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Side-by-side

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business from Chase at $299/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($78,200 more in estimated value) than the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Annual fee$125$299
Sign-up bonus150,000 points + $125 statement credit80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$80,000
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
    Read the full review
    Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
    $125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
    $299/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: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 150,000 points + $125 statement credit (~$1,800) 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business 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. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 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.