Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business worth the annual fee?

Every credit card in your wallet that carries an annual fee should merit a yearly question: Is the annual fee worth it to keep the card for another year?

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card packs a decent number of benefits into an annual fee of $125 (see rates and fees), but that doesn’t mean this card is a slam dunk for everyone. In fact, it may lack some of the perks you’re looking for in a hotel credit card. But to be fair, hotel credit cards typically aren’t the best card in your wallet for maximizing your spending beyond purchases at that hotel chain.

So can the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex find a happy middle ground between super-luxury perks and no perks at all — and do so in a way that justifies its $125 annual fee? Let’s take a look.

Welcome bonus

New applicants can earn 100,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $4,000 in purchases on their new card in the first three months of card membership. This offer expires Nov. 2.

You may wonder whether you qualify for a business credit card. If you’ve read our guide and determined that you should get a business credit card, perhaps you’re considering this one. TPG values Marriott points at 0.84 cents each, meaning this welcome bonus is worth $840.

Related: How to apply for an Amex business card

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Some of the best uses of Marriott Bonvoy points include award stays at places like The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, The West Hollywood Edition and the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding may enjoy properties like The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The St. Regis Deer Valley or The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.

Marriott removed its award charts in March 2022 in favor of a dynamic pricing system but is keeping 97% of hotels within their previous off-peak to peak pricing bands through the end of 2022 — so knowing how many points you’ll need for a hotel in advance can be confusing at times.

Related: Why now is a great time to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex

Keep in mind that American Express has restrictions that will limit your ability to collect a new-member bonus if you’ve had Marriott credit cards from Chase. Fortunately, there’s a pop-up that will tell you if you are not eligible for the bonus when you apply before Amex runs your credit — and our chart can help clarify things as well.

Annual free night award

Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 35,000 points. Cardmembers can receive a second free night award by spending $60,000 on the card within a calendar year.

You can redeem these awards at places like The St. Regis Bangkok, The St. Regis Doha, W Atlanta — Downtown and several hotels near national parks.

Related: 11 best uses of Marriott 35,000-point certificates for family vacations

The entrance to the Atlantic building at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

That said, due to the dynamic pricing mentioned earlier, you’ll want to do a calendar search for flexible dates in order to find nights that cost 35,000 points or less. It can be especially difficult to use your free night awards on or near holidays since award prices on those dates tend to be higher as well.

Related: How to use a Marriott Bonvoy 35,000-point certificate

With minimal effort, you should be able to redeem this free night award for $125 in value — but likely double that amount. Thus, this perk alone can be worth the card’s annual fee.

Elite status and related perks

In previous years, holders of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex received automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. As of July 2022, though, cardholders now receive automatic Gold Elite status.

TPG values Gold Elite status at $800 per year. At this level, you can expect benefits like upgrades to preferred rooms (but not suites), late checkout and a welcome gift of bonus points at check-in.

The Marriott Marquis in downtown Chicago. FELIX MIZIOZNIKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK

Cardholders also receive 15 elite night credits in their Marriott Bonvoy account each year. These are what you need to reach higher levels of status and they can be stacked if you also hold a personal credit card from Marriott. For instance, if you hold the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase, this card will give you another 15 elite night credits — meaning you start the year with 30 elite night credits automatically. The Boundless card has a $95 annual fee, for reference.

Related: Here’s why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card

To earn Platinum Elite status — where benefits like suite upgrades and free breakfast kick in — you need 50 nights per year with Marriott Bonvoy and holding these two credit cards would put you more than halfway there.

Related: What credit score do you need for business credit cards?

Other perks

As of July 2022, cardholders have access to an up-to-7% discount when paying cash for hotel stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties. However, we tested this benefit and it’s not as good as it sounds. You’ll typically receive 2%-5% off the member’s rate but can often do even better using other discounts — rather than the one offered by this cardmember perk.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex credit card review

THE POINTS GUY

In terms of earning points, cardmembers earn 6 Marriott points per dollar when spending at Marriott Bonvoy properties; 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide; 4 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping; and 2 points per dollar on other purchases.

Based on TPG’s valuations, that’s essentially a return of 5.04% on Marriott purchases; 3.36% at restaurants, U.S. gas stations and select phone and shipping purchases; and 1.68% on everyday spending. Those rates aren’t jaw-dropping but aren’t bad for a cobranded card.

Related: 10 considerations for your small-business credit card strategy

Cardmembers also gain access to Amex Offers, which can provide targeted discounts or bonus points on eligible purchases, as well as extended warranty* and purchase protection.*

* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards

SpringHill Suites By Marriott Amelia Island. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

Bottom line

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex isn’t a flashy card offering perks like lounge access or top-tier elite status. However, it offers a valuable mid-tier status — with no effort required — in a hotel program with a massive worldwide footprint.

It also can help you achieve higher status when you pair your business card with a Marriott personal credit card, thanks to the elite night credits you’ll receive in your account.

That, and an annual free night that you can redeem for over $200 in value with very little effort, should justify the annual fee. However, that’s dependent on you actually making sure you take advantage of the perks each year.

Official application link: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card with a 100,000-point welcome offer after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new card within the first three months of card membership. This offer expires Nov. 2.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, click here.