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Both are hotel travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card comes from American Express at $195/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.
Both cards come from American Express and target hotel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card costs $70 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $195 | $125 |
| Sign-up bonus | 130,000 points | 150,000 points + $125 statement credit |
| Bonus value (est.) | $650 | $1,800 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $8,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | hotel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Hilton) | 12x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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If you stay at Hiltons, this is the underrated middle tier, the $60/quarter credit + the $15k-spend Free Night routinely cover the $195 fee, and Gold status is real value at any Hilton property.
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.
TL;DR. Two hotel business cards at similar price points. Marriott Bonvoy Business ($125) earns 6x on Marriott, 4x on broad categories, includes a 35k-point anniversary Free Night (worth $250-400 cash), 15 elite night credits, and a $25 monthly dining stipend. Hilton Honors Business ($195) earns 12x on Hilton, 5x on broad categories, includes a quarterly $60 Hilton credit, and a Free Night after $15k spend. Marriott wins on automatic anniversary Free Night value. Hilton wins on credits and earning multiplier if you stay at Hilton.
The three dimensions that actually decide it. First, anniversary free night. Marriott's 35k cert is automatic; Hilton's requires $15k spend. Second, fee. $70 difference. Marriott is cheaper. Third, elite night credits. Marriott gives 15 toward Bonvoy status; Hilton's business does not give automatic elite night credits.
Real customer scenario for each. If you stay at Marriotts and want the cheapest path to a free anniversary night, Marriott Business is correct at $125. If instead you stay at Hiltons heavily and spend $15k a year on the card, Hilton's Free Night plus 12x earn on Hilton wins on raw return per dollar of stay.
The trap to avoid. Counting Hilton's Free Night without confirming $15k in annual spend. Many small businesses do not spend $15k on one card. Marriott's automatic 35k night requires only that you renew.
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.
