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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored for different types of travelers. Let's explore their features in detail.
Card Overviews
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is designed for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott hotels and enjoy luxurious perks. With a high annual fee, it offers extensive rewards and benefits, including dining credits and elite status enhancements.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is geared towards loyal United Airlines flyers. This card has a low introductory annual fee and provides various travel benefits, including free checked bags and priority boarding, making it ideal for those who frequently fly with United.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $650 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. |
| Rewards Structure | 6X points at Marriott, 3X points at restaurants and airlines, 2X points on other purchases. | 2X miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel; 1X mile on all other purchases. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Dining credits, free night award, elite status, lounge access, cell phone protection. | Free checked bag, priority boarding, United Club passes, global entry fee credit. |
Rewards Highlights
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Rewards
- 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.
Pros and Cons
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Pros
- Generous welcome bonus with high earning potential on hotel stays.
- Annual dining credit and free night award enhance value.
- Priority Pass lounge access adds comfort for travelers.
- Cell phone protection offers added peace of mind.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Cons
- High annual fee may deter casual travelers.
- Rewards are heavily tied to Marriott's ecosystem.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Pros
- Low introductory fee makes it accessible for new cardholders.
- Free first checked bag can result in significant savings.
- Priority boarding enhances travel experience.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Cons
- Standard annual fee kicks in after the first year.
- Less rewarding for non-United purchases compared to hotel cards.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
If you frequently stay at Marriott hotels and enjoy luxuries like dining credits and elite status perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is likely a better fit for you. Conversely, if you are a loyal United Airlines flyer who values free checked bags and priority boarding, the New United℠ Explorer Card would serve your travel needs well.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the New United℠ Explorer Card hinges on your individual travel habits and spending patterns. Consider your preferred travel accommodations and airlines, along with the rewards that matter most to you, to make the best decision.