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 as well as travel perks like free hotel night stays.
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
BEST FOR:
Owners who choose to stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 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. Plus, earn up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible purchases made on your new Card 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 account anniversary. 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 hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 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
- You’ll enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Earn 6x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
Cons
- You’ll pay a $125 annual fee
- Points are worth less when redeemed for less expensive hotels
- 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.
- 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. Plus, earn up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible purchases made on your new Card 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 account anniversary. 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 hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 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
- You’ll enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Earn 6x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
Cons
- You’ll pay a $125 annual fee
- Points are worth less when redeemed for less expensive hotels
- 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.
Want to compare the features of one card to another? We’ve made it easy for you to do just that! Simply check off up to three cards on this page to add them to your cart. This will allow you to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
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).
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Who the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Is Right 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 annual percentage rate (APR): None
- Ongoing APR: 15.74% to 24.74% 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—cash advance APR is 25.24%
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Rewards
- Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of opening an account, and up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership
- 6x points for every dollar of eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 4x points for every dollar of eligible purchases in select categories, such as restaurants, gas stations, wireless telephone services, and shipping
- 2x points on all other purchases
- One free night award every year after your card anniversary
- 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 flyer programs for 3 points to 1 mile. Additionally, you can share your points with any other Marriot Bonvoy member.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Additional 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 25% 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.
Roadside Assistance
Cardholders can access the 24-hour roadside assistance hotline, which can send out a tow truck operator or a locksmith in case of an emergency. Services like towing, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, delivery of gas up to two gallons, and lockout service are available for an additional fee.
Purchase Protection
Damaged or stolen items that were purchased with your Marriott card are covered with purchase protection up to $1,000 per incident, with a maximum of $50,000 per year. Items are eligible if they were damaged or stolen within 120 days of the purchase date―90 days for New York residents. 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. You’ll receive up to two additional years of warranty if the item was charged entirely on your American Express business credit card. Purchases that aren’t covered include items with unconditional satisfaction guarantees, perishable items, motorized vehicles, damaged items, and permanent fixtures.
Travel Accident Insurance
You’ll receive travel accident insurance up to $100,000 when you use your card to pay for the entire trip fare. The insurance provides coverage if you die or lose a limb, sight, speech, or hearing within 100 days after the date of the injury. Circumstances that aren’t covered include self-inflicted injuries, certain ailments, physical or mental infirmity, and injuries received during or as a result of commuting.
Baggage Insurance Plan
American Express provides coverage between $250 and $1,250 for the loss of any baggage in direct transit from a common carrier or terminal. 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.
Global Assist Hotline
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card provides a 24-hour global assistance hotline when you travel more than 100 miles away from home. This is just a concierge service that gives access to medical, legal, financial, and emergency services. However, cardholders are responsible for any additional charges by third-party service providers.
Pros & Cons Explained
Pros of Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status: You’ll receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, which offers priority late checkout when available and 10% bonus points on stays.
- No foreign transaction fees: American Express won’t charge any foreign transaction fee on the purchases you make outside of the United States—this is an advantage if you travel often.
- 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.
Cons of Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card
- No introductory zero 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 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.
- 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 a high annual fee. It charges a $95 annual fee and allows balance transfers. This card is also best if you have significant travel expenses but don’t need travel perks like airport lounge access or free expedited airport security screening.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 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.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Opportunity to boost the value of reward points
- Offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period
- Charges an annual fee
- 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 U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $15,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 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.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Opportunity to boost the value of reward points
- Offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period
- Charges an annual fee
- 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 U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $15,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
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. It offers 12x points per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6x points per dollar on select business and travel purchases, and 3x points on all other purchases. Additionally, it only charges a $95 annual fee.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing rewards on Hilton-related purchases
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. Earn 130,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases, 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
- 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
- Complimentary Hilton Gold Status
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.
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. Earn 130,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases, 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
- 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
- Complimentary Hilton Gold Status
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.
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. It charges a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. It doesn’t charge fees on balance transfers and foreign transactions.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
BEST FOR:
Unlimited 2x miles with every swipe
- 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 Pre✓® 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 Pre✓® 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 assitance: 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.
- 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 Pre✓® 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 Pre✓® 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 assitance: 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.
You may also want to check our guide to the best American Express business credit cards to find other American Express alternatives.
Bottom Line
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card is best for business owners who travel frequently and stay primarily at Marriott hotels. If this card isn’t right for your business, visit our Credit Card Marketplace or check out our best small business credit cards guide to find another one that may be a better fit.
