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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card vs United Quest℠ Card
Introduction
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the United Quest℠ Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to their respective audiences, making it essential to understand their features and rewards structures to find the best fit for your spending habits and travel goals.
Card Overviews
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer Marriott hotels and enjoy luxury travel experiences. With high earning potential on hotel stays and dining, as well as numerous travel perks, this card is ideal for those looking to maximize their Marriott Bonvoy rewards.
United Quest℠ Card
The United Quest℠ Card caters to travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. Featuring rewards on United purchases and additional travel benefits like free checked bags and flight credits, this card is perfect for those who prioritize air travel and loyalty to the United Airlines brand.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | United Quest℠ Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $650 | $250 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months | Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 6X at Marriott hotels, 3X at restaurants and flights, 2X on other purchases | 3X on United purchases, 2X on travel/dining/streaming, 1X on other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | $100 property credit, various statement credits, fees may apply | Up to $125 purchase credit, potential award flight credits, fees may apply |
| Additional Benefits | Platinum Elite status, free night award, Priority Pass™ Select, cell phone protection | Free checked bags, priority boarding, award flight credits |
Rewards Highlights
United Quest℠ Card Rewards
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 3x miles on United® purchases.
- 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Rewards
- Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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
- High earning potential on Marriott stays and dining.
- Generous welcome bonus in Marriott points.
- Free night award annually.
- Platinum Elite status benefits.
- Dining and travel credits.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Cons
- High annual fee.
- Benefits may be less valuable for non-Marriott loyalists.
United Quest℠ Card Pros
- Lower annual fee compared to Marriott Bonvoy card.
- Free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Wide earning potential on travel and dining.
- Adequate welcome bonus of miles.
United Quest℠ Card Cons
- Fewer luxury travel benefits compared to Marriott Bonvoy card.
- Less valuable for non-United travelers.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- If you are a frequent traveler who stays at Marriott hotels and enjoys luxury perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is likely the better choice for you.
- If you primarily fly with United Airlines and value free checked bags and bonus miles, the United Quest℠ Card may be more suitable for your travel habits.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the United Quest℠ Card ultimately depends on your individual needs and travel preferences. Consider your spending patterns, travel frequency, and loyalty to hotel or airline brands when making your decision.