Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Amex Blue Cash Everyday
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins 4-2. Frequent Marriott guests — Platinum status from spend, free annual night. Amex Blue Cash Everyday is still the right call if no-fee amex with 3% supermarket — blue cash preferred minus the fee..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | Amex Blue Cash Everyday |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 3% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 2.7% |
| Welcome bonus | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Amex Blue Cash Everyday
- 3% on US supermarkets (up to $6K/year)
- 3% on US gas stations + online retail
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Amex Blue Cash Everyday: which is better?
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins on more dimensions (4 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 Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for its best categories, Amex Blue Cash Everyday for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months. Amex Blue Cash Everyday: $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 6 months.