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 IHG One Rewards Traveler
Both are hotel travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 ($570 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | IHG One Rewards Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $480 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $2,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | hotel |
| 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
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has the bigger bonus, up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.