The regular Marriott Visa provides silver status, a signup bonus and one free night certificate (category 1-4) with an annual fee of $30. The Marriott Premier Visa gives 15 nights elite credit each year (automatic silver and drops nights needed towards gold and platinum), a signup bonus and one free night certificate each year (category 1-4 at signup and category 1-5 upon anniversary of signup).

The Premier card is worth it simply for the free certificate each year, and you get credit towards lifetime elite status with the 15 nights. The Premier also gives more points on Marriott purchases, 5 versus 3 with the regular Visa.