Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/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
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $125 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 3 free nights |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $6,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | marriott-bonvoy |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 3 free nights
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 Gold Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 3 free nights, worth roughly $1,500, versus 60,000 points (~$1,200) on the American Express Gold Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card 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 Gold Card 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 Gold Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $6,000 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.