Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel programme, and American Express have unveiled changes to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card to help small business owners turn their business expenses into meaningful travel rewards.
The Card now provides Card Members with a seven percent room rate discount on eligible bookings at participating hotels, 4X Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants, and complimentary Gold Elite status, in addition to all the existing benefits. There is no increase to the Card's annual fee.
"The rich, new benefits will help Card Members owning and working for small businesses stretch their travel dollars much further and reward them for being a part of the engine that drives the U.S. economy," said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty, Marriott International. "Hard working Small Business Card Members who spend many nights travelling for business can now earn points toward vacations and getaways with family and friends even faster when staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and using their Card for everyday expenses."
"Small business owners have weathered many challenges over the past few years, pivoted their strategies, and are now looking to get back on track with how they run their business," said Courtney Kelso, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Global Commercial Card, American Express. "This includes hitting the road again for client meetings, networking, new business pitches and more. Now, these Card Members can make the most of their business and leisure travel with our enhanced Marriott Bonvoy Business Card and the ability to earn even more valuable points and rewards."
According to an American Express survey, 82 percent of small business leaders revealed that discounted room rates were an important decision factor when booking travel, and 78 percent said they would extend their trip if they had a room discount.
The survey also found that almost three-fourths (73 percent) of respondents agreed that having status with a hospitality brand impacted where they book overnight accommodations when travelling for business. In addition, a majority (67 percent) of small business leaders had plans to travel for work in the upcoming one to three months, and 77 percent agreed that they mix work and pleasure, wanting to extend their next business trip to squeeze in some vacation time.
New and Enhanced Benefits for Small Business Owners
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card will remain an annual fee of $125 while providing even more value with new and enhanced benefits, including:
- Seven percent Marriott Bonvoy Room Rate Discount off standard rates for standard guestrooms at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy when booked directly. Terms apply.
- 4X Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide
- Complimentary Gold Elite status
Continue to Enjoy Existing Card Benefits
Members can continue to enjoy the following existing benefits:
- Annual Free Night Award - Receive one Free Night Award annually after Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award by spending $60,000 in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating hotels. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- 15 Elite Night Credits - Each calendar year, members can receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status - Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Opportunity to earn:
- 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- 4X Marriott Bonvoy points on U.S. gas station purchases, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. shipping purchases
- 2X Marriott Bonvoy points on all other eligible purchases
New, Valuable Welcome Offer
To celebrate the upgraded Card benefits, eligible new Card Members approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card can earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after they spend $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first three months. The offer is available until 31 August 2022. Terms and conditions apply.
