Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Review: Essential Insights

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a popular choice for small business owners and frequent travelers who are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy brand. With its competitive rewards rate, generous welcome bonus, and vast network of hotels, this card offers a myriad of benefits and perks for those looking to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy elite status member luxuries.

Some of the notable features of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card include an annual free night at hotels (up to 35,000 points), the ability to expedite your Marriott elite status by providing 15 elite night credits every year, and Marriott Gold Elite status with its 25% bonus points and subject to availability, late checkout. These benefits, paired with no foreign transaction fees, make this card an attractive option for business owners who prioritize travel and hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy.

Key Features

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is specifically designed for small business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties. The card comes with several useful perks and benefits that make it appealing for Marriott loyalists.

One of the main features of the card is its generous welcome bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be earned after meeting the required spending threshold within the specified time frame. This substantial bonus can potentially be used for multiple free nights at Marriott properties, depending on the category of the hotel.

In addition to the welcome bonus, cardholders can enjoy a number of ongoing rewards for their spending. These include:

  • 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 4x points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
  • 2x points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Another notable feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is the annual free night award which can be redeemed at hotels costing up to 35,000 points. This benefit alone can offset the annual fee of the card, providing significant value for frequent travelers.

Cardholders also receive up to 15 elite night credits annually, which can help them achieve a higher tier of Marriott Bonvoy elite status more quickly. This can lead to additional perks such as room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points on stays.

Reward Earning Rates

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers various earning rates on both everyday and business-related purchases. This card’s rewards structure is designed to benefit users who frequently spend on Marriott properties and other eligible categories.

Here’s a breakdown of the earning rates:

  • 6x points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • 4x points per dollar spent on U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. purchases for shipping
  • 2x points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Cardholders are also entitled to 15 elite night credits each calendar year, which can help you achieve a higher status within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Furthermore, Gold elite status is granted to cardholders automatically, providing additional benefits during hotel stays.

Besides these rewards, you can take advantage of the welcome bonus offer. For a limited time, until May 3, 2023, new users can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of card membership.

Redemption Options

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card allows cardholders to redeem their accumulated points for various rewards, primarily within the Marriott Bonvoy program. This section covers some of the most popular redemption options available to cardholders.

One of the primary ways to redeem points is by using them for free stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. With over 7,000 participating hotels worldwide, spanning 30 brands, cardholders can find an extensive range of properties to choose from. The number of points required for a free night depends on the hotel category and the time of booking. Cardholders can maximize their value by taking advantage of the fifth night free benefit when redeeming points for a stay of five consecutive nights or longer.

Another attractive redemption option is the Marriott Bonvoy Travel Packages, which allow cardholders to bundle hotel stays with airline miles. These packages require a larger number of points but provide additional flexibility and potential value by combining accommodations and airfare rewards. Depending on the selected package, points can be converted into miles for partner airlines, including popular programs such as United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, and American Airlines AAdvantage.

Cardholders can also transfer their Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline partners, offering varying conversion rates depending on the partner airline.

Beyond hotel stays and travel packages, other redemption options include:

  • Car rentals through participating rental agencies
  • Gift cards from popular retailers and restaurants
  • Marriott Bonvoy Moments, which grants exclusive access to curated experiences like culinary workshops, sports events, and concerts
  • Point donations to charitable organizations

It is important to consider the value of each redemption option; some may provide a higher value per point, while others may not. According to Forbes, most redemption options offer at least 0.5 cents of value per Marriott Bonvoy point, though certain options might yield slightly lower value, such as around 0.4 cents per point.

Benefits & Perks

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers a variety of benefits and perks for cardholders. These benefits range from rewards points for various types of purchases to additional features that can enhance your travel experience.

One of the main benefits of the card is the generous rewards program. Cardholders earn:

  • 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 4x points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
  • 2x points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

In addition to the points program, cardholders receive a free night award annually after their account anniversary, which can be used at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points. Cardholders can also earn an additional free night award after spending $60,000 in eligible purchases on their card in a calendar year.

Travel-related perks include:

  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, which provides benefits such as priority late checkout and bonus points on stays
  • The ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
  • No foreign transaction fees, making it more convenient for international travel

Additional benefits for business owners include employee cards with no additional fee, which can help consolidate business expenses, as well as various tools and services to manage and track expenses.

Annual Fee

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card comes with an annual fee of $125, which is relatively reasonable considering the benefits it offers to cardholders. This fee can be seen as an investment for those who frequently use hotels for their business travels and want to take advantage of the rewards and perks that come with the card.

Additional card members can be added to the account at no extra cost, making it a suitable choice for business owners who wish to provide their employees with access to the card’s benefits as well. Furthermore, there are no foreign transaction fees associated with the card, which adds value for those who travel internationally for business.

It is important for prospective cardholders to assess whether the benefits and rewards associated with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card would outweigh the annual fee they would need to pay. Factors to consider include the frequency of hotel stays, the ability to utilize the card’s bonus categories, and the potential for using the card’s additional perks such as free night awards and elite status.

Interest Rates & Fees

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card comes with various interest rates and fees that you should be aware of before applying for this card. The annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases and balance transfers varies, depending on the cardholder’s creditworthiness and market-based interest rates.

For cash advances, the APR is typically higher than the rate for purchases and balance transfers. Cardholders are also subject to transaction fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and foreign transactions.

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card has an annual fee which is not waived for the first year. This fee contributes to the numerous benefits and rewards that the card offers, including Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, free night awards, and accelerated points earning on eligible purchases.

Here’s a summary of the key interest rates and fees associated with this card:

  • Annual Fee: Variable, based on creditworthiness
  • Purchase APR: Variable, based on creditworthiness and market rates
  • Balance Transfer APR: Variable, based on creditworthiness and market rates
  • Cash Advance APR: Typically higher than purchase and balance transfer APR
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Percentage of the amount transferred
  • Cash Advance Fee: Percentage of the amount advanced
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Percentage of each transaction after conversion to US dollars

It’s essential to review and understand the interest rates and fees associated with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card before applying, to make sure it’s the right fit for your business travel and spending needs.

Pros & Cons

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

Pros:

  • Generous welcome offer: Earn points after meeting the minimum spend requirement within the first 3 months.
  • Favorable reward structure: Earn points on eligible purchases in various categories such as Marriott hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.
  • Annual free night award: Receive a free night award on your card anniversary, valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
  • Complimentary elite status: Enjoy Silver Elite status with the opportunity to earn Gold Elite status after meeting the annual spending threshold.
  • Global acceptance: The card is widely accepted worldwide, thanks to the power of the American Express network.

Cons:

  • Annual fee: There is an annual fee associated with this card, which might be a concern for some cardholders.
  • Limited hotel network: Marriott has a vast network of hotels, but it may not cover all your preferred locations, limiting your redemption options.
  • Foreign transaction fees: Although the card is globally accepted, foreign transactions might be subject to additional fees.
  • Complex rewards system: The Marriott Bonvoy rewards program might seem complicated to some users, especially when trying to maximize point value and redemption.

In summary, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers a range of benefits for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels. It provides an attractive reward structure, annual free night award, and elite status perks. However, it comes with an annual fee and might not be the ideal choice for those who prefer other hotel brands or find the rewards program too complex.

Comparison to Competing Cards

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card faces competition from several other hotel and travel rewards credit cards. In this section, we will compare the key features of some competing cards, namely the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase is another Marriott-branded option. This card offers a similar rewards structure, with 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott properties, and 2x points on other purchases. However, the Boundless™ card is aimed at individuals, rather than businesses, making it better suited for personal travelers rather than business owners.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is tailored to business owners who frequently stay at Hilton properties. Cardholders earn 12x points per dollar spent at participating Hilton hotels and resorts, 6x points on select U.S. business and travel expenses, and 3x points on all other purchases. Additionally, the Hilton Honors Business card offers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, providing more extensive benefits and services at Hilton properties.

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card offers a rewards program for frequent travelers who stay at IHG hotel properties, which include brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. Cardholders earn up to 25x points per dollar spent at IHG properties, 2x points on gas station, grocery store, and restaurant purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This card also offers a free night award each year and Platinum Elite IHG Rewards Club status.

To sum up, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers a strong loyalty program for business travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels. While other cards may offer unique features and benefits specific to their brands, the choice between these cards often depends on the traveler’s hotel preferences and the frequency of their stays at the respective brands’ properties.

Conclusion

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers several valuable benefits for loyal Marriott guests and business travelers. The generous welcome bonus, annual free night award, and complimentary Gold Elite status are just a few of the highlights.

Benefits such as earning up to 15 elite nights and offering multiple points for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program make this card a solid choice for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties. Additionally, the complimentary hotel night once a year and earning potential can help offset the card’s annual fee, making it worthwhile for many cardholders.

However, it’s essential to weigh the card’s perks and benefits against your specific travel habits, spending patterns, and hotel preferences, as it may not be the best fit for everyone. Carefully consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card alongside other small-business hotel credit cards before deciding if it aligns with your needs.

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