Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 6% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 2% |
| Forex markup | · 3% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 cash back after $500 spend in first 3 months + 5% gas/groceries on first $12K | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- 5% on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% on dining (incl. takeout & delivery)
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 1.5% on everything else
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 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
›Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on 3 criteria, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Freedom Unlimited 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?
Chase Freedom Unlimited: $200 cash back after $500 spend in first 3 months + 5% gas/groceries on first $12K. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months.