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? This is a question that many credit card holders often overlook, but it is crucial to assess whether the benefits offered by the card justify the cost of the annual fee. One such credit card that falls into this category is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card. With an annual fee of $125, this card offers a range of benefits that may appeal to frequent travelers and loyal customers of the Marriott Bonvoy program. However, it is important to evaluate whether these benefits are worth the cost of keeping the card for another year.
Welcome Bonus
One of the main attractions of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is its generous welcome bonus. Cardholders can earn five free night awards, each valued up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, for a total of up to 250,000 points, after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. According to TPG valuations, this welcome bonus is worth $2,100. This can be a significant incentive for cardholders who are looking to maximize their rewards and earn free stays at Marriott properties.
Elite Status and Related Perks
Another key benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the Gold Elite status that cardholders receive with the Marriott Bonvoy program. This status comes with a range of perks, including upgrades to preferred rooms, late checkout, and a welcome gift of bonus points at check-in. TPG values Gold Elite status at $800 per year, making it a valuable benefit for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott properties regularly.
In addition to Gold Elite status, cardholders also receive 15 elite night credits each year, which can help them progress towards higher levels of status within the Marriott Bonvoy program. By holding this card and a personal Marriott credit card, cardholders can stack their elite night credits and make it easier to achieve Platinum Elite status, which comes with additional benefits such as suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
Annual Free Night Award
One of the most compelling benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the annual free night award that cardholders receive each year after their card renewal month. This award is worth up to 35,000 points and can be redeemed at participating Marriott properties worldwide. Cardholders can also earn a second free night award by spending $60,000 on the card within a calendar year. This benefit alone can justify the cost of the card’s annual fee, as cardholders can easily redeem their free night award for more than the cost of the fee.
Other Perks
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers a range of other perks, including a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations at participating Marriott properties, access to Amex Offers for targeted discounts and bonus points on eligible purchases, and extended warranty and purchase protection. While some of these perks may not be as valuable as the core benefits of the card, they can still add value for cardholders who take advantage of them.
Is the Annual Fee Worth It?
Overall, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers a solid value proposition for frequent travelers and loyal customers of the Marriott Bonvoy program. With a range of benefits such as a generous welcome bonus, elite status, annual free night awards, and other perks, this card can provide significant value for cardholders who make use of its benefits. While the annual fee of $125 may seem steep at first glance, the benefits offered by the card can easily justify the cost for those who take full advantage of them.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card for another year should be based on an assessment of how well the card’s benefits align with your spending habits and travel preferences. If you are a frequent traveler who stays at Marriott properties regularly and can take advantage of the card’s perks, then the annual fee may be well worth it. However, if you do not make use of the card’s benefits or do not travel frequently, then it may be worth considering whether the annual fee is justified. In any case, it is important to review your credit card portfolio regularly and assess whether the benefits offered by each card are worth the cost of the annual fee. By doing so, you can ensure that you are getting the most value out of your credit cards and maximizing your rewards and benefits.