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Side-by-side

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex

Both are hotel travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $125/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 $525 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express CardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
Annual fee$125$650
Sign-up bonus150,000 points + $125 statement creditup to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$1,050
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categoryhotelhotel
Best earning category (Marriott)6x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
  • Auto Platinum status
  • 85k free night cert
  • $300 dining credit
  • Priority Pass
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
$650/yr · up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott business card pulls its weight on the annual Free Night cert alone, a 35k cat-property is routinely $250-400/night cash. Add 15 elite night credits and the dining stipend and the $125 fee is easy.

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, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (~$1,050) on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card's $125 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex?
At $125/yr, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express 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 Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express 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 Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $8,000 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.