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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs Citi Strata Elite Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/yr; the Citi Strata Elite Card from Citi at $595/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardCiti Strata Elite Card
Annual fee$125$595
Sign-up bonus3 free nights80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$1,440
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersmarriott-bonvoyciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • 12x on Citi hotels
  • $300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane
  • 4 Admirals Club passes
  • Citi TY transfer to 16 partners
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 3 free nights
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 80,000 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: Citi Strata Elite Card

Citi's premium answer to Amex Platinum + Sapphire Reserve. The 12x on Citi-booked hotels is the best earning rate in the category; the $200 Blacklane and 4 Admirals Club passes are differentiated perks. $595 fee penciled out if you'll actually use the hotel + Splurge credits.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or Citi Strata Elite Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 3 free nights, worth roughly $1,500, versus 80,000 points (~$1,440) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
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 Citi Strata Elite Card's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and Citi Strata Elite Card?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) 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 Citi Strata Elite Card 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. Citi Strata Elite Card: $6,000 in 3 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.