The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a comprehensive travel credit card tailored specifically for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. This card not only offers significant rewards for hotel stays but also provides a suite of benefits that can enhance your travel experience and even boost your business travel budget. Here, we delve into the key features of the card, its rewards structure, additional benefits, and how to apply.
Key Features of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
1. Reward Points on Purchases:
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- 4x points on U.S. purchases at 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.
2. Free Night Award: Each year, after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a Free Night Award valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
3. Elite Status: Automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which includes perks like enhanced room upgrades, late checkout, and more earning potential on stays.
4. Complimentary Employee Cards: Add employee cards to your account at no additional cost, and earn points from their purchases.
Additional Benefits
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
- Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status: As a cardholder, enjoy automatic Silver Elite status with the ability to upgrade to Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring foreign transaction fees.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: Travel more securely with baggage insurance that covers lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.
Earning and Redeeming Points
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card offers a dynamic points earning structure that makes it highly attractive for business owners who travel frequently. Points can be redeemed for free nights at over 7,000 hotels worldwide, with no blackout dates. Additionally, points can be transferred to a wide selection of airline partners, typically at a 3:1 ratio, with a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points transferred to an airline partner.
Annual Fee and APR
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card comes with an annual fee of $125. The card offers a variable APR based on your creditworthiness and market rates.
Application Process
Eligibility: To apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, you must have a good to excellent credit score, typically 670 or higher. Additionally, you should meet the business criteria set by American Express, which usually includes having a registered business with an EIN or using your SSN as a sole proprietor.
How to Apply:
- Visit the American Express Website: Start by visiting the American Express website and navigating to the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card page.
- Fill Out the Application: You will need to provide personal information, including your name, address, income details, and Social Security Number. You’ll also need to provide details about your business, such as its name, the industry type, company structure, and annual revenue.
- Review and Submit: Review all the details of your application to ensure accuracy. Once confirmed, submit your application.
- Wait for Approval: American Express will typically give you a response instantly. If further review is needed, it may take a few days to a few weeks.
Maximizing Your Card
To make the most of your Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card:
- Use the card for all business-related expenses to maximize point earnings, especially in categories that earn 4x points.
- Take advantage of the free night award each year, which can significantly offset the annual fee.
- Stay informed about promotions and additional opportunities for earning bonus points.
Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is an excellent option for business owners who frequent Marriott hotels and wish to leverage their business spending into meaningful travel rewards. With generous point earnings on business and travel purchases, complimentary elite status, and a range of protective benefits, this card can transform your business spending into a powerful tool for enhancing your travel experiences. Whether you’re looking to stretch your travel budget further or enjoy luxurious hotel stays, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card opens up a realm of possibilities.
