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Side-by-side

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express 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 ($1,775 more in estimated value) than the USAA Rewards American Express's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the USAA Rewards American Express after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardUSAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$125$0
Sign-up bonus150,000 points + $125 statement credit2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
Card categoryhotelrewards
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 Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards 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: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
    Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
    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 Rewards American Express's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and USAA Rewards American Express?
    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 Rewards American Express 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 Rewards American Express: $0 in 0 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.