Editorial take: American Express Business Gold
The 4x on your top two categories each month is uniquely flexible, if your business spend varies, this auto-adapts. The credits need active use to offset the fee.
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Side-by-side
American Express Business Gold vs Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/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
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | American Express Business Gold | Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $375 | $125 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 Membership Rewards points | 150,000 points + $125 statement credit |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $15,000 in 3 mo | $8,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | business | hotel |
| Best earning category (Top_two_categories) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Business Gold
$375/yr · 100,000 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, American Express Business Gold or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $1,800. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
- Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- At $375/yr, the American Express Business Gold is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Business Gold 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 American Express Business Gold or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 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.