Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Wells Fargo Active Cash
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
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Active Cash
VISA
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 | Wells Fargo Active Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 2% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 2% | = 2% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| 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
Wells Fargo Active Cash
- 2% unlimited cashback on every purchase
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
- Cell phone protection (up to $600/claim)
- Visa Signature concierge
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Wells Fargo Active Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins on 2 criteria, Wells Fargo Active Cash 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, Wells Fargo Active 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. Wells Fargo Active Cash: $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months.