Best in Class
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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 1/7 Rule, which allows you to earn the welcome bonus only once every seven years.
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.
- 15 Elite Night credits toward Platinum Status (50 nights required)
- 4X points on restaurants, gas stations, and wireless services
- 2X points on everything else
- 7% discount on eligible Marriott bookings
- 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, but they can be frustrating to find, 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 complicated 24-month rule prevents you from earning welcome bonuses on certain cards based on your card history, 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-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 100,000-point sign-up bonus.
Card Information
Bonus Points
0
Minimum Spend
$6,000 / 6mo
Point Value
0.7 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$125
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
Anniversary Free Night
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
6X on Marriott Hotels
4X on Restaurants
4X on U.S. Gas Stations
4X on U.S. Shipping Services
Potential Boosts
3 Free Night Awards
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
Est. Value
Total Annual Value
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No extras to display for this card.
Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Average Frequency
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Average Offer Length
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
4.2¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.8¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.8¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.8¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.8¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
1.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
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 24 months
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
Point Transfer Options
+2 Lower Value Transfers Show
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles
Value: 1.5¢
71% Value Retained
3:1
+31 Lower Value Transfers Show
AEGEAN Airlines (Miles+Bonus)
Value: 1.4¢
67% Value Retained
3:1
SAUDIA Alfursan
Value: 1.1¢
52% Value Retained
3:1
Air China PhoenixMiles
Value: 1¢
48% Value Retained
3:1
China Southern Airlines
Value: 1¢
48% Value Retained
3:1
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Value: 0.8¢
38% Value Retained
3:1
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Rank
3rd
Honorable Mention
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Rank
6th
Honorable Mention
Rank
3rd
Honorable Mention
Rank
2nd
Honorable Mention
