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 United Club Infinite Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the United Club Infinite Card from Chase at $695/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | United Club Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $695 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $1,120 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | travel |
| 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
United Club Infinite Card
$695/yr · 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user)
Editorial take: United Club Infinite Card
Worth it only for frequent United flyers who use the clubs regularly. At $695, you need to visit the club 15+ times a year to break even on lounge access alone.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or United Club Infinite Card?
- The United Club Infinite Card has the bigger bonus, 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user), worth roughly $1,120, 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 United Club Infinite Card?
- 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 United Club Infinite Card at $695/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and United Club Infinite Card?
- 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 United Club Infinite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. United Club Infinite Card: $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.