Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
American Express
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
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 | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 6% (travel) | = 6% (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 | = $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.5/5 | = 4.5/5 |
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 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
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins on 2 criteria, Amex Blue Cash Preferred on 2.
›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 Preferred 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 Preferred: $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months.