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Bottom line: Small-business owners who enjoy Marriott hotels can get a lot of value from the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. It’s got a great intro bonus, earning categories that fit many small businesses, and comes with an anniversary free night certificate that can more than offset the annual fee.
Review: Is the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business the best credit card for you?
If you’re a small-business owner — even if you own a part-time business or have a side hustle — and like staying with Marriott, the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a great pick. It’s currently offering a substantial welcome bonus: Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card.
Aside from the intro offer, the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card can help you earn lots of Marriott points from your small-business expenses. It earns 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4x points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
While the card does have a Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card annual fee, you can easily offset the cost (and then some) with a single card perk. Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night certificate, valid at Marriott Bonvoy hotels that cost up to 35,000 points per night.
Cardholders also receive automatic Marriott Gold elite status (which gets room upgrades upon availability at check-in), 15 elite night credits per year, and benefits like baggage insurance, car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty. The card also now gets you a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly.
If you’re looking for a Marriott card but aren’t sure you can justify the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card annual fee, there are other options. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card charges a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card annual fee and offers the same type of anniversary free night certificate as the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. It’s currently offering Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card.
Or if you’d rather not pay an annual fee at all, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card has a welcome bonus of Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card — but doesn’t come with a free anniversary night.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
How to earn points from the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business card
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a solid choice for small-business owners because it earns bonus points on a wide variety of common business expenses. Cardholders earn:
6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program (this is in addition to up to 10x points for being a Marriott Bonvoy member)4 points per dollar on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
How to use Marriott points
Marriott Bonvoy points are among the most versatile around, and they’re useful even if you don’t stay with Marriott. Not only can you redeem them for stays at over 7,000 hotels worldwide, but you can also transfer them to over 40 airline partners, including most major US airlines and dozens of international carriers.
Marriott recently eliminated its award charts and moved to dynamic pricing, which means the price of an award night varies based on demand, the paid price of the room, season, and other factors. Award nights at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program start at 5,000 points for off-peak redemptions at brands like Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites, and go all the way up to 120,000 points for a peak season night at luxurious hotels like St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton.
Marriott points are worth, on average, 0.7 cents each according to Insider’s points and miles valuations, so this bonus could get you about Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card in hotel stays.
I’ve had the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card for several years and usually redeem points at budget-friendly hotels. For example, I used 5,000 Marriott points on a family road trip at a brand-new Fairfield Inn in Cleveland. If I’d paid cash, the room would have cost around $120, so I got a value of 2.4 cents per point — well above average. You can also get outsized value by using points for stays at pricey properties like the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, where nightly rates can approach $2,000.
Marriott Bonvoy brands
AC HotelsAloftAutograph CollectionCourtyard by MarriottDelta HotelsDesign HotelsEDITIONElementFairfield Inn & SuitesFour Points by SheratonGaylord HotelsHomes & Villas by Marriott InternationalJW MarriottLe MeridienThe Luxury CollectionMarriott Executive ApartmentsMarriott Hotels & ResortsMarriott Vacation ClubMoxy HotelsProtea HotelsRenaissance HotelsResidence Inn The Ritz-CarltonSheratonSpringHill SuitesSt. RegisTownePlace SuitesTribute PortfolioW HotelsWestin
If you decide to transfer your Marriott points to airlines, in most cases the ratio is 3 Marriott points to 1 airline mile. However, when you transfer increments of 60,000 points, you’ll get a 5,000-mile bonus (so 60,000 Marriott points become 25,000 airline miles). Some Marriott airline partners — like Alaska Airlines — don’t partner with any other major transferable points program, so if you need a few more miles for an award, transferring points from Marriott may be one of the only ways to help reach your goal.
You can also redeem Marriott points in other ways (including non-travel redemptions), but typically you’ll get a lower value:
Airfare, car rentals, or air and car packagesExclusive events, experiences, concerts, tours, and more through Marriott Bonvoy MomentsGift cards or merchandise through Marriott Shop With PointsCharity donations for disaster relief, including the American Red Cross and Unicef
Benefits and features
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card comes with an array of benefits and perks geared to travelers and small-business owners that can save you money and protect you when things don’t go as planned.
Annual free night award
Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night certificate valid at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program that cost up to 35,000 points — many of which can cost $200 or $300 per night. And if you spend $60,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you can earn a second free night award with the same maximum points limit.
In April 2022, Marriott Bonvoy added the option of topping up these certificates with up to 15,000 points from your account. That means you can potentially use your certificate at hotels that cost as much as 50,000 points.
I’ve consistently redeemed the free night certificate from my Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card at hotels where the paid rate is much more than the card’s Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card annual fee, and that’s one of the reasons I renew the card every year.
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
You’ll receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status for as long as you have the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, which gets you room upgrades upon availability at check-in, 25% bonus on eligible purchases at participating hotels, 2 p.m. late checkout (when available), and enhanced Wi-Fi.
15 elite night credits per year
Each calendar year, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card cardholders automatically receive 15 elite night credits that can help toward qualifying for the next level of elite status.
You can earn one set of credits from a personal card and one from a small-business card each year, so if you also have a personal Marriott card (like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card) you’ll earn 30 elite night credits a year.
7% discount on standard room rates
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card now offers a 7% discount on standard room rates at Marriott Bonvoy properties when you book directly through Marriott. This could help you save a bit of money if you’re already planning on booking a paid reservation that qualifies for this benefit.
Car rental loss and damage insurance
When you use your Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card to pay for your entire car rental and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver, you’ll get secondary coverage for damage due to theft and collision. Some vehicle types and countries are excluded, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Baggage insurance plan
If you pay for a covered trip with the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, you can be covered for baggage loss or damage, up to $500 per person for checked bags and $1,250 per person for carry-on luggage.
There are exclusions for high-risk items and some states have different limits, so check the terms and conditions for specific details.
Purchase protection
When you pay for an eligible item with your Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, purchase protection can cover theft or damage that occurs within 90 days of purchase, up to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account per calendar year.
Extended warranty
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card comes with up to one additional year of extended warranty coverage for eligible new purchases in the US or its territories, on manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less.
Global Assist Hotline
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card cardholders can access Amex’s Global Assist Hotline, which can help arrange things like passport replacement, medical referrals, and translation services when you’re traveling. The service itself is complimentary, but you’ll be responsible for any third-party costs incurred.
Amex Offers
American Express cards, including the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, come with targeted discounts and bonus rewards at participating merchants through Amex Offers**. Enrollment in the offer is required through your online account, then you’ll receive your bonus or discount when you make a qualifying purchase.
The savings can really add up. Since opening the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, I’ve saved over $540 with Amex Offers — and that’s not counting offers on my other Amex cards.
American Express
Small-business benefits
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card also offers benefits specifically geared toward small-business owners, including:
Access to the American Express business app, which helps you manage receipts and expensesEmployee cards with spending limits that you can set up online or by calling American Express
Fees and costs
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card has a Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card annual fee, but it’s easy to make up that cost with perks like an annual award night certificate, travel benefits, and Amex Offers.
You won’t pay foreign transaction fees with the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, so it’s a good choice if your business makes a lot of international purchases or if you travel overseas.
Like most other cards, you’ll pay fees for late payments, returned payments, and cash advances.
Comparison: Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex vs other Marriott credit cards
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Rewards rate
6x points* on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
4x points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases
2x points on all other eligible purchases
6x points* on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
2x points on all other purchases
6x points* on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines
2x points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Card benefits
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
Annual free night award***
A second free night award if you spend $60,000 or more in a calendar year***
7% discount on standard rates for standard guest rooms booked directly through Marriott
15 elite night credits each calendar year
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers**
No foreign transaction fees
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status
Annual free night award***
15 elite night credits each calendar year
Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)
Lost luggage reimbursement
Trip delay reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Travel and emergency assistance services
Visa Signature concierge
No foreign transaction fees
Up to $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy statement credit (offer ends 9/22/22 and will be replaced with a benefit of up to $25 in statement credits per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide)
$100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit on eligible Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis stays
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
Annual free night award****
15 elite night credits each calendar year
Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership**
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Secondary car rental insurance
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Trip delay insurance
Travel accident insurance
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Return protection
Premium Global Assist Hotline
No foreign transaction fees
Review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card review
**Bonus points at Marriott hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay
***The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card offer an annual free night award each year after your card renewal month, for hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program that cost up to 35,000 points
****The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers an annual free night award every year after your card renewal month for participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 50,000 points
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express vs other hotel credit cards
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Rewards rate
6x points* on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
4x points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases
2x points on all other eligible purchases
12x points* on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6x points on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations, U.S. shipping purchases, wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers, U.S. restaurants, airfare purchased directly from airlines or Amex Travel, and on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
3x points on all other eligible purchases
10x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts (up to 26x points)*
5x points on travel and at gas stations, dining, social media and search engine advertising, and at office supply stores
3x points for all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Card benefits
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
Annual free night award***
A second free night award if you spend $60,000 or more in a calendar year***
7% discount on standard rates for standard guest rooms booked directly through Marriott
15 elite night credits each calendar year
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers**
No foreign transaction fees
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold elite status
Free weekend night award when you spend $15,000 or more in a calendar year
A second free weekend night award if you spend a total of $60,000 or more in a calendar year
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers
No foreign transaction fees
Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status
Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year with the card
Annual free night award worth up to 40,000 points
An additional free night each year you spend $60,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each calendar year
10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year
Fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a stay of three or more nights
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit
Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each calendar year
Primary car rental insurance when renting for business purposes
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Travel and emergency assistance services
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
No foreign transaction fees
Review
Amex Hilton Honors Business card review
IHG Premier Business card review
**Bonus points at Marriott, Hilton, and IHG hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay
***The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card offers an annual free night award each year after your card renewal month for hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program that cost up to 35,000 points
Marriott Bonvoy Business credit card — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business worth it?
If you’re a small-business owner and stay with Marriott, even a couple of times a year, it could be well worth opening the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. Its got great bonus categories for business owners, and the perks you’ll receive can far outweigh the annual fee.
A lot of folks specifically keep this card for the free night award on each anniversary. It’s possible to get a value two or three times the annual fee from this benefit alone.
What credit score do you need for the Marriott Bonvoy Business card?
To be approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, you’ll usually need at least a good to excellent credit score; that is, a FICO score of 670 or more, or a VantageScore of at least 700.
Still working on your credit score? Be sure to read Insider’s guides to improving your credit score and learn about how using credit cards can help boost your score.
Who is eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Business credit card?
Because the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a small-business card, you’ll need to have some business activity to qualify. That doesn’t mean you need to own a formal corporation or have millions in revenue — sole proprietorships and part-time side gigs like driving for Uber or freelancing can make you eligible.
Marriott cards are issued by both Amex and Chase, so there are a few additional rules to keep in mind if you’re hoping to get approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. Firstly, you aren’t eligible for the welcome offer if you already have, or had, the same card (or the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express).
In addition, you won’t be eligible for the welcome bonus on this card if any of the following apply to you:
You’re a current cardmember, or were a previous cardmember in the past 30 days, of the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Credit Card from Chase, or the Marriott Rewards® Business Credit Card from ChaseYou’ve opened the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card in the past 90 daysYou’ve received a welcome bonus in the last 24 months from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, or Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business card metal?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card isn’t a metal card — it’s made of plastic.