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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs Bilt Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the Bilt Mastercard from Bilt / Wells Fargo 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 ($1,500 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Mastercard's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the Bilt Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardBilt Mastercard
Annual fee$125$0
Sign-up bonus3 free nightsNo public offer
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$0
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBilt / Wells Fargo
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersmarriott-bonvoybilt
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • Earn points on rent — no fees
  • 1:1 transfers to Hyatt, AA, United
  • Rent Day bonus each month
  • $0 annual fee
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 3 free nights
Read the full review
Bilt Mastercard
$0/yr · No public offer

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: Bilt Mastercard

The only card that earns points on rent with no fees. Pair it with Rent Day on the 1st of each month for bonus earning, then transfer to top partners like Hyatt at 1:1. A must-have for renters.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or Bilt Mastercard?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 3 free nights, worth roughly $1,500, versus No public offer (~$0) on the Bilt Mastercard.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Mastercard?
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 Bilt Mastercard's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and Bilt Mastercard?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bilt / Wells Fargo) 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 Bilt Mastercard first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Bilt Mastercard: $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.