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 Sapphire Preferred
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred, 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 Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $1,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | travel |
| 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 Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred
The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Chase Sapphire Preferred?
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (~$1,050) on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
- 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 Sapphire Preferred at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
- 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 Sapphire Preferred first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.