The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is tailored for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties or want to capitalize on travel rewards. With a $125 annual fee, the card provides a welcome bonus: new members can earn three Free Night Awards after spending $6,000 within the first six months, each night redeemable for properties up to 50,000 points, totaling up to 150,000 points.
It has no foreign transaction fees and includes benefits designed for both travel and business management, such as a free annual night award, flexible points redemptions, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Qualification requirements
To qualify for this business card, applicants generally need a strong credit score, typically falling in the “good” to “excellent” range, or above 670. While marketed as a business card, a formal business structure isn’t required, making it accessible to freelancers, consultants, and individuals with independent income streams.
Those eligible through self-employment or small business ventures can benefit significantly, especially if they frequently stay at Marriott hotels or incur high business-related expenses. With an attractive rewards structure and exclusive benefits, qualifying can be particularly advantageous for business owners looking to maximize returns on their expenditures and enjoy travel perks.
Benefits
This card’s standout benefits align well with the needs of business travelers. Cardholders earn 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4X points on eligible purchases like restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless phone services, and shipping, and 2X points on other purchases.
The Marriott Bonvoy program itself offers high flexibility; points are usable at over 7,000 hotels worldwide with no blackout dates. Additional perks include an annual Free Night Award after the renewal month, worth up to 35,000 points. Furthermore, spending $60,000 in a calendar year provides another free night.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Amex Card provides 15 elite night credits annually, helping cardholders elevate their status within the Bonvoy program. This benefit is especially valuable for members aiming to achieve higher statuses, as reaching Gold Elite status unlocks a 25% bonus on points for Marriott stays, late checkout options (subject to availability), and potential room upgrades for a more comfortable experience.
Additionally, the card comes with no foreign transaction fees, allowing for cost-effective travel abroad. It also offers a 7% discount on Marriott stays, along with business management tools that simplify expense tracking, making it ideal for frequent travelers and small business owners.
Pros
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Amex Card offers competitive benefits for Marriott regulars and business travelers, with highlights that include:
- Free annual night award and additional free nights for high spenders.
- Complimentary Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, providing perks like bonus points and room upgrades.
- Strong earning rates on both Marriott and non-Marriott expenses (up to 6X points on Marriott purchases).
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Access to Marriott’s flexible points system, allowing transfers to over 40 airline partners.
Cons
While this card is rich in benefits, it may not be the perfect choice for everyone. Here’s what you should consider:
- Limited use outside of Marriott properties, especially for those not loyal to Marriott.
- Annual Free Night Award is restricted to certain categories of hotels, limiting flexibility.
- Gold Elite status does not include premium perks like complimentary breakfast (available only to higher statuses).
- Card’s rewards structure isn’t as competitive for general business spending compared to other options.
How to apply
Applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Amex Card is straightforward and can be done online through the American Express website. The application process involves providing essential financial and personal information, such as income details and employment status, to assess eligibility.
In addition to meeting the recommended credit score of 670 or higher, American Express considers other factors, including recent credit history and overall financial stability. Ensuring that your credit score aligns with the requirements can increase your chances of approval. Once submitted, applicants will receive a decision promptly, allowing for quick access to the card’s travel perks and business-friendly features.
Is the card worth it after all?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Amex Card offers significant value for business travelers loyal to Marriott, with perks that can easily offset the $125 annual fee. Cardholders benefit from Free Night Awards, earn 6X points on Marriott bookings, and enjoy automatic Gold Elite status, which includes perks like late checkout and room upgrades.
These features make the card a strong choice for those who regularly stay at Marriott properties. However, if your travel involves a variety of hotel brands or you prefer a card with rewards covering broader business expenses, other options may provide greater flexibility and value across different spending categories.
Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a standout option among premium hotel rewards cards, specifically designed to reward Marriott loyalty with a range of valuable perks for both travel and business use. Its welcome offer and ongoing benefits provide substantial value to Marriott loyalists, particularly with perks like elite night credits, free nights, and travel insurance protections.
Additionally, the card’s high point-earning potential on Marriott stays and select business expenses appeals to small business owners with frequent travel needs. However, for business owners who aren’t dedicated to Marriott or prefer the flexibility of cash-back rewards, other card options might offer more versatile benefits across a broader range of spending categories.
