Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs Discover it Cash Back

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover 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 ($1,600 more in estimated value) than the Discover it Cash Back's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the Discover it Cash Back after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardDiscover it Cash Back
Annual fee$125$0
Sign-up bonus150,000 points + $125 statement creditCashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$0 in 12 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressDiscover
Card categoryhotelcashback
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • 5% rotating categories
  • First-year match
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)

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: Discover it Cash Back

The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or Discover it Cash Back?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
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 Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and Discover it Cash Back?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Discover) 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 Discover it Cash Back 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. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.