Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3-2. Annual travelers — the upgrade path from Sapphire Preferred. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is still the right call if frequent marriott guests — platinum status from spend, free annual night..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $550 | · $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 6% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 740 | 720 |
| Editorial rating | 4.7/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
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 Sapphire Reserve vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: which is better?
Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months.