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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Both are hotel travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire from American Express at $550/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
Both cards come from American Express and target hotel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex costs $100 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | Hilton Honors American Express Aspire |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $550 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 175,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $875 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $6,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | hotel | hotel |
| 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
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 175,000 points
Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Pretty much a no-brainer if you stay at Hilton hotels. The $550 annual fee pays for itself with just the free night reward alone, which can be used at any standard room property, even $1,000+ per night hotels.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex has the bigger bonus, up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, worth roughly $1,050, versus 175,000 points (~$875) on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire at $550/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: $6,000 in 6 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.