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Side-by-side

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA 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 ($1,550 more in estimated value) than the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardUSAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Annual fee$125$0
Sign-up bonus150,000 points + $125 statement credit$250 cash bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$250
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
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
    Read the full review
    Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
    $125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit
    Read the full review
    USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
    $0/yr · $250 cash 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: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus $250 cash bonus (~$250) on the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards.
    Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards 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. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $1,000 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.