Cardrewards Network
Your Source For Credit Card Rewards

Search Credit Card Offers

Advertiser Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card

This comparison aims to help you decide between the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different travel and spending habits. Let's dive into their features and benefits.

Card Overviews

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is designed for frequent travelers who enjoy staying at Marriott properties. With a focus on hotel rewards, this card offers significant points on eligible purchases at Marriott hotels and various other categories, making it ideal for business travelers and Marriott loyalists.

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. It provides generous rewards on United purchases, dining, and more, along with various travel perks such as priority boarding and checked baggage allowances, making it great for avid flyers.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card The New United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee $125 $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150
Welcome Bonus Earn 3 Free Night Awards after $6,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards Structure 6x points at Marriott hotels, 4x at restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and more; 2x on all other purchases 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays; 1x on all other purchases
Foreign Transaction Fee $0 $0
Other Fees Terms apply Terms apply
Additional Benefits Complimentary Gold Elite Status, Free Night Award after renewal Priority boarding, free first checked bag, up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit

Rewards Highlights

The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards

  • Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
  • 1x mile on all other purchases.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Rewards

  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.

Pros and Cons

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

  • Pros:
    • High earning potential on Marriott stays.
    • Complimentary Gold Elite Status.
    • Free Night Awards offer significant value.
  • Cons:
    • Annual fee applies.
    • High spending requirement for welcome bonus.

The New United℠ Explorer Card

  • Pros:
    • No annual fee for the first year.
    • Strong rewards on United purchases and dining.
    • Multiple travel-related perks including free checked bags.
  • Cons:
    • Annual fee after the first year.
    • Limited rewards on non-United purchases.

Who Should Consider Which Card?

  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Ideal for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott hotels, enjoy earning hotel points, and appreciate elite status benefits.
  • The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best for those who frequently fly with United Airlines and want to maximize travel rewards with airline-specific benefits.

Conclusion

Both the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card offer attractive features tailored to different types of travelers. Consider your individual needs, spending habits, and travel preferences to choose the card that best fits your lifestyle.

“Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.”