With so many Marriott credit cards to choose from, finding the right one can seem overwhelming. For business owners, the main option is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, which comes with an annual fee of $125. While that yearly cost might turn some people off, the question is: Does the card provide value above and beyond the $125 fee? Terms apply.

Here’s a look at the benefits and earning potential that, for some users, could make this card a good choice.

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BROWSE CARDS

Rack up bonus points

Earn 6x points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties and 4x points for every dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Plus earn 2x points per dollar on all other purchases. Terms apply.

Those points can add up. For example, if you were to spend $2,500 a year at Marriott hotels, you would earn an extra 15,000 points from the credit card.

Get instant elite status

Free Silver status with the Marriott Bonvoy program is a nice perk, but the reason you get that Silver status is because the card grants 15 nights toward elite status, giving you a bump toward Gold, Platinum and beyond. NerdWallet calculated the value of the benefits offered by the major hotel elite status tiers and found that Marriott Silver is worth $10. If you spend $35,000 a year on your card, you’ll be elevated to Gold Status, which we value at $126 annually. At the Gold level, you’ll get a 2 p.m. late checkout, a 25% bonus on your points earned by staying, room upgrades and more. Terms apply.

Enjoy a free night every year

Every year on your account anniversary, you earn one free night at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program that can be redeemed for 35,000 points or less. If you spend $60,000 a year on the card, you’ll earn a second night for free as well. Terms apply.

Depending on where you stay, that free night award can have a high cash value. For example, a night at the Marriott Village d'ile-de-France might cost you around $300 a night if you paid cash, but it qualifies for your free night award. Or you could get a free night in Times Square, New York, saving you $249.

In either case, your free night is worth at least double the $125 annual fee.

Don't pay foreign transaction fees

While traveling overseas, being able to use your credit card without being charged a fee is crucial. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, which can save you around 3% on every purchase made abroad. Terms apply.