Editorial take: Blue Business Plus from Amex
The silent workhorse of the Amex MR ecosystem. 2x on everything up to $50k/year with no annual fee. Pair it with the Platinum or Gold to unlock transfers, and you have a powerful everyday earner.
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Side-by-side
Blue Business Plus from Amex vs Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Blue Business Plus from Amex comes from American Express at $0/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card from American Express at $125/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,530 more in estimated value) than the Blue Business Plus from Amex's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the Blue Business Plus from Amex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Blue Business Plus from Amex | Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $125 |
| Sign-up bonus | 15,000 Membership Rewards points | 150,000 points + $125 statement credit |
| Bonus value (est.) | $270 | $1,800 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 3 mo | $8,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | business | hotel |
| Best earning category (All_purchases_first_50k_per_year) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Blue Business Plus from Amex
$0/yr · 15,000 Membership Rewards points
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit
Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
The Marriott business card pulls its weight on the annual Free Night cert alone, a 35k cat-property is routinely $250-400/night cash. Add 15 elite night credits and the dining stipend and the $125 fee is easy.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Blue Business Plus from Amex or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus 15,000 Membership Rewards points (~$270) on the Blue Business Plus from Amex.
- Is the Blue Business Plus from Amex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- The Blue Business Plus from Amex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's benefits to clear $125 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Blue Business Plus from Amex.
- Can I have both the Blue Business Plus from Amex and Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Blue Business Plus from Amex or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Blue Business Plus from Amex: $3,000 spend in 3 months. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $8,000 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.