Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard
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 Bilt Mastercard
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 Bilt Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 3% (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 | = No welcome bonus — value lives in rent payments |
| 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 Bilt Mastercard
- 1x points on rent (up to 100K points/year, no transaction fee)
- 3x on dining
- 2x on travel
- 1x on everything else
- Transfer to 14 airline + hotel partners
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard: 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 Bilt Mastercard 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 Bilt Mastercard 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 Bilt Mastercard: No welcome bonus — value lives in rent payments.