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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select from Citi at $99/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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, 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 | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 60,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $840 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $3,500 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| 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
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
Editorial take: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has the bigger bonus, up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050, versus 60,000 miles (~$840) on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 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.