Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex
A practical pick for small businesses that fly Delta. The free checked bag and priority boarding are the real perks; the 2x earning is merely okay.
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Side-by-side
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex comes from American Express at $150/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex from American Express at $650/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,050 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $650 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 bonus miles | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $1,050 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | - |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | business | hotel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex
$150/yr · 60,000 bonus miles
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
$650/yr · up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
The Platinum status is legitimately valuable (lounge access, suite upgrades), but the $650 fee is steep. Justify it only if you stay at Marriotts 8+ times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has a public bonus (up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050), while the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex's $150 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
- At $150/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex: no published min spend. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.