Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins 5-0. Frequent Marriott guests, Platinum status from spend, free annual night. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve is still the right call if delta loyalists who will use the lounge and status perks..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = $650 | = $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6x (travel) | · 3% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2x | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | 720 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.1/5 |
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 Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 1x miles on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve: which is better?
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins on more dimensions (5 vs 0). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›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 Delta SkyMiles Reserve 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 Delta SkyMiles Reserve doesn't list a welcome bonus.