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 Business Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the United Business Card from Chase at $150/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 United Business Card, 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 | United Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | $1,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | business |
| 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 Business Card
$150/yr · 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Editorial take: United Business Card
Strong United business card. The free checked bag for two travelers, two club passes, and the under-the-radar $50/twice-per-year hotel credit help cover the $150 AF for any United-leaning small business. The 100k + 2,000 PQP bonus is the sweetener. Post-2025 refresh swapped the old $100/$10k-spend credit for a $125 travel credit unlocked by 5 United flight purchases of $100+.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex or United Business Card?
- The United Business Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP, worth roughly $1,500, 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 United Business 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 Business Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and United Business 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 Business Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: no published min spend. United Business 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.