If you’re a frequent traveler, especially one who enjoys the luxury and comfort of Marriott hotels, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card can be an exceptional choice for earning rewards and maximizing your travel experience. This card is designed for business owners who want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for their everyday business expenses, offering benefits that can help you get the most out of your stays at Marriott properties.
In this guide, we will walk you through the features, benefits, and application process for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your business and travel needs.
Key Features of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card comes with a host of features designed to provide value, convenience, and flexibility for business travelers. Here’s an overview of the key features:
1. Welcome Bonus
One of the most exciting aspects of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is the generous welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after making $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This bonus can be redeemed for free nights at a variety of Marriott properties around the world, from luxurious resorts to boutique hotels.
2. Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
The card allows you to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your business expenses, which can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, car rentals, or even experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy program. The earning rates are as follows:
- 6x points for every $1 spent on Marriott hotel purchases.
- 4x points for every $1 spent on restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and wireless phone services.
- 2x points on all other purchases.
By using this card for your everyday business expenses, you can rack up points quickly and enjoy valuable rewards, especially when booking Marriott stays.
3. Automatic Silver Elite Status
With the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card, you receive Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program just by being a cardholder. This status grants you valuable perks, including:
- Priority late checkout.
- 10% bonus on points earned during stays at Marriott hotels.
- Elite member concierge service, which provides additional support for bookings and personalized travel planning.
For business owners, this status is especially beneficial when you need to ensure smooth, hassle-free hotel stays for both you and your employees.
4. Free Night Award
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card offers a free night award every year after your card renewal. This free night certificate is valid at any Marriott Bonvoy property with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points. You can use this certificate for a getaway or a business trip at one of Marriott’s global hotel brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, or Westin.
5. Travel Protection Benefits
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card offers a range of travel-related benefits to ensure you’re covered when traveling for business. These benefits include:
- Travel accident insurance: Coverage for up to $500,000 for travel-related accidents.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: Coverage for up to $5,000 per person if your trip is interrupted or canceled due to a covered reason.
- Baggage delay insurance: Reimbursement for essential items if your baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: Coverage for lost or damaged luggage.
These benefits give business travelers peace of mind, knowing they’re protected during their travels.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For business owners who frequently travel abroad, the no foreign transaction fees benefit is a significant advantage. This allows you to use your Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card without worrying about extra fees when making purchases in foreign currencies.
7. Annual Fee
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card has an annual fee of $125. While this fee may seem steep at first glance, the rewards and benefits you can earn from the card often far outweigh the cost, especially if you regularly stay at Marriott properties or spend a significant amount on travel-related expenses.
How to Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card
Applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to know to apply:
1. Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be a business owner, as this is a business credit card.
- You need a good to excellent credit score (typically 700 or above).
- You must be able to demonstrate the ability to make the required minimum spend (in this case, $3,000 in the first 3 months) to qualify for the welcome bonus.
2. Online Application
The easiest way to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is online. Simply visit the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card application page on the official website. You’ll need to provide the following information during the application process:
- Business name and details (if applicable).
- Personal information, including your Social Security number, annual income, and housing situation.
- Business expenses and expected monthly spend on the card.
Once your application is submitted, you’ll usually receive a decision within a few minutes. If approved, you will receive your Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card in the mail within a few business days.
3. Activate Your Card and Start Earning
After receiving your card, activate it immediately by following the instructions provided in the card’s welcome packet. Once activated, you can start using your Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card for your everyday business purchases and begin earning Marriott Bonvoy points toward free hotel stays, travel, and more.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card
- Use your points strategically: Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free nights at a wide range of hotels, but you can also transfer your points to one of Marriott’s airline partners for flights. Consider redeeming your points for high-value stays, such as those at luxury resorts, to maximize their value.
- Take advantage of the annual free night: Make sure to use your annual free night certificate within the year it’s awarded to get the most value out of it. It can be used for both business trips and leisure travel.
- Track business expenses: Keep a close eye on your spending categories to ensure you’re earning the maximum number of points. With bonus points for Marriott hotel stays, dining, and gas stations, you can rack up points quickly when you use the card for these purchases.
Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card is an excellent option for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott hotels or travel for business. With benefits like a welcome bonus, earning Marriott Bonvoy points, travel protection, and no foreign transaction fees, this card provides valuable rewards and protection for your business and travel needs. Plus, the free night award and automatic Silver Elite status make it an even more attractive option for frequent travelers.
If you’re ready to apply, visit the official application page to start earning Marriott Bonvoy points today and unlock a world of travel rewards for your business.
