Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
US Bank
US Bank Altitude Reserve
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
US
Premium
American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
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 | US Bank Altitude Reserve | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $400 | · $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 6% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 720 | = 720 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
US Bank Altitude Reserve
- 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals via US Bank Travel
- 3x on travel + mobile-wallet purchases
- 1.5x redemption rate when used for travel
- $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select (4 free visits/year)
- Up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
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
FAQ
›US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. US Bank Altitude Reserve wins on 2 criteria, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use US Bank Altitude Reserve for its best categories, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel). Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months.