Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Review for 2022
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Nancy Fernandez is a Credit Card and Insurance Expert at Fit Small Business, specializing in business credit cards and business insurance.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card is designed for business owners who stay primarily at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, including all of the previous Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton properties. This small business credit card offers premium rewards on eligible purchases at Marriott BonvoyTM hotels and travel perks like free hotel night stays.
If you wish to compare one card over another, choose a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Owners who choose to stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$125
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- No foreign transaction fees
- Premium rewards points
Cons
- Charges an annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR
- Balance transfers aren't allowed
- Baggage insurance: Covers the loss of any checked or carry-on baggage in direct transit from a common carrier or terminal. Coverage is limited to $1,250.
- Purchase protection: Covers purchased items from theft or damage for the first 120 days from purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Offers up to an additional two years of warranty coverage on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less.
- Complimentary Silver Elite status: Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and have access to exclusive benefits, such as 25% bonus points on purchases at participating hotels, priority late checkout, and access to an elite reservation line.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$125
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- No foreign transaction fees
- Premium rewards points
Cons
- Charges an annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR
- Balance transfers aren't allowed
- Baggage insurance: Covers the loss of any checked or carry-on baggage in direct transit from a common carrier or terminal. Coverage is limited to $1,250.
- Purchase protection: Covers purchased items from theft or damage for the first 120 days from purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Offers up to an additional two years of warranty coverage on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less.
- Complimentary Silver Elite status: Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and have access to exclusive benefits, such as 25% bonus points on purchases at participating hotels, priority late checkout, and access to an elite reservation line.
How We Evaluate Travel Rewards Business Credit Cards
When evaluating travel rewards business credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card, we first consider ongoing rewards, introductory rewards, and additional features. We also take into account the annual fee, introductory no-interest period, and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs).
| Grading Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | ||
Introductory Rewards | ||
Additional Features | ||
Annual Fee | ||
Introductory APR | ||
Ongoing APR | ||
| Total Score |
If you prefer another American Express credit card, then check out the best American Express credit cards. You may also want to look at our list of the best small business credit cards to find other options.
Who the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Is Best For
- Business owners who frequently stay at Marriott hotels: The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card is best for business owners who want to earn Marriott Bonvoy rewards. It offers 6x points at participating hotels, which include all of the previous Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton properties.
- Business owners who travel often: The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card offers travel rewards that can be redeemed for free hotel stays, flights, car rentals, and hotel and air packages. Also, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on purchases outside of the United States.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Fees
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 17.24% (prime rate plus 12.49%) to 26.24% (prime rate plus 21.49%) variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Cash advance APR: 26.74% (prime rate plus 21.99%) variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: 29.99% (prime rate plus 25.99%) variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $125
- Balance transfer fee: Transfers aren’t allowed
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Cash advance fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Late payment fee: Up to $39
- Overlimit: None
- Returned payment fee: $39
Penalty APR will be applied to your account if one of the following conditions are met:
- Made two or more late payments in the last 12 months.
- Didn’t pay the minimum payment due by the due date.
- Made a returned payment.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Rewards
- Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 worth of eligible purchases within the first three months of opening an account
- 6x points for every dollar of eligible purchases at participating in the Marriott BonvoyTM Program
- 4x points for every dollar of eligible purchases in select categories, such as restaurants, gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from service providers, and shipping
- 2x points on all other purchases
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year, increasing your levels of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status
- Another free night award after you spend $60,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year
You can redeem your rewards for free hotel stays at more than 6,700 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. However, some hotels and resorts may have mandatory service charges. You can also redeem your points for flights or car rentals by transferring them across hundreds of travel partners. You can transfer your points to other frequent flier programs for 3 points to 1 mile. Additionally, you can share your points with any other Marriot Bonvoy member.
How To Make Payments on the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card
- Via Amex Mobile App: Simply download the Amex Mobile App and enjoy the convenience of paying your bills on the go, anytime.
- AutoPay: This can be made through your American Express online account. It should be noted, however, that your first AutoPay payment may not be applied to your current billing cycle. You would need to make your usual payments until your AutoPay begins.
- Via direct bank payment: This payment scheme lets you pay bills automatically, so you don’t have to worry about missing due dates. Ensure to provide your bank account details to American Express and let them know of the amount you’d like to pay every month.
- Online: You can make a payment through your American Express online account anytime by choosing your payment account and selecting your bank account and payment date. Note that credit cards and debit cards cannot be accepted as a form of payment.
- Via mail: You have the option to mail your payment either by check or money order made payable to American Express. Lastly, ensure to include your account number at the front of your payment.
First Class Mail
American Express
PO Box 650448
Dallas, TX 75265-0448
Express Mail
American Express
Attn: Express Mail Remittance Processing
20500 Belshaw Ave.
Carson, CA 90746
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Features
Complimentary Silver Elite Status
You’ll receive a complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status members receive exclusive hotel benefits, such as 10% bonus points on purchases at participating hotels, priority late checkout, and access to a dedicated elite reservation line.
Premium Internet Access
The Marriott BonvoyTM Business American Express® Card offers complimentary in-room, premium internet access while staying at hotels participating in the Marriott BonvoyTM program. Premium internet access is limited to one room per eligible card member per stay, regardless of how many rooms have been reserved.
Purchase Protection
Damaged or stolen items that were purchased with your Marriott card are covered with purchase protection up to $1,000 per covered purchase, with a maximum of $50,000 per year. Items are eligible if they were damaged or stolen within 90 days from the covered purchase date. Items not included are tickets, consumables, motorized vehicles, permanent fixtures, items for resale, rented items, and antiques.
Extended Warranty Protection
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card provides an extended warranty for items with original manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years, up to $10,000 per covered purchase with a maximum of $50,000 per calendar year per eligible card. Purchases that aren’t covered include items with unconditional satisfaction guarantees, perishable items, motorized vehicles, damaged items, and permanent fixtures.
Baggage Insurance Plan
American Express provides coverage for up to $1,250 for the loss of any baggage in direct transit from a common carrier or terminal. For high-risk items, they’re subjected to a maximum of $250 per covered person for all baggage on a covered baggage trip. New York resident card holders have a maximum aggregate limit of $10,000 per covered baggage trip for all covered persons. This baggage insurance specifically covers carry-on bags, checked bags, and high-risk items. Some items are excluded from the coverage, such as cash, credit cards, tickets, animals, living plants, prosthetics, and property shipped as freight.
Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card offers car rental coverage up to $50,000 per car rental agreement. To be eligible, the car rental fee must have been entirely charged on your American Express credit card. This insurance only covers rental vehicles for the first 30 days of an agreement. Instances that aren’t included in the coverage are manufacturing defects, intentional damage by an authorized driver, wear and tear, theft of or damage to tires, and damage due to freezing.
Pros & Cons of the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status: You’ll receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, which offers priority late checkout when available and a 10% bonus points on stays. | Charges an annual fee: The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card doesn’t offer a zero annual fee for your first year—you’ll be charged a $125 annual fee right away. |
| No foreign transaction fees: American Express won’t charge any foreign transaction fee on the purchases you make outside of the US—this is an advantage if you travel often. | No introductory 0% APR: You won’t be able to enjoy interest-free financing as this card doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR—this is a drawback if you need to make a large purchase with your card. |
| Premium rewards points: You can earn 6x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4x points per dollar on expenses at restaurants, gas stations, shipping, and wireless phone services; and 2x points per dollar on all other purchases. These rewards are higher compared to most other points-based rewards business credit cards. | Balance transfers aren’t allowed: Balance transfers aren’t available with the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card. If you need to transfer a balance from another credit card, this card may not be right for you. |
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Alternatives
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® is an excellent alternative for business owners who don’t want to pay annual fees. It doesn’t charge any annual fees, offers an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening, and is best if you have significant travel expenses but don’t need travel perks like airport lounge access or free expedited airport security screening. It’s no surprise that this is our top pick for the best credit cards for new businesses with no credit history.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 19.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 19.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
The Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is a good alternative if you want to earn fixed-rate rewards on all purchases. This business credit card offers an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for the first nine months after account opening and doesn’t charge annual fees. In addition, it provides a welcome offer of 20,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, making it our #1 choice for the leading business credit card for miles.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Unlimited 2x miles with every swipe
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2x miles per $1 spent
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
- You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
- Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
- Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® once every four years.
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2x miles per $1 spent
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
- You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
- Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
- Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® once every four years.
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great option if you prefer to stay at Hilton hotels and resorts. This business credit card has a limited time offer (until July 6, 2022) of earning 1) 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening; and 2) $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels within the first 12 months of card membership.
The card also lets you earn 7X points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts made within the Hilton portfolio; 5X points on dining within US restaurants (including takeout and deliveries), gas, and groceries; and 3X points for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing rewards on Hilton-related purchases
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn up to $130 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership. Offer expires 7/6/2022.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at US gas stations, on US purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at US restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
- Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Low annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Redemption options other than hotel stays are poor
- Balance transfers not allowed
- No 0% introductory APR
- Complimentary Gold Status: You will receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, which gets you additional benefits like complimentary breakfast and rollover nights.
- Free weekend night reward: Earn a free weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 in one year; earn a second weekend night reward after you spend $60,000 in one year.
- Purchase protection: Covers your purchases for 120 days from purchase date if they’re damaged or stolen; coverage is limited to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Offers up to an additional two years of coverage on manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn up to $130 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership. Offer expires 7/6/2022.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at US gas stations, on US purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at US restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
- Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Low annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Redemption options other than hotel stays are poor
- Balance transfers not allowed
- No 0% introductory APR
- Complimentary Gold Status: You will receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, which gets you additional benefits like complimentary breakfast and rollover nights.
- Free weekend night reward: Earn a free weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 in one year; earn a second weekend night reward after you spend $60,000 in one year.
- Purchase protection: Covers your purchases for 120 days from purchase date if they’re damaged or stolen; coverage is limited to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Offers up to an additional two years of coverage on manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less.
Bottom Line
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card is best for business owners who travel frequently and stay primarily at Marriott hotels. If it isn’t right for your business, visit our Credit Card Marketplace or check out our guide to the best small business credit cards to find one that may be a better fit.
