Hey guys! Let's dive into the American Express Bonvoy Business Card. If you're a business owner who loves racking up those Marriott Bonvoy points, this card might just be your golden ticket. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the rewards and perks to the fees and fine print, so you can decide if it's the right fit for your wallet. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

What is the American Express Bonvoy Business Card?

At its core, the American Express Bonvoy Business Card is a charge card designed for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Unlike a traditional credit card with a pre-set spending limit, a charge card requires you to pay your balance in full each month. This can be a great way to avoid interest charges and stay on top of your business finances. The card is co-branded with Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel chain's loyalty program, meaning you'll earn Bonvoy points on your spending. These points can then be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and other perks at Marriott properties worldwide.

Who is this card for? This card is ideal for business owners who:

• Frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels for business travel.
• Want to earn rewards on their business spending that can be redeemed for travel.
• Prefer to pay their balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
• Can take advantage of the card's travel perks and benefits.

Earning Points:

The American Express Bonvoy Business Card offers a tiered rewards structure, allowing you to earn points at different rates depending on where you spend your money. Here’s a breakdown of the earning rates:

• 6x Bonvoy Points: Earn 6x Bonvoy points for each dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. This is where the card really shines for Marriott loyalists. Whether you're booking a room for a conference or a weekend getaway, you'll rack up points quickly.
• 4x Bonvoy Points: Earn 4x Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. gas stations. This is a solid bonus for everyday business expenses like client lunches and filling up the company car.
• 2x Bonvoy Points: Earn 2x Bonvoy points on all other eligible purchases. While not as lucrative as the bonus categories, earning 2x points on everything else helps you accumulate points on all your business spending.

Redeeming Points:

Now, let's talk about the fun part: redeeming your Bonvoy points! Marriott Bonvoy offers a variety of redemption options, giving you plenty of flexibility to use your points. The most popular redemption option is for free nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. The number of points required for a free night varies depending on the hotel category, location, and time of year. You can also redeem your points for room upgrades, allowing you to enjoy a more luxurious stay. Points can also be transferred to a variety of airline partners, giving you even more flexibility to use your rewards. Keep in mind that the transfer ratios vary, so it's important to compare the value before transferring. You can redeem your points for experiences like spa treatments, dining, and other activities. This is a great way to enhance your travel experience and create lasting memories. You can use your points to purchase merchandise, gift cards, and other items through the Marriott Bonvoy website. However, this option typically offers a lower value per point compared to other redemption options.

Key Benefits and Perks

Beyond the rewards program, the American Express Bonvoy Business Card comes with a host of benefits and perks that can enhance your travel experience and save you money. Let's explore some of the most valuable ones:

• Automatic Silver Elite Status: Cardholders automatically receive Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This status comes with perks like priority late checkout, bonus points on stays, and enhanced room upgrades, when available. Silver Elite status can make your stays more comfortable and rewarding.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each year, you'll receive 15 Elite Night Credits, which count towards higher elite status levels in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This can help you reach Gold, Platinum, or even Titanium status faster, unlocking even more valuable benefits.
• Free Night Award: Each year after your card renewal, you'll receive a free night award valid for a one-night stay at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel. This award can be used at hotels costing up to 35,000 points, providing a significant value.
• Priority Pass Enrollment: The card offers complimentary enrollment in Priority Pass Select, giving you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This can make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable, especially during layovers or delays. Keep in mind that this benefit requires enrollment and may have limitations on the number of complimentary visits.
• Premium Internet Access: Enjoy complimentary premium internet access at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. This can be a valuable perk for business travelers who need to stay connected while on the road.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card for purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees. This can save you money when traveling internationally.
• Purchase Protection: The card offers purchase protection, which can reimburse you for eligible purchases that are damaged or stolen within a certain timeframe.
• Extended Warranty: Extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases made with your card. This can provide added peace of mind for valuable items.

Fees and Rates

Of course, no credit card is perfect, and the American Express Bonvoy Business Card does come with some fees and rates to be aware of. Understanding these costs is crucial for making an informed decision.

• Annual Fee: The card has an annual fee, which can be a significant cost if you don't take advantage of the card's benefits. Be sure to weigh the annual fee against the value of the rewards and perks you expect to receive.
• APR: As a charge card, the American Express Bonvoy Business Card doesn't technically have an APR since you're required to pay your balance in full each month. However, if you fail to pay your balance on time, you may incur late payment fees and other penalties.
• Late Payment Fees: If you don't pay your balance in full by the due date, you'll likely be charged a late payment fee. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to pay your bills on time.
• Cash Advance Fees: Avoid using your charge card for cash advances, as these transactions typically come with high fees and interest rates.

Alternatives to the Amex Bonvoy Business Card

Okay, so the American Express Bonvoy Business Card sounds pretty good, right? But it's always smart to shop around and see what else is out there. Here are a couple of alternatives you might want to consider:

• Chase Ink Business Preferred: If you want a card with flexible travel rewards and a lower annual fee, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is a solid choice. You'll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners.
• American Express Business Gold Card: For those who want more flexibility in their bonus categories, the American Express Business Gold Card offers 4x points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle (up to a certain amount).

Is the Amex Bonvoy Business Card Right for You?

So, is the American Express Bonvoy Business Card the right card for you? Well, that depends on your individual circumstances and spending habits. If you're a business owner who frequently stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and can take advantage of the card's travel perks, it can be a valuable tool. However, if you don't stay at Marriott properties often or prefer more flexible rewards, you may want to consider other options. Evaluate your business spending, travel habits, and reward preferences to determine if the American Express Bonvoy Business Card is the best fit for your needs.