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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs IHG One Rewards Premier

Both are hotel travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the IHG One Rewards Premier from Chase at $99/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 ($575 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Premier's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Premier after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardIHG One Rewards Premier
Annual fee$125$99
Sign-up bonus3 free nights185,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$925
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhotelhotel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersmarriott-bonvoyNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • Free night award annually
  • Platinum Elite status
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 10x at IHG properties
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 3 free nights
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 185,000 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 Premier

A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or IHG One Rewards Premier?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 3 free nights, worth roughly $1,500, versus 185,000 points (~$925) on the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
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 Premier'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 Premier?
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 Premier 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. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 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.