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 Ink Business Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Ink Business Cash from Chase at $0/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 Chase Ink Business Cash, 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 | Chase Ink Business Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $1,000 bonus cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $1,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $8,000 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | business |
| Best earning category (Marriott) | 6x | 1x |
| 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 Ink Business Cash
$0/yr · $1,000 bonus cash back
Editorial take: Chase Ink Business Cash
Highest-earning no-fee business card. 5% on internet, phone, and office supplies covers most small-business overhead. Note: Current public offer is $1,000 cash back after $8,000 spend in 4 months, which Chase presents as its best offer ever (issuer-verified 2026-07-16).
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Chase Ink Business Cash?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has the bigger bonus, up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050, versus $1,000 bonus cash back (~$1,000) on the Chase Ink Business Cash.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Ink Business Cash?
- 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 Ink Business Cash at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Chase Ink Business Cash?
- 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 Ink Business Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Chase Ink Business Cash: $8,000 in 4 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.