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.
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Side-by-side
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex vs Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature from Bank of America at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 70,000 miles + Companion Fare |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $3,000 in 90 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Bank of America |
| Card category | hotel | travel |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
$650/yr · up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Editorial take: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
The Companion Fare is the hook, $122 + taxes/fees to bring a companion on any Alaska flight, even international business class. If you fly Alaska once a year with a partner, this pays for itself many times over.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $1,050. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- Premium cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bank of America) the application rules don't conflict. 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 Brilliant Amex or the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 in 90 months. 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.