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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/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 CardUnited Explorer Card
Annual fee$125$150
Sign-up bonusup to 125,000 points50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Bonus value (est.)$988$1,040
Min spend to unlock bonus$9,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhotelairline
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • Free checked bag
  • 2 United Club passes/year
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · up to 125,000 points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus

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: United Explorer Card

Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 50k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, versus up to 125,000 points (~$988) 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 United Explorer Card?
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 United Explorer Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and United Explorer Card?
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 United Explorer Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $9,000 spend in 6 months. United Explorer Card: $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.