American Express Gold vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
American Express Gold wins 3-2. Heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1K+/mo on food) Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is still the right call if frequent marriott guests — platinum status from spend, free annual night..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | · $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 6% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 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 | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
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
›American Express Gold vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: which is better?
American Express Gold wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold 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?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months.