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 Strata Elite Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Citi Strata Elite Card from Citi at $595/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 | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| Card category | hotel | travel |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| 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 Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points
Editorial take: Citi Strata Elite Card
Citi's premium answer to Amex Platinum + Sapphire Reserve. The 12x on Citi-booked hotels is the best earning rate in the category; the $200 Blacklane and 4 Admirals Club passes are differentiated perks. $595 fee penciled out if you'll actually use the hotel + Splurge credits.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, 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 Citi Strata Elite 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 Citi Strata Elite Card at $595/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Citi Strata Elite Card?
- 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 Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Citi Strata Elite Card: $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.