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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. Both cards cater to different types of users, particularly those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels or are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Card Overviews
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Designed for frequent travelers and luxury seekers.
- Offers high-end benefits and rewards to enhance travel experiences.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Targeted towards business owners and frequent travelers.
- Provides a balance of rewards and business-oriented benefits.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $650 | $125 |
| Welcome Bonus | 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after $6,000 in purchases | 3 Free Night Awards after $6,000 in purchases |
| Rewards Structure | 6x at Marriott hotels, 3x at restaurants & flights, 2x on all other purchases | 6x at Marriott hotels, 4x at restaurants, gas, wireless, and shipping, 2x on all other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | Various fees apply | Various fees apply |
| Additional Benefits | Dining credits, free night awards, property credit, priority pass, etc. | Free night awards, Gold Elite status, discounts on bookings, etc. |
Rewards Highlights
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
- 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Pros and Cons
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Pros:
- High welcome bonus and extensive rewards structure.
- Luxury benefits suitable for frequent travelers.
- Free night award each year upon renewal.
- Dining credits and property credits enhance value.
- Cons:
- High annual fee of $650.
- More suited for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Pros:
- Lower annual fee of $125.
- Generous rewards structure for business-related expenses.
- Free night awards add significant value.
- Complimentary Gold Elite status provides added perks.
- Cons:
- Lower welcome bonus compared to Brilliant Card.
- Free night awards have a lower redemption level.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Ideal for luxury travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for premium benefits.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best suited for business owners or frequent travelers looking for a lower-cost option with solid rewards and benefits that cater to business expenses.
Conclusion
When choosing between the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, consider your individual travel habits and financial goals. Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different types of users, so it's essential to evaluate which aligns best with your lifestyle and spending patterns.