The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is one of the most rewarding credit cards designed for business travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. It allows you to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for every purchase, providing significant benefits when staying at any of the 7,000+ Marriott hotels worldwide. If you’re a frequent traveler looking to maximize your hotel stays and earn rewards for business-related spending, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is an excellent option. This article will break down the features, benefits, and how to apply for this coveted business credit card.
What is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is a co-branded credit card offered by American Express in partnership with Marriott International. This card provides business owners with opportunities to earn points toward free stays, upgrades, and other rewards through Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive loyalty program. Marriott Bonvoy is one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, which includes hotel brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Courtyard, and many more.
This credit card is designed specifically for business expenses, allowing cardholders to earn a higher number of points for purchases at Marriott hotels and related categories. If your business involves travel or hotel stays, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card offers several ways to maximize your rewards.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
The core feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is its ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on purchases. Here’s how the points structure works:
- 6X points on Marriott purchases: For every dollar spent on Marriott hotels, including stays, dining, and other eligible purchases at participating locations, you earn 6 points.
- 4X points on purchases at U.S. restaurants: The card rewards you with 4 points for every dollar spent at U.S.-based restaurants, a perfect bonus for dining out during business trips.
- 4X points on U.S. gas stations: For fuel purchases at gas stations across the U.S., you earn 4 points per dollar spent, making it an excellent option for road-trippers and those driving for work.
- 2X points on other eligible purchases: For all other purchases, the card earns 2 points per dollar, allowing you to accumulate points on virtually any business expense.
2. Welcome Bonus
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card often offers a generous welcome bonus to new cardholders. At the time of writing, new applicants can earn up to 75,000 points after spending a specific amount within the first few months. This points bonus can go a long way toward redeeming a free night or multiple stays at Marriott properties. Be sure to check the latest offer, as it can change.
3. Free Night Award
Cardholders receive a Free Night Award each year after their account anniversary. This benefit allows you to redeem a free night at participating Marriott hotels. The maximum redemption value is typically 35,000 points, though this can vary by location and time of booking. It’s a fantastic benefit, especially for those who travel frequently for business and leisure.
4. Automatic Silver Elite Status
With the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card, you automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status. This provides several perks during hotel stays, including priority late check-out, a 10% bonus on points earned for stays, and a 20% discount on food and beverage purchases at participating hotels.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For international business travelers, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card offers a significant perk: no foreign transaction fees. This means you can use your card for purchases abroad without worrying about additional charges for currency conversion. This is especially useful for those who frequently travel overseas for work.
6. Travel and Purchase Protection
Like many other premium credit cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card comes with a variety of travel and purchase protections, such as:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Protection in case your rental car is damaged or stolen.
- Trip Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for certain expenses incurred if your trip is delayed.
- Purchase Protection: Coverage for eligible items purchased with the card, in case they are damaged or stolen within a specified period.
These protections can be invaluable for business travelers who want extra peace of mind during their trips.
7. Global Acceptance
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is backed by American Express, meaning it is widely accepted around the world, especially in places where American Express is known for its presence. You can use this card to pay for both business and personal expenses while reaping the rewards of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
How to Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card
Applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is a straightforward process. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Generally, applicants must:
- Be the owner or an authorized user of a business.
- Have a good to excellent credit score (typically above 670).
- Be a U.S. resident.
- Provide financial and business details if requested.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
To complete the application process, you’ll need to provide the following details:
- Business name, address, and phone number.
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).
- Annual business revenue and other financial details.
- Estimated monthly business expenses.
Step 3: Apply Online
Visit the American Express website or the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card’s landing page to start the application process. You can apply online by filling out the necessary forms with your personal and business details. The process typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Await Approval
After submitting your application, American Express will review your information, perform a credit check, and notify you of their decision. If approved, you’ll receive your Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card by mail, typically within 7-10 business days.
Step 5: Activate Your Card
Once you receive your card, you’ll need to activate it either online or through the American Express mobile app. After activation, you can begin using it for your business expenses and start earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
Final Thoughts
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is an ideal option for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott hotels or are looking to earn rewards on travel and dining expenses. With lucrative point earnings, annual free night certificates, and travel protections, this card can significantly enhance your business travel experience. If you often find yourself at Marriott properties, this card could be a game-changer when it comes to earning valuable rewards.
Remember, before applying, make sure to review the terms and conditions to ensure that it fits your business spending patterns and that you can maximize the benefits. With its attractive rewards structure, travel perks, and low fees, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is a powerful tool for the modern business traveler.
