American Express® Aeroplan®* Card vs Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card: Which one is better?
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
3.4
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
4
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$517
Air Canada Aeroplan®
First Year Bonus Value
$630
Air Canada Aeroplan®
Annual Fee
$120
First Year Value
$1,027
$397 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$385.37
Marriott Bonvoy
First Year Bonus Value
$817
Marriott Bonvoy
Annual Fee
$120
First Year Value
$1,082.37
$265.37 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Insurance Included*
Baggage Delay
$500 (Aggregated with Flight Delay).svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 days
Travel Accident
$500,000
Extended Warranty
1 year
Purchase Protection
90 days, $1,000 per occurrence
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Flight Delay
$500 (Aggregated with Baggage Delay)
Insurance Included*
Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesTravel Accident
$500,000Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$500Flight Delay
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Extra Benefits*
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Status lift
Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning Status Qualifying Miles and Status Qualifying Segments with purchases made on your account
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Receive an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points.svg)
Free first checked bag
Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights
Extra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands
Amex Experiences™
Amex Experiences™: From music and movies, to specially curated dining and online shopping opportunities, stay connected with all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home
Extra Benefits*
Status lift
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Gold Elite status when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your cardFree Extra Night at Hotels
Enjoy an Annual Free Night Award after your Card anniversary each yearFree Extra Night at Hotels
Enjoy 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year to use towards attaining the next level of Elite status with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* CardAmerican Express® Experiences
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
30% Annual1
Cash Advance:
30% Annual1
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.99%2
Cash Advance:
21.99%2
Annual Fee*
$120
Annual Fee*
$120
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Welcome Bonus*
Earn 30,000 Aeroplan® points after spending $3,000 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan® points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13.
Welcome Bonus*
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card. New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Earn 65,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Earn an additional 30,000 points after you spend a total of $20,000 on your card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 15,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership. Offer ends August 18, 2025.
Rewards Rate*
- 2x Aeroplan® points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*
- 1.5x Aeroplan® points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
- 1x Aeroplan® point on everything else
Rewards Rate*
- 5 points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 2 points per $1 on all other purchases (i.e. dining, groceries, online shopping, etc.)
Loyalty Program*
Loyalty Program*
Point Redemption Options*
Travel
0.825¢ / pointMost Optimal
Aeroplan® Flights
2.1¢ / point
Car Rentals
0.9¢ / point
Merchandise
0.75¢ / point
Gift Cards
0.72¢ / point
Point Redemption Options*
Travel
0.44¢ / pointMost Optimal
Transfer to Hotel Partners
0.86¢ / point
Transfer to Airline Partners
0.81¢ / point
Charity
0.4¢ / point
Is this card worth it?
This card comes with the free checked bag benefit, which can save hundreds on a single trip for you and your family, more than making up for the annual fee of the card. In addition, the card helps you reach the next Aeroplan Status faster with spending on the card. However, if you don't have a specific use for these two benefits, there are many better cards in terms of benefits and rewards.
Is this card worth it?
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a standout for frequent travelers who value luxury and flexibility in their rewards. With access to over 7,000 participating hotels, cardholders can earn generous points on both Marriott Bonvoy bookings and everyday purchases. The card's annual free night award and complimentary Silver Elite status make it even more appealing, offering service upgrades and extra points on eligible stays. For those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their travel perks, this card is a top choice.
Pros
- Free checked bag benefit: Every checked bag might cost you $60 - $100 per person on a round trip. The amount you can save in a year if you travel a few times or travel with a few companions can easily be much higher than the annual fee of the card.
- If you are interested in a higher Aeroplan Status, the card helps you get there faster.
Pros
- Earns high rewards on Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays, with competitive points on other purchases.
- Includes an annual free night certificate, adding significant value to frequent travelers.
- Automatic Silver Elite status provides enhanced benefits during stays, like late checkout and additional points.
- Generous welcome bonus, offering a substantial boost to your rewards balance early on.
Cons
- The main reward category is only for Air Canada purchases. Unless you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, this reward category is not useful to most people.
- The only other rewards category offered is for food, and it doesn't offer that high of a reward rate either.
- In terms of insurance benefits, the types and coverage amounts provided are lower compared to other cards with a similar annual fee.
Cons
- As an American Express card, it may not be as widely accepted as other credit cards, limiting its usability in some locations.
- Travel insurance coverage is comprehensive but may not match the levels offered by other premium cards in the market.
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