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Amex Platinum Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card [2026 Comparison]

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Edited by: Michael Y. Park
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Some of the top card products from American Express are the Platinum Card® from American Express and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Each card comes with specific perks, rewards, and an annual fee, but you can easily outweigh the fee if you take advantage of the benefits and know how to best use each card.

This article compares the Amex Platinum card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card across rewards, benefits, fees, and who each card is best for.

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Quick Overview: Amex Platinum Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

The Amex Platinum card, which comes with an $895 annual fee (rates & fees), is ideal for travelers who want flexible Membership Rewards points, a broad range of lounge access, and different types of travel and lifestyle credits (Source: American Express). Meanwhile, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is best for Marriott loyalists, offering Platinum Elite status, a Free Night Award up to 85,000 points, and 6x points on Marriott purchases. It also comes with an $650 annual fee (Source: American Express; rates & fees).

The Amex Platinum card earns 5x points on flights booked directly and via AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x) and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com. Meanwhile, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card earns 6x Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott, 3x points on dining and flights booked directly, and 2x on everything else. However, the Membership Rewards points you earn are more flexible and offer more per-point value than Marriott Bonvoy points.

These cards are very different from one another, which is why many travelers hold both, especially those who frequently spend and stay at Marriott properties and also have many other travel costs and other spending for which they might want to earn flexible rewards.

Amex Platinum Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card: Side-by-Side Comparison

To start, here’s a comparison of these 2 cards:

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Feature

Welcome Offer

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.Platinum Card® from American ExpressYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.

Up to 150,000 pointsMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardEarn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

Earning Rates

  • 5x Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per calendar year)
  • 5x points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 1x points on other purchases
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 3x points at restaurants worldwide
  • 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2x points on other purchases

Redemptions

  • Transfers to airline and hotel partners
  • AmexTravel.com bookings
  • Amazon.com purchases
  • Online shopping
  • Gift cards
  • Cash-back
  • Transfers to airline and hotel partners
  • Free Marriott Bonvoy hotel nights
  • Cash + Points stays
  • PointsSavers stays
  • Experiences through Marriott Bonvoy
  • Marriott Bonvoy Moments
  • Point transfers to Rakuten
  • Uber Products

Airport Lounge Access

Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required), 10 visits to a Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta the same day) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend, and more

Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment

Hotel and Rental Car Program Benefits

  • The ability to book stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection
  • Hilton Honors Gold, Leaders Club Sterling, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (upon enrollment)
  • Rental car privileges with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Emerald Club status (upon enrollment)
  • Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary (up to 85,000 points)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status 
  • 25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
  • Up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit for qualifying charges at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book direct using a special rate for a 2-night minimum stay
  • Earned Choice Award up to once per calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases 

Statement Credits (Many Require Prior Enrollment)

  • Up to $200 in airline incidental fee credits per year
  • Up to $600 in prepaid hotel credits per year (up to $300 semiannually)
  • Up to $120 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck application fees in statement credits
  • Up to $209 in CLEAR+ credits per year
  • Up to $155 in Walmart+ credits per year
  • Up to $300 in digital entertainment credits per year (up to $25 per month)
  • Statement credits for retailers like Equinox, SoulCycle, Uber One, Resy, Oura Ring, lululemon, and others
  • Up to $300 in dining credits per year
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit

Travel and Shopping Benefits and Protections

Both cards provide a complete set of travel and purchase protections.

Annual Fees

$895$650

Authorized Users and Additional Cardholders

$195 per Additional Platinum card (rates & fees)

$0 annual fees for authorized users (rates & fees)

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Which Card Should You Get?

Many frequent travelers can benefit from getting both cards, but since they come with high annual fees, you might only want one. In that case, consider the Amex Platinum card for broader travel and lifestyle perks and more flexible points and redemption options. If you’re a Marriott loyalist, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card may be more appealing for Marriott-specific perks and to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

Welcome Offers Comparison

One of the easiest ways to justify making the initial investment in a new card is with a large welcome offer. If you’ve already identified the card that makes the most sense for you and are having doubts about paying an annual fee, the right welcome offer might be the deciding factor.

Here are the welcome offers currently available for these 2 cards:

Amex Platinum Card

BEST LOUNGE CARD
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
Up to 150,000 points
Up to $1,050
$650
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Welcome Offer Valuations

The offer bonuses on these cards are some of the highest bonuses you’ll see. It’s not unusual to see welcome offers in the 6-figure range for either one of these cards (or both).

We value Amex Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents each, thanks to their ability to transfer points to travel partners for luxury award travel. Similarly, we value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each. However, it’s possible to get better value when you book award stays at aspirational luxury Marriott resorts using points.

Membership Rewards Points vs. Marriott Bonvoy Points

In this section, we’ll compare Amex Membership Rewards points with Marriott Bonvoy points.

Earning Potential

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Earning Category

Amex Platinum Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

Flights Purchased Through the Airline or AmexTravel.com

5x points (up to $500,000 per calendar year)

3x points (when purchased direct)

Prepaid Hotels Purchased Through AmexTravel.com

5x points

N/A

Eligible Purchases at Hotels Participating in Marriott Bonvoy

1x points

6x points

Restaurants Worldwide

1x points

3x points

Other Purchases

1x points

2x points

When it comes to rewards, the Amex Platinum card is better for flights and non-Marriott hotels. Meanwhile, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card earns solid rewards at restaurants and Marriott hotels.

However, if you book Marriott stays through the AmexTravel.com portal and prepay, the Amex Platinum card earns 5x Amex Membership Rewards points, which is much more valuable than 6x Marriott Bonvoy points. Earning 5x Amex Membership Rewards points on these purchases per calendar year is equal to an 11% return on spending, while earning 1x Amex Membership Rewards points yields a 2.2% return on spending.

With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, 6x points are worth a 4.2% return on spending, 3x points are worth a 2.1% return on spending, and 2x points are worth a 1.4% return on spending.

Bottom Line:

Even though you might typically earn fewer Amex Membership Rewards points per $1 spent with the Amex Platinum card, Amex Membership Rewards points, on a per-point basis, are much more valuable than Marriott Bonvoy points.

Redemptions

You can transfer both Amex Membership Rewards points and Marriott Bonvoy points to travel partners to book award travel. And in some situations, Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to partners that Amex points can’t, such as Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards or American Airlines AAdvantage.

However, Marriott Bonvoy points can usually only be transferred at a 3:1 ratio, while most of Amex’s transfer ratios are at least 1:1. For this reason, you usually need to transfer triple the points with Marriott Bonvoy when compared to Amex.

For example, if you needed 10,000 Delta SkyMiles, you’d have to transfer 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. In contrast, you’d only need to transfer 10,000 Amex Membership Rewards points if you had the Amex Platinum card. It’s also worth noting that Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy.

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Redemption

Amex Platinum card: Membership Rewards Points

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card: Marriott Bonvoy Points

Transfer to Airline and Hotel Partners

Yes

Yes

Travel via AmexTravel.com

Yes

No

Cash-Back and Statement Credits

Yes

No

Online Shopping

Yes

No

Amazon.com Purchases

Yes

No

Gift Cards

Yes

No

Free Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Nights, Cash + Points Reservations, and PointsSavers Stays

No (but you can transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy)

Yes

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

No (but you can transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy)

Yes

Transfers to Rakuten

No (but you can transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy) — and you can earn these points with Rakuten

Yes

Uber Services

No (but you can transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy)

Yes

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Statement Credits Comparison

Equinox NYC flag westward sm
The Amex Platinum comes with an Equinox credit. Image Credit: Michael Y. Park

Another area where the Amex Platinum card outshines its competitors and peers is statement credits.

Amex Platinum Card

Here’s what you can expect to get with the Amex Platinum card (some benefits require enrollment):

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has 2 different types of statement credits:

  • Up to $300 per year in dining credits at restaurants worldwide (up to $25 per month)
  • Up to $120 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck application fees in statement credits

Enrollment may be required to earn various statement credits on either card.

Airport Lounge Access

Amex Centurion Lounge SLC Outdoor Terrace Seating
Centurion Lounge access means spending time in SLC’s outdoor terrace rather than fighting for a seat by the gate. Image Credit: Stella Shon

In this section, we’ll walk you through what you can expect with both the Amex Platinum card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card is the gold standard for a single card with the best airport lounge access. That’s because you can get access to over 1,550 airport lounges and experiences around the world through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Here are the lounges you can access:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers far less lounge access, though you can enroll to get a Priority Pass Select membership and access over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges.

Hotel Program Perks

Four Seasons Chicago seventh floor lobby entrance
Get special benefits at hotels in Fine Hotels + Resorts, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Image Credit: Michael Y. Park Image Credit: Michael Y. Park

One of the areas where the cards compete most closely is the hotel benefits arena.

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers luxury travel benefits that extend to hotel stays. You can get additional benefits on luxury and premium hotel stays through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.

Fine Hotels + Resorts is specifically for high-end hotels, and you can get these benefits when booking through AmexTravel.com:

  • Room upgrade (subject to availability)
  • Complimentary breakfast for 2 guests per room daily
  • Early check-in (subject to availability)
  • Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
  • A special amenity, valued at a minimum of $100, once per stay
  • Free Wi-Fi

The Hotel Collection is more for premium hotels that aren’t quite as lavish. On stays of at least 2 nights, you get:

  • Room upgrade (subject to availability)
  • $100 property credit once per stay

You also get Hilton Honors Gold, Leaders Club Sterling, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (upon enrollment).

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, you get Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which gets you the following benefits:

  • 50% bonus points on stays
  • 4 p.m. late checkout
  • Enhanced room upgrade (including standard suites)
  • Welcome gift choice (points, breakfast offering, or amenity)
  • Hotel lounge access, including complimentary breakfast in the lounge
  • Free Wi-Fi

Also, if you spend $60,000 in a calendar year on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, you get an Earned Choice Award benefit up to once per year.

Plus, you can get 25 Elite Night Credits toward elite status, up to a $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties for qualifying charges, and 1 Free Night Award every year after your card renewal month (up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points). The Free Night Award could be worth upward of $1,000 alone, making it easy to justify the annual fee you pay for this card.

Car Rental Status

One of these cards wins when it comes to car rental company elite status:

Amex Platinum Card

Amex Platinum cardholders get 3 types of privileges at car rental companies. These are:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card doesn’t currently offer perks at rental car agencies.

Comparing Travel Insurance and Protection

To protect you while traveling, credit card companies often include benefits, insurance policies, and the ability to file claims for reimbursement.

Both cards offer the following protections:

  • Car rental car insurance: You get secondary insurance with up to $75,000 in coverage, plus the ability to purchase primary coverage.
  • Trip interruption and cancellation insurance: If your trip is disrupted or canceled for covered reasons like injury, death, or illness, you can file for reimbursement on prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. This gets you up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 every 12-month period.
  • Trip delay reimbursement: If your trip is delayed for a covered reason and you used your Amex Platinum card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card to pay for a common carrier ticket (like an airplane ticket), you can get up to $500 per trip in trip delay reimbursements for covered delays of 6 or more hours or that require an overnight stay.
  • Baggage insurance: Access up to $3,000 in total coverage for carry-on and checked baggage that is lost, with a limit of $2,000 for all checked baggage.
  • Emergency travel assistance: Access the Premium Global Assist Hotline for travel issues.

Shopping Comparison: Benefits and Protections

Both of these cards offer shopping perks, including access to Amex Offerscell phone protection insurance when you charge your monthly cellular phone bill to your Amex Platinum card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection, and zero-liability protection.

However, the Amex Platinum card has no preset spending limit, a useful benefit the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card doesn’t offer.

Fees and Additional Cards

Here’s what to know about the fees on both of these cards:

No Foreign Transaction Fees

There are no foreign transaction fees with the Amex Platinum card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card (Amex Platinum card rates & fees, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card rates & fees).

Annual Fees

The Amex Platinum card has a $895 annual fee, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has a $650 annual fee.

Authorized Users

Want to add authorized users to your card? The fees vary. The Amex Platinum card allows you to add Additional Platinum Cards for a $195 annual fee.

Additional Platinum Card holders have access to benefits like airport lounges, Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, purchase protection, and more.

However, if you want to add cardholders to your Amex Platinum card without annual fees, you can add them as Companion Platinum Cards (rates & fees). Just keep in mind that these basic cards don’t have extra perks.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with no-additional-fee authorized users, but authorized users don’t receive most benefits, including the Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, statement credits, the Free Night Award, and others.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the right card for you, focus on your shopping, travel, and spending habits. If you’re a loyalist at Marriott Bonvoy, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers you Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, a Free Night Award (up to 85,000 points) on your cardmember anniversary, and the ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points directly from credit card spending.

However, the flexibility and value of valuable Amex Membership Rewards points, the ample airport lounge access, and the series of benefits, including statement credits and no preset spending limit, make the Amex Platinum card a valid choice for frequent travelers.

The easy choice is to hold both cards: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card for Marriott hotels and dining and the Amex Platinum card for flights and AmexTravel.com prepaid hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Amex Platinum card come with Marriott status?

Yes, the Amex Platinum card gets you Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card gets you Platinum Elite status, which is 1 tier higher.

Does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card have lounge access?

Yes, but the lounge access is limited to Priority Pass lounges upon enrollment. With the Amex Platinum card, you get Priority Pass lounge access (upon enrollment), plus access to Centurion Lounges and other lounges.

What is the highest level Marriott Bonvoy card?

The most premium Marriott Bonvoy card available is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, which entitles you to exclusive benefits like Platinum Elite status, a Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points, 25 Elite Night Credits, and more.

Should you get the Amex Platinum card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card?

Getting both cards is an option, as they’re each useful for different reasons. Marriott loyalists can benefit from getting the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, while general travelers can easily use the flexible Amex Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Platinum card.

Is it worth having both the Amex Platinum card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card?

Yes, it’s worth having both the Amex Platinum card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card if you can afford their annual fees. The Amex Platinum card earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is ideal if you frequently stay at Marriott hotels.

Which has the higher annual fee, the Amex Platinum card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card?

The Amex Platinum card’s $895 annual fee is higher than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card’s $650 fee, but it does come with numerous statement credits that can help offset the annual fee.

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and Forbes and has taken points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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