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 Reserve
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,450 more in estimated value) than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $795 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 125,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $2,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $6,000 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 Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, 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 Reserve?
- 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 Reserve at $795/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- 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 Reserve first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.