Approved! AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business - $10K

[Aim_High]

Squeaked in just under the wire for the enhanced 125K point SUB that expires tonight - 05/03/2023. 

Approved for $10K SL on the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business. 

APR:  22.49% ... which is 2% above the minimum 20.49% advertised.

Soft Pull approval and of course the business card won't add to my personal card "new account" penalty. 

In the past 12 months, I had (2) business approvals:  AMEX BBP (Sept 2022) and Chase INK Unlimited (Feb 2023). 

In the past 12 months, I have (3) new personal cards:  CITI AAdvantage Executive (Oct 2022); AMEX Hilton Surpass (Mar 2023); Chase IHG (Mar 2023.) 

My EX inquiries are (4) in the past 12 months.  Two from Oct/Nov 2022 related to CITI approval. One in Feb and one in March 2023 for the two Chase approvals. 

FICO EX approximately 819.  Only modest business revenue reported on a sole proprietorship which is small fraction of overall household income. 

This raises my AMEX TCL to $95K.  (Bonvoy Brilliant - $50K; Hilton Surpass - $25K; Blue Business Plus - $10K; Marriott Bonvoy Business - $10K.) 

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For the details:

• The SUB is 125K Bonvoy points for $5K spend in the first three months. If you value Bonvoy points at 8/10 cpp, this works out to a $1,000 SUB.  (Even at 6/10 cpp, the SUB is worth a huge $750!) 
  
• Annual Fee ($125) is easily offset by the value of the 35K annual free night award. 
• (15) Elite night credits will STACK with the (25) nights from my AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, giving me (40) automatic nights to begin every year.

Compared to my Bonvoy Brilliant personal card:

• Both cards earn 6x points per dollar at Marriott.
• Brilliant earns 3x points per dollar on airfare compared to Business's 2x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar at restaurants compared to Brilliant's 3x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar on gas compared to Brilliant's 2x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar on wireless telephone service compared to Brilliant's 2x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar on shipping services compared to Brilliant's 2x.
• Both cards earn 2x points per dollar everywhere else.
• In summary, the enhanced Business earnings on certain key categories including restaurants and gas are an opportunity to accelerate Bonvoy earnings if I choose to do so.

Business's automatic Bonvoy GOLD status is superseded by Brilliant's PLATINUM. 

Marriott bookings entitled to 7% discount off (STANDARD) room rates.  *The Points Guy did >a great article< that showed this isn't really a full 7% off normal member rates and sometimes the AAA, Senior, or Government rates may be lower.  His estimate was more from 0% to 5% off normal member rates.  Still, another discount opportunity. 

[JoeRockhead]

Appreciate all the details, very nice SL and approval @Aim_High , congratulations!

[Citylights18]

I had this card but I got rid of it.

1) There are transfer bonuses to Marriott but not a transfer sweet spot like AMEX has with Hilton (1 to 2) or Citi with Choice (1 to 2). One reason to go with Hilton over Marriott.

2) Marriott doesn't offer any priority pass membership where as Hilton gives you PP Select.

3) In property earning rates are much higher on other hotel cards.

[Creditwiser]

Congratulations on your Amex Bonvy approval !

[randomguy1]

Congrats! Maybe I'll go for this one next to see if AMEX has forgiven me. lol

[SouthJamaica]

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@Aim_High wrote:

Squeaked in just under the wire for the enhanced 125K point SUB that expires tonight - 05/03/2023. 

Approved for $10K SL on the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business. 

APR:  22.49% ... which is 2% above the minimum 20.49% advertised.

Soft Pull approval and of course the business card won't add to my personal card "new account" penalty. 

In the past 12 months, I had (2) business approvals:  AMEX BBP (Sept 2022) and Chase INK Unlimited (Feb 2023). 

In the past 12 months, I have (3) new personal cards:  CITI AAdvantage Executive (Oct 2022); AMEX Hilton Surpass (Mar 2023); Chase IHG (Mar 2023.) 

My EX inquiries are (4) in the past 12 months.  Two from Oct/Nov 2022 related to CITI approval. One in Feb and one in March 2023 for the two Chase approvals. 

FICO EX approximately 819.  Only modest business revenue reported on a sole proprietorship which is small fraction of overall household income. 

This raises my AMEX TCL to $95K.  (Bonvoy Brilliant - $50K; Hilton Surpass - $25K; Blue Business Plus - $10K; Marriott Bonvoy Business - $10K.) 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For the details:

• The SUB is 125K Bonvoy points for $5K spend in the first three months. If you value Bonvoy points at 8/10 cpp, this works out to a $1,000 SUB.  (Even at 6/10 cpp, the SUB is worth a huge $750!) 
  
• Annual Fee ($125) is easily offset by the value of the 35K annual free night award. 
• (15) Elite night credits will STACK with the (25) nights from my AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, giving me (40) automatic nights to begin every year.

Compared to my Bonvoy Brilliant personal card:

• Both cards earn 6x points per dollar at Marriott.
• Brilliant earns 3x points per dollar on airfare compared to Business's 2x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar at restaurants compared to Brilliant's 3x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar on gas compared to Brilliant's 2x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar on wireless telephone service compared to Brilliant's 2x.
• Business earns 4x points per dollar on shipping services compared to Brilliant's 2x.
• Both cards earn 2x points per dollar everywhere else.
• In summary, the enhanced Business earnings on certain key categories including restaurants and gas are an opportunity to accelerate Bonvoy earnings if I choose to do so.

Business's automatic Bonvoy GOLD status is superseded by Brilliant's PLATINUM. 

Marriott bookings entitled to 7% discount off (STANDARD) room rates.  *The Points Guy did >a great article< that showed this isn't really a full 7% off normal member rates and sometimes the AAA, Senior, or Government rates may be lower.  His estimate was more from 0% to 5% off normal member rates.  Still, another discount opportunity. 

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Congratulations on the approval, and thank you for all the data.

[Aim_High]

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@JoeRockhead wrote:

Appreciate all the details, very nice SL and approval @Aim_High , congratulations!

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@Creditwiser wrote:

Congratulations on your Amex Bonvy approval !

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

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@randomguy1 wrote:

Congrats! Maybe I'll go for this one next to see if AMEX has forgiven me. lol

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

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@SouthJamaica wrote:

Congratulations on the approval, and thank you for all the data.

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Thanks very much @JoeRockhead, @Creditwiser, @randomguy1, @SouthJamaica!  

Good luck on an AMEX approval on this card, @randomguy1. 

[Aim_High]

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@Citylights18 wrote:

I had this card but I got rid of it.

1) There are transfer bonuses to Marriott but not a transfer sweet spot like AMEX has with Hilton (1 to 2) or Citi with Choice (1 to 2). One reason to go with Hilton over Marriott.

2) Marriott doesn't offer any priority pass membership where as Hilton gives you PP Select.

3) In property earning rates are much higher on other hotel cards.

---

Thanks for that perspective, @Citylights18.   We all have our favorites and reasons, so good to know what you didn't like about the card, although it sounds like your disdain was more for Marriott in-general. 

While I've added some other hotel cards again recently (Hilton and IHG) and am considering reapplication for the World of Hyatt card, I decided a couple of years ago that Marriott would be my primary focus on hotel points for the long game. 

Here are some reasons:

• My employer selects my hotel, and while I do stay at Hiltons, Hyatts, and IHG locations, the most common hotel chain where I stay is the Marriott brand.  Having a Marriott card more than others is just a no-brainer in my case.
• Marriott is by-far the largest hotel chain in the world by several metrics, after their merger with Starwood.  While Wyndham has more more locations (9300 vs ~7900), Marriott has more rooms (1.4 million vs 830K), is in more countries (131 vs 75), and far exceeds Wyndham in revenue ($21B vs $1.5B).  So the convenience of the Marriott footprint is another major factor.  [While Hilton is the second overall largest chain, by comparison they are have 6200 locations, 980K rooms, in 118 countries and generate about $9B in revenue.] 
• Hilton allows a consumer to buy-in directly to their highest loyalty tier, Diamond, with the $450 AF AMEX Aspire card.  Frequent travelers argue that making it that easy cheapens the loyalty status for those who would otherwise "earn" it the hard way.  Marriott takes a middle tack and allows you buy in at Platinum with the Bonvoy Brilliant but you still must earn Titanium and Ambassador Elite.  There are no shortcuts to the higher Marriott statuses.   

When you said transfer "sweet spots," it sounds like you are referring to the ability to transfer MRs to Marriott?  This isn't even a consideration for me since I've erred away from MRs in-general.  I don't find sufficient value in them to justify the AFs on most MR cards.  

Actually, you do get Priority Pass Select with Marriott on the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. Unlimited lounge visits for cardholder and up to two guests at no additional charge.  Again, not a factor for me anyway since I have Priority Pass Select on my Chase Sapphire Reserve.

In-property earnings rates are complicated to compare accurately between hotel chains.  Valuation of points can vary so widely that it's hard to estimate a single figure across all properties and room nights.   But websites like thepointsguy, that provide a rough estimation of point valuation, give Marriott points a slightly higher value (8/10 cpp) versus Hilton, Choice, Best Western (all 6/10 cpp); IHG (5/10 cpp); or Radison (4/10 cpp).  On the other end of the spectrum, World of Hyatt points are estimated at 1.7 cpp and from my personal experience with both Marriott and Hyatt, I've found those to be quite accurate for the most part.  Then there are variations in the rewards you would earn at each property and also depending on the reward level.  For example, DW and I both have received a free sit-down breakfast on multiple stays since I upgraded to Platinum which can easily save me $40 to $50 in comparable costs.  Marriott also has "member pricing" and I've found they will often beat the travel aggregator websites such as Expedia. (Hilton claims to have member pricing but it appears they offer that same pricing to the general public.)   In a quick test today in a couple of major cities, I found cheaper pricing than Expedia on my Marriott app.  My Hilton app pricing matched but did not beat Expedia.   All of these nuances contribute to the overall value-added of hotel stays and status.   And that's why some chains may want or need to advertise a higher points-earning to attract business, even though 25x may be worth less than 15x at another chain, depending on valuation.  At the end of the day, only the consumer knows if they got a better overall value from hotel A or hotel B based on their personal evaluation.  Unless someone joins and experiences the various programs so they can make a real-time comparison of value, and takes the time to tabluate it, they may not know which has the superior value for them.  The only other option is to rely on the travel website reviews, which can give a general idea of the value to expect and pro's or con's. 

As I mentioned, I did add the Hilton Surpass for an enhanced SUB (150K points) and I will test-drive the card.  I may also look into whether I want to upgrade it to the Hilton Aspire since it includes that Diamond status as well as the free annual night.  Perhaps I will find great value to keep it, but I imagine I will always keep my Marriott cards for the reasons I first listed. 

[Citylights18]

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@Aim_High wrote:

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@Citylights18 wrote:

I had this card but I got rid of it.

1) There are transfer bonuses to Marriott but not a transfer sweet spot like AMEX has with Hilton (1 to 2) or Citi with Choice (1 to 2). One reason to go with Hilton over Marriott.

2) Marriott doesn't offer any priority pass membership where as Hilton gives you PP Select.

3) In property earning rates are much higher on other hotel cards.

---

Thanks for that perspective, @Citylights18.   We all have our favorites and reasons, so good to know what you didn't like about the card, although it sounds like your disdain was more for Marriott in-general. 

While I've added some other hotel cards again recently (Hilton and IHG) and am considering reapplication for the World of Hyatt card, I decided a couple of years ago that Marriott would be my primary focus on hotel points for the long game. 

Here are some reasons:

• My employer selects my hotel, and while I do stay at Hiltons, Hyatts, and IHG locations, the most common hotel chain where I stay is the Marriott brand.  Having a Marriott card more than others is just a no-brainer in my case.
• Marriott is by-far the largest hotel chain in the world by several metrics, after their merger with Starwood.  While Wyndham has more more locations (9300 vs ~7900), Marriott has more rooms (1.4 million vs 830K), is in more countries (131 vs 75), and far exceeds Wyndham in revenue ($21B vs $1.5B).  So the convenience of the Marriott footprint is another major factor.  [While Hilton is the second overall largest chain, by comparison they are have 6200 locations, 980K rooms, in 118 countries and generate about $9B in revenue.] 
• Hilton allows a consumer to buy-in directly to their highest loyalty tier, Diamond, with the $450 AF AMEX Aspire card.  Frequent travelers argue that making it that easy cheapens the loyalty status for those who would otherwise "earn" it the hard way.  Marriott takes a middle tack and allows you buy in at Platinum with the Bonvoy Brilliant but you still must earn Titanium and Ambassador Elite.  There are no shortcuts to the higher Marriott statuses.   

When you said transfer "sweet spots," it sounds like you are referring to the ability to transfer MRs to Marriott?  This isn't even a consideration for me since I've erred away from MRs in-general.  I don't find sufficient value in them to justify the AFs on most MR cards.  

Actually, you do get Priority Pass Select with Marriott on the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. Unlimited lounge visits for cardholder and up to two guests at no additional charge.  Again, not a factor for me anyway since I have Priority Pass Select on my Chase Sapphire Reserve.

In-property earnings rates are complicated to compare accurately between hotel chains.  Valuation of points can vary so widely that it's hard to estimate a single figure across all properties and room nights.   But websites like thepointsguy, that provide a rough estimation of point valuation, give Marriott points a slightly higher value (8/10 cpp) versus Hilton, Choice, Best Western (all 6/10 cpp); IHG (5/10 cpp); or Radison (4/10 cpp).  On the other end of the spectrum, World of Hyatt points are estimated at 1.7 cpp and from my personal experience with both Marriott and Hyatt, I've found those to be quite accurate for the most part.  Then there are variations in the rewards you would earn at each property and also depending on the reward level.  For example, DW and I both have received a free sit-down breakfast on multiple stays since I upgraded to Platinum which can easily save me $40 to $50 in comparable costs.  Marriott also has "member pricing" and I've found they will often beat the travel aggregator websites such as Expedia. (Hilton claims to have member pricing but it appears they offer that same pricing to the general public.)   In a quick test today in a couple of major cities, I found cheaper pricing than Expedia on my Marriott app.  My Hilton app pricing matched but did not beat Expedia.   All of these nuances contribute to the overall value-added of hotel stays and status.   And that's why some chains may want or need to advertise a higher points-earning to attract business, even though 25x may be worth less than 15x at another chain, depending on valuation.  At the end of the day, only the consumer knows if they got a better overall value from hotel A or hotel B based on their personal evaluation.  Unless someone joins and experiences the various programs so they can make a real-time comparison of value, and takes the time to tabluate it, they may not know which has the superior value for them.  The only other option is to rely on the travel website reviews, which can give a general idea of the value to expect and pro's or con's. 

As I mentioned, I did add the Hilton Surpass for an enhanced SUB (150K points) and I will test-drive the card.  I may also look into whether I want to upgrade it to the Hilton Aspire since it includes that Diamond status as well as the free annual night.  Perhaps I will find great value to keep it, but I imagine I will always keep my Marriott cards for the reasons I first listed. 

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I didn't remember the AMEX Marriott card having priority pass select. I didn't see that perk listed on the website for the card but TPG is claiming it does have priority pass select. Hilton only gives you 10 visits per year on priority pass but quite honestly I'd be surprised if I used it once a year.

You did get the card with its elevated sign up bonus which is another good time to get the card. I normally miss out on the elevated sign ups when I apply.

Since I have a AMEX point earning card (AMEX Business Blue Plus) I am able to convert my Rakuten shopping points into MRs and route them 1:2 or as high as 1:3 into Hilton. Then also I earn Hilton points as a secondary earn on my Lyft rides. Hilton then fits relatively well into my spend ecosystem.

The hotel business cards are good because the spend doesn't report to your personal credit. Which for some if they don't have a lot of personal credit that can be a problem. The AMEX NPSL cards can also do that for you but you don't need them really if you have the business cards.

[cashorcharge]

Congratulations @Aim_High on another AMEX approval!!

Two items of note....in case you weren't aware....you can move those AMEX CL's around if you need as long as their both on the business side.  Also, when you link your Bonvoy Account with your new AMEX, once you go to make a reservation, you'll notice the "Special Rate" field will be checked with the Small Business Rate discount.  Yep, some times, the deal isn't a tremendous deal so you should always check multiple rates when booking.