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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs The Platinum Card from Amex

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the The Platinum Card from Amex from American Express at $695/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.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardThe Platinum Card from Amex
Annual fee$125$695
Sign-up bonus3 free nights80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$1,600
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$8,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersmarriott-bonvoyamex-mr
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • Centurion Lounge access
  • $200 airline fee credit
  • $200 hotel credit
  • $200 Uber Cash
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 3 free nights
Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$695/yr · 80,000 points

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.

Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex

The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $695 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or The Platinum Card from Amex?
The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus — 80,000 points, worth roughly $1,600, versus 3 free nights (~$1,500) on the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the The Platinum Card from Amex?
At $125/yr, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the The Platinum Card from Amex's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and The Platinum Card from Amex?
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 Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or the The Platinum Card from Amex first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. The Platinum Card from Amex: $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.