Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card review

How the Bonvoy Business earns points

Marriott purchases earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar; gas, dining and travel earn 3 points; and everything else earns 2 points. The 2-point base rate is the card’s strength: routine costs such as supplies, software and utilities all earn 2 points per dollar, even though they fall outside the bonus categories.

As an example, a business that spends $4,000 a year at Marriott, $1,500 a month on gas, dining and travel, and $3,000 a month on other expenses would earn 20,000, 54,000 and 72,000 points respectively, for 146,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a year.

Most of that total comes from ordinary spending rather than hotel stays, which is why the card suits businesses that run a lot of expenses through one card.

The welcome offer

A welcome offer may be available to new cardholders, but the current listing doesn’t detail a points total or spending requirement. Check the American Express website for the current offer and its terms before you apply.

If the offer is tied to a spending target, time your application for a period when you already expect larger business expenses, so you can meet it without changing how you buy.

Using Marriott Bonvoy points

Points go into your Marriott Bonvoy account, so they’re most useful for stays at Marriott properties. If you or your team already travel and book Marriott hotels, earning on business spending is a straightforward way to build a balance for future trips.

Before relying on the card for travel, check American Express’s current list of benefits and insurance, since those details matter as much as the earn rate when you’re on the road.

Fees, interest and the fine print

The annual fee is $150. Purchases in a foreign currency carry a 2.5% fee, so $1,000 spent on a trip abroad or with a supplier that bills in US dollars adds about $25. In the example above, the business earns 146,000 points a year against the $150 fee, so the real question is whether you’ll redeem those points for Marriott stays.

Purchases are charged 20.99% interest and cash advances 22.99%. Paying your full statement balance by the due date avoids purchase interest, which would quickly outweigh the points earned.

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

The Bonvoy Business suits business owners who stay at Marriott hotels and want every dollar of company spending to earn at least 2 points toward future stays. It can also work alongside a cash back card, used for Marriott bookings and travel spending where it earns 3 to 5 points per dollar.

If you don’t stay with Marriott, the points won’t be much use, and a flexible points or cash back card is a better fit. Businesses that pay many suppliers who don’t accept American Express will also need a second card.

How it compares

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card is the personal version. It costs $120 a year, earns up to 5x on Marriott Bonvoy stays and offers up to 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. If your spending is personal rather than business, it’s the cheaper choice.

For a no-fee business card, the BMO CashBack Business Mastercard earns up to 1.5% cash back at gas stations and offers up to $150 cash back. You give up hotel points, but there’s no annual fee, and Mastercard is accepted by suppliers that don’t take American Express.

Before you apply

The recommended credit score is 720 or higher, and American Express makes the final decision based on your full credit profile. Confirm the current welcome offer and terms on the American Express website before you apply.