What is the welcome bonus for the Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD Card?

The current offer comes in two tiers:- 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in your first 6 months; - 30,000 points after making a purchase in your 15th month; Total: 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, or about 2 free Category 6 nights (Sheraton, Westin) or 4 Category 4 nights (Courtyard, Four Points). Based on an average night at $200+, the bonus is easily worth around $990 in real lodging value.

How does the Business version of the Marriott Bonvoy card work?

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card offers the same welcome bonus, with a higher spending requirement:- 80,000 points after spending $10,000 in your first 6 months; - 30,000 points after making a purchase in your 15th month; Total: 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The earn rate is also higher: 5 points/$ at Marriott, 3 points/$ on gas, restaurants, and travel, 2 points/$ elsewhere. For a self-employed worker or an SME that travels 5+ times a year, it’s clearly more profitable than the personal version.

What are the ongoing benefits of this card beyond the bonus?

The ongoing benefits that remain valid after the bonus:- Free night certificate each year upon renewal (35,000 points = $200+); - 15 Elite nights credited automatically, granting Silver Elite status; - 5th night free on award bookings of 4 nights with points; - Multiple travel and purchase insurance coverages included; The free night certificate is usually enough to offset the $120 annual fee, especially if you redeem it at a Category 6 or 7 hotel.

Should you combine the Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD with a Membership Rewards card?

Yes, and it’s even the recommended strategy. Membership Rewards points (earned on the Cobalt® or the American Express Gold) transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1.2 ratio. Combined with 5x at Marriott and 5x on groceries/restaurants via the Cobalt®, you’ll earn faster than through any direct path. That’s how many milesopedia members rack up 200,000 to 300,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per year without ever paying for points even once.