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Side-by-side

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

Both are hotel travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler from Chase at $0/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 ($1,320 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardIHG One Rewards Traveler
Annual fee$125$0
Sign-up bonus150,000 points + $125 statement credit80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$480
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhotelhotel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/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: IHG One Rewards Traveler

The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
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 IHG One Rewards Traveler's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 in 3 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.