Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of credit card offerings, finding a card that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals can be a daunting task. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® is a credit card designed for frequent travelers, especially those who prefer staying at Marriott hotels. With a wealth of rewards and benefits tailored to enhance your travel experience, this card has garnered significant attention. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express®, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® Key Takeaways

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty details, let’s summarize some key takeaways about the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express®:
1. Rewards Structure:
– Earn 6x Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
– Earn 4x Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points on purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. purchases for shipping.
– Earn 2x Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points on all other purchases.
– Welcome offer of 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
2. Annual Fee: $125 annually
3. Interest Rates: Variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99%
4. Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799)
5. Travel Benefits: Includes complimentary Gold Elite Status, no foreign transaction fees, baggage insurance, and more.
6. Additional Perks: Earn & redeem free nights, Marriott Bonvoy Air+Car Transfer Program, and premium internet access at participating hotels.
Now, let’s explore these aspects in greater detail.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® Pros and Cons

Like any financial product, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you determine if this card is the right fit for you.

Pros:

1. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a valuable feature for frequent international travelers. You won’t incur additional charges when making purchases abroad, which can save you a significant amount of money.
2. Hotel Perks and Discounts: The card offers various perks at Marriott hotels, including room rate discounts, complimentary Gold Elite Status, and premium internet access.
3. Generous Welcome Offer: The 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months can be a substantial boost to your points balance, potentially covering the annual fee and more.
4. Flexible Reward Categories: The card offers a high earning rate on hotel stays, dining, gas, and other specific categories, making it versatile for different spending habits.
5. Travel Insurance Benefits: The card includes baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and a Global Assist® Hotline, adding an extra layer of security for travelers.

Cons:

1. Low Marriott Bonvoy Points Value: The value of Marriott Bonvoy points can be relatively low compared to other reward programs. Redemption options may not always provide the best value.
2. Points Expiry: Marriott Bonvoy points can expire if there is no account activity for 24 months, which requires cardholders to be proactive in managing their points.
3. High APR: The variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99% is on the higher side. Carrying a balance on this card can result in significant interest charges.
4. Annual Fee: While the $125 annual fee is reasonable given the benefits, it may still be a deterrent for some users who prefer no-fee cards.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® Benefits

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® offers a plethora of benefits designed to enhance your travel experiences and provide added value. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.

Rewards Program

The rewards structure of this card is one of its standout features. Here’s how you can earn points:
1. 6x Bonus Points at Marriott Hotels: Every dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program earns you 6x points. This can quickly add up, especially for frequent travelers who prefer Marriott properties.
2. 4x Bonus Points on Select Categories: Earn 4x points on purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. purchases for shipping. These categories cover a wide range of everyday expenses, making it easier to accumulate points.
3. 2x Bonus Points on All Other Purchases: For all other purchases, you’ll earn 2x points, providing a consistent earning rate across all spending.

Welcome Offer

New cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome offer:
– 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points: After spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership, you’ll receive 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. This can be a significant boost to your points balance, allowing you to redeem for free nights or other rewards.

Travel Benefits

Traveling with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® comes with a host of advantages:
1. Complimentary Gold Elite Status: Cardholders receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which includes benefits such as priority late checkout (when available) and a 25% bonus on points earned during stays.
2. Earn & Redeem Free Nights: Each year, after your Card renewal month, you can earn a Free Night Award. Additionally, if you spend $60,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you’ll earn another Free Night Award. These awards can be used at over 7,000 hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program worldwide.
3. Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year, you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. This can help you achieve higher status levels and unlock additional benefits.
4. Marriott Bonvoy Air+Car Transfer Program: This program allows members to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for flights and car rentals across hundreds of travel partners around the world, providing flexibility in how you use your points.
5. Premium Internet Access: Stay connected with complimentary in-room, premium internet access while staying at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Enjoy the freedom to make purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees, making this card an excellent choice for international travelers.

Travel Insurance and Protection

Traveling can come with uncertainties, but the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® offers several insurance benefits to provide peace of mind:
1. Baggage Insurance Plan: You can be covered for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) on your eligible card. Coverage includes up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier.
2. Global Assist® Hotline: When traveling more than 100 miles from home, you may be eligible for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical, legal, and passport referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance.
3. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Cardholders can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when using the eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and declining the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the rental company counter.

Additional Perks

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® also offers several additional perks that enhance the overall cardholder experience:
1. Payment Flexibility: American Express offers flexible payment options, allowing you to manage your finances more effectively.
2. Fraud Protection: Enjoy advanced security features and fraud protection to keep your account safe.
3. Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases made with your card may be covered for damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
4. Extended Warranty Protection: When you use your card to purchase eligible items, you can receive up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty.

Conclusion

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® is a robust credit card that offers an array of benefits tailored to frequent travelers, especially those who prefer Marriott properties. With its generous rewards program, valuable travel benefits, and comprehensive insurance coverage, this card can significantly enhance your travel experiences.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the low value of Marriott Bonvoy points and the relatively high APR. Additionally, the $125 annual fee may not be justified for cardholders who don’t travel frequently or take full advantage of the card’s benefits.
If you often stay at Marriott hotels, dine out frequently, and travel internationally, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® could be a valuable addition to your wallet. The combination of rewards, travel perks, and insurance coverage makes it a well-rounded choice for those who prioritize travel and value-added benefits.
Before applying for this card, carefully assess your spending habits and travel preferences to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. By doing so, you can maximize the benefits and make the most of your Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® card.
Overall, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® from American Express® is a compelling option for travelers seeking a card that offers a blend of rewards, travel benefits, and protection.