Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex

Both are hotel travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card comes from American Express at $195/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

Both cards come from American Express and target hotel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex costs $455 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express Business CardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
Annual fee$195$650
Sign-up bonus130,000 pointsup to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Bonus value (est.)$650$1,050
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categoryhotelhotel
Best earning category (Hilton)12x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 12x at Hilton
  • Free night cert after $15k spend
  • Second free night after $60k
  • Hilton Gold status
  • Auto Platinum status
  • 85k free night cert
  • $300 dining credit
  • Priority Pass
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
$195/yr · 130,000 points
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
$650/yr · up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

If you stay at Hiltons, this is the underrated middle tier, the $60/quarter credit + the $15k-spend Free Night routinely cover the $195 fee, and Gold status is real value at any Hilton property.

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, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has the bigger bonus, up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050, versus 130,000 points (~$650) on the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
Is the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's $195 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
At $195/yr, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 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 Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 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 Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. 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.