Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins 3-2. Frequent Marriott guests — Platinum status from spend, free annual night. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.2/5 |
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
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 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 Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for its best categories, Chase United Explorer 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. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.