Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins 4-2. Frequent Marriott guests — Platinum status from spend, free annual night. US Bank Cash+ is still the right call if 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen — fully customizable..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.4/5 |
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
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs US Bank Cash+: 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, US Bank Cash+ 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. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.