Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs. Marriott Bonvoy Business cards: Which mid-range Bonvoy card stands out?

This is an excellent moment to think about adding a Marriott Bonvoy credit card to your collection.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card are quite alike, making it tough to choose between them. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

Here’s how to determine whether to go for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or the Marriott Bonvoy Business card.

Comparison of Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Business

Bonvoy Boundless vs. Bonvoy Business introductory offer

Currently, the Bonvoy Boundless is giving new applicants 125,000 bonus points after they spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening their account.

As per TPG's September 2024 valuations, each Marriott Bonvoy point is valued at 0.85 cents, making this welcome offer worth $1,063.

New Bonvoy Business cardholders can earn three free night awards after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Each free night award can be redeemed for up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at participating hotels. Resort fees and terms apply.

According to TPG's valuations, this is valued at up to $1,275.

The welcome offer for the Bonvoy Business card is fantastic for lower and mid-tier properties. You can supplement each free night award with up to 15,000 points from your Bonvoy account, allowing for redemptions of up to 65,000 points each.

In terms of eligibility, the Bonvoy Boundless falls under Chase's 5/24 rule, which means your application may be denied if you've opened five or more cards in the past 24 months.

Moreover, American Express limits you to earning a welcome bonus on a card to once per lifetime. Therefore, if you've previously earned a bonus on the Bonvoy Business card, you won't qualify for another one.

Lastly, Marriott cards come with specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to check this guide before applying to confirm you qualify for a welcome bonus.

Champion: Bonvoy Business. The welcome offer for Bonvoy Business holds significantly greater value if you can fully leverage the free night awards.

Bonvoy Boundless vs. Bonvoy Business perks

Both mid-tier cards provide comparable benefits, primarily designed for stays at properties within the Bonvoy portfolio.

The Bonvoy Boundless is a mid-tier credit card that delivers valuable benefits for a modest $95 annual fee. It includes complimentary Silver Elite status, with the opportunity to achieve Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 in a calendar year. You'll begin each year with 15 elite night credits, plus you can earn an extra elite night credit for every $5,000 spent.

Silver Elite status provides basic perks such as a 10% bonus on hotel stay points and late checkout (subject to availability). Additionally, cardholders benefit from complimentary premium Wi-Fi at Bonvoy properties and receive a free night valued at up to 35,000 points each year upon card renewal.

Moreover, the Boundless card comes with a wide array of travel protections, including baggage delay, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip delay reimbursement, as well as purchase protection and no foreign transaction fees.

On the other hand, the Bonvoy Business is a mid-tier business credit card that offers practical advantages and has an annual fee of $125. The key distinction from the Boundless is the automatic Gold Elite status, providing 25% bonus points per stay, priority late checkout, room upgrades, and a welcome gift.

Like the Bonvoy Boundless, this card also grants 15 elite night credits each year, complimentary premium Wi-Fi at Bonvoy properties, and a 35,000-point free night award annually on your account anniversary.

Additionally, the Bonvoy Business card provides the chance to earn a second free night award after spending $60,000 on purchases in a calendar year. You'll also enjoy a 7% discount on eligible bookings made directly with Marriott through qualifying channels at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties.

The card includes an extensive range of travel protections, such as baggage protection* and a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver.**

Champion: Bonvoy Business. The Bonvoy Business offers a broad spectrum of protections and insurances, Gold Elite status, and a 7% discount on direct bookings with Marriott.

*Eligibility and benefit levels may vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Comparing point earnings with the Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Business

Both cards offer earning rates of 6 points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points for each dollar on all other purchases outside of additional bonus categories.

The distinction arises with the Bonvoy Boundless, which earns 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in total purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and dining (after that, it earns 2 points per dollar).

Conversely, the Bonvoy Business earns 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants globally, U.S. gas stations, U.S. shipping providers, and for wireless phone services from U.S. carriers. Additionally, there is no spending limit on these bonus categories, making it more rewarding than the Boundless card.

Champion: Bonvoy Business. While both cards earn the same rate for Marriott and non-bonus purchases, the Bonvoy Business surpasses the Boundless with its enhanced earnings on dining and gas station purchases, alongside the absence of a spending cap.

Comparing point redemption with the Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Business

Both Bonvoy credit cards accumulate Marriott points through your credit card spending, which are automatically credited to your Bonvoy account. You can use these points for hotel stays or redeem them for Marriott Bonvoy Moments and merchandise through Marriott's shopping portal.

Additionally, you can transfer points to more than 35 different airline programs, but I will cover that later.

The number of points required for a stay varies depending on the hotel, room type, occupancy, and cash rates. One of the significant advantages of the Marriott Bonvoy program is the option to receive a complimentary fifth night when booking a stay of five nights or more.

TPG credit card expert Chris Nelson favors redeeming his Bonvoy points for stays at mid-tier properties to get the best value. He discovers exceptional value particularly at category 4 and 5 hotels abroad.

Champion: Tie. Both cards accrue Bonvoy points and provide identical redemption options.

Transferring points between the Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Business

Beyond booking stays at Marriott, you can transfer your Bonvoy points to any of Marriott's 39 airline partners. Most transfers operate at a 3:1 ratio, meaning three Marriott points equal one airline mile.

Additionally, Marriott awards 5,000 bonus airline miles for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred to most airline partners, with four exceptions: American Airlines AAdvantage, Avianca LifeMiles, Delta SkyMiles, and Korean Air SkyPass. United MileagePlus members will earn 10,000 bonus United miles for each 60,000 Marriott points they transfer.

Transferring your points to airlines typically yields lower value, so it's best to avoid this option unless you're looking to top off your airline accounts.

You can also easily transfer points between Marriott Bonvoy accounts, whether it’s between two accounts of the same individual or sending points to a friend or family member.

Transferring points is a great strategy to consolidate points for a future trip with friends or family. A significant advantage of this is sending points to the account with the highest elite status, which may offer perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, or welcome gifts.

That said, we should mention that this isn't the most effective use of your Bonvoy points.

Winner: Tie. Both cards accumulate Bonvoy points and provide the same options for transferring those points.

Should I opt for the Bonvoy Boundless or Bonvoy Business?

If you're just starting with the Bonvoy program or only visit Marriott properties a handful of times each year, the Bonvoy Boundless with its lower annual fee may be more appealing. Conversely, if you frequently stay at Bonvoy properties, the enhanced benefits of the Bonvoy Business might be more suitable for you.

Bottom line

Regardless of your choice, both the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and Marriott Bonvoy Business are excellent options featuring attractive introductory offers. Once you determine your eligibility for your preferred card—considering issuer-based application restrictions and the qualifications for a business versus a personal card—you'll gain clearer insight into which card suits you best.

Remember, it's possible to open both cards to earn extra elite night credits and additional annual free night certificates. In fact, there are strong reasons to consider multiple Marriott cards — even a single card can significantly enhance your future stays at Marriott properties, making them more enjoyable and rewarding.

For further information, be sure to explore our comprehensive reviews of the Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Business.