3:1 52% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
3:1.1 68% value retained
3:1 67% value retained
Transfers In From
1:1 44% value retained
1:1 44% value retained
Marriott Bonvoy Business Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status
You might not be allowed to get a second card for a separate business (EIN)
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card per lifetime (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
Ranking of Cards Offering Marriott Bonvoy
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database: