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 Chase Freedom Flex
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Freedom Flex from Chase at $0/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 ($850 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | Chase Freedom Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | cashback |
| Transfer partners | None | chase-ur |
| 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
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: Chase Freedom Flex
Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Chase Freedom Flex?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has the bigger bonus, up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Flex?
- 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 Chase Freedom Flex at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Chase Freedom Flex?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Chase Freedom Flex first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 in 3 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.