Marriott Card Overhaul Coming? Amex Survey Hints at Big Changes!

Hey there, Marriott loyalists! Phillip here and today we're diving deep into some potentially HUGE news for those of us who love racking up those Marriott Bonvoy points. American Express has been sending out surveys hinting at a possible overhaul of their Marriott business card lineup, and it could have ripple effects across the entire Marriott card landscape (including Chase!).

Why This Matters:

For those of you maximizing your Marriott status, the Amex business card is a key component. The current Amex Marriott Business card allows you to combine elite night credits with a personal Marriott card, accelerating your path to higher tiers. Currently, you can only get one flavor of the Amex Marriott Business card and pair it with either an Amex or Chase personal card (like my beloved Ritz-Carlton card!).

The Current Landscape:

Let's quickly recap the existing Amex Marriott Business card:

• Annual Fee: $125

• Anniversary Bonus: Free Night Award (up to 35,000 points, top-up possible)

• Earning:

  • 6x Marriott points at participating Marriott hotels

  • 4x Marriott points at dining, gas stations, wireless telephone services, and U.S. shipping purchases

  • 2x Marriott points on all other purchases

• Benefits: 15 elite night credits, premium in-room internet, no foreign transaction fees.

The Survey Says... Potential Changes!

So, what did this Amex survey reveal? Here's a breakdown of the potential new cards and changes being considered:

1. Enhanced Amex Marriott Business Card:

• Annual Fee: Potential increase to $150

• Earning: Multipliers likely the same

• New Benefits:

  • $160 Marriott property credit ($80, twice per year)

  • Gold status (upgrade from Silver)

  • Potential 10% points booking discount

  • 15 elite night credits (potentially unchanged)

2. Amex Marriott "Brilliant" Business Card (Think: Top-Tier Business):

This is where things get interesting! Could we see a business version of the high-end Marriott Brilliant card?

• Annual Fee: $695 (matching the personal Amex Platinum)

• Earning: Similar categories to the standard business card.

• Benefits:

  • Platinum status

  • 85,000-point Free Night Award on your card anniversary

  • 25 elite night credits (HUGE for status seekers!)

  • One elite night credit per $5,000 in spend (questionable value)

  • $160 Marriott property credit ($80 twice per year)

  • $120 transit credit ($10 per month - details unclear)

  • $120 wireless credit ($10 per month)

  • Priority Pass, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

3. Amex Marriott "Bevy" Business Card:

Another potential addition, mirroring the personal Amex Bevy card.

• Annual Fee: Potential increase from $250 to $350

• Earning: Similar multipliers

• Benefits:

  • Gold status

  • 65,000-point Free Night Award (after spending $25,000 in a calendar year)

  • 20 elite night credits

  • $120 transit credit

  • $120 wireless credit

The Big Picture: Earning Lifetime Status Just Got Easier?

The potential introduction of these new business cards could significantly impact how people earn Marriott lifetime status. Combining elite night credits from a personal AND a business card is the key here.

The $695 Question: Is the "Brilliant" Business Card Worth It?

Let's break down the potential value: With the Brilliant Business card, if you can utilize the $120 wireless credit and the $120 transit credit, and the $160 Marriott property credit, that's essentially $400 in value. You'd then be paying $295 for Priority Pass access and the 85,000-point free night award. Whether that pencils out depends on your travel habits and how you value those perks.

What About Chase?

Here's the thing: Marriott is unique in that they have TWO different issuers for their credit cards. Any changes Amex makes will likely have to be mirrored by Chase, and vice versa. This could mean big changes are coming to the entire Marriott card portfolio!

The Ritz-Carlton Card: On the Chopping Block?

This is where I get nervous. Rumors have been swirling about the future of the Ritz-Carlton card. Could these changes mean a fee increase or, even worse, the elimination of the card altogether? Only time will tell.

What Do YOU Think?

This is a lot to digest! What are your thoughts on these potential changes? Would you be excited about a Marriott Brilliant Business card? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This information is based on a survey and may not reflect the final changes implemented by American Express and Marriott.