Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
American Express
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
Premium
American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Blue Cash Preferred | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | · $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 6% (shopping) | = 6% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | · 2.7% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.5/5 | = 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
- 6% cashback on US supermarkets (up to $6K/year, then 1%)
- 6% on streaming subscriptions
- 3% on US gas stations + transit
- 1% on everything else
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott properties
- 3x at restaurants + flights direct
- 2x on everything else
- Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status (with $25K spend)
- 85K-point Free Night Award annually
- $300 dining credit + $25 monthly Marriott credit
FAQ
›Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Amex Blue Cash Preferred wins on 2 criteria, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Blue Cash Preferred for its best categories, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Blue Cash Preferred: $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months.