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Rates & Fees; Terms Apply

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Stackable Elite Night Credits: The 15 Elite Night Credits from this business card can be combined with the 15-25 credits from a personal Marriott card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a strategic "must-have" for serious Marriott loyalists, largely due to one unique feature: its Elite Night Credits stack with personal Marriott cards. For a reasonable annual fee, you get automatic Gold status, a 7% room rate discount, and an annual Free Night Award. While the 35,000-point limit on the free night is restrictive, the ability to fast-track your way to Platinum or Titanium status makes this card a winner for business travelers.

At a Glance

  • Welcome Offer:
  • Rewards Rate: 6X at Marriott; 4X on U.S. Restaurants, U.S. Gas Stations, U.S. Wireless Services, & U.S. Shipping; 2X on everything else
  • Annual Fee:
  • Status: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
  • Free Night Award: 1 Annual Award (up to 35,000 points) after card renewal. A second award is earned after spending $60k.
  • Elite Night Credits: 15 Credits annually (These stack with personal Marriott card credits)
  • Discount: 7% off standard rates on eligible bookings
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Overview

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a workhorse designed for small business owners who frequent the Marriott portfolio. It sits in a unique position because it is currently the only Marriott business credit card available to new applicants. It is designed less for luxury perks (no lounge access) and more for practical value and status acceleration.

Rewards & Benefits

  • Earning Structure:
    • 6X Points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
    • 4X Points at U.S. Restaurants, U.S. Gas Stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases.
    • 2X Points on all other eligible purchases.
  • The "Stacking" Strategy: Most hotel cards don't let you stack elite night credits. Marriott is the exception. By holding this business card (15 nights) and a personal card like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (25 nights), you start every year with 40 Elite Night Credits. You only need 10 actual nights stayed to hit Platinum Elite status.
  • Gold Elite Status: You receive automatic Gold status. This offers a 25% points bonus on stays and 2 PM late checkout (based on availability).
  • 7% Discount: The "Amex Business Card Rate" is a genuine money saver. On a $1,000 stay, this discount saves you $70, covering more than half the annual fee instantly.

Fees & Requirements

  • Annual Fee: .
  • Credit Score: Requires credit.
  • Business Verification: Open to sole proprietors, freelancers, and LLCs. You do not need an EIN; you can apply with your SSN.

Borrower Experience

  • Expense Management: The 4X categories cover common overhead costs (shipping and phone bills).
  • Redemption: The 35,000-point certificate is automatically deposited into your Marriott account upon renewal. It expires after 12 months.

Who It’s Best For

  • The "Double Dipper": If you already have a personal Marriott card, getting this business card is the easiest way to add 15 Elite Night Credits to your total, putting Platinum or Titanium status within easy reach.
  • The Practical Traveler: If you stay at mid-tier brands like Fairfield Inn, AC Hotels, or Courtyard, the 35k free night certificate provides excellent value and covers the annual fee.
  • Contractors & Sellers: If you spend heavily on shipping (e.g., eBay sellers) or gas, earning 4X Marriott points is a decent return.

Who Should Skip It

  • Luxury Only Travelers: If you only stay at St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton properties, the 35k free night certificate will be useless to you unless you top it off, and Gold status won't get you free breakfast.
  • The "One Card" Business: If you want cash back or flexible points for flights, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® or Amex Business Gold are better general-purpose cards.
  • International Business Travelers: The 4X categories are U.S.-only, limiting the earning potential for businesses based outside the States or those with heavy overseas expenses.

Compare

Bottom Line Verdict

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a specialized tool. If you are chasing Platinum Elite status, this card is non-negotiable. The 15 stackable elite nights are a cheat code. Even if you aren't chasing status, the card pays for itself: pay , get a free hotel night worth ~$150, and Gold status. It is a low-risk, high-reward card for any business owner who occasionally checks into a Marriott.

Pros

  • Stackable Elite Night Credits: The 15 Elite Night Credits from this business card can be combined with the 15-25 credits from a personal Marriott card

  • Annual Free Night Award: The annual certificate (worth 35,000 points) easily justifies the annual fee

  • 7% Room Rate Discount: Cardholders get access to a special "Amex Business Card Rate" that offers a 7% discount on standard rooms at participating properties

Cons

  • 35k Certificate Limit: The annual free night is capped at 35,000 points

  • U.S.-Centric Multipliers: The 4X bonus categories are strictly for U.S. merchants

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