The Platinum Card® by American Express and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card are two premium credit cards that cater to distinct financial needs and lifestyle preferences.
In this comparison, we'll delve into the key features and benefits of each card to help you make an informed choice based on your unique priorities and spending habits.
Amex Platinum vs. Marriott Brilliant: General Comparison
The Amex Platinum Card is renowned for its extensive travel perks. Cardholders enjoy access to luxurious airport lounges, annual airline fee credits, and elite status with various hotel and car rental companies.
It also offers valuable travel insurance and concierge services. While it doesn't focus solely on hotel rewards, its broad spectrum of benefits appeals to frequent travelers.
In contrast, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is designed for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties. Cardholders earn generous Marriott Bonvoy points for their spending, which can be redeemed for hotel stays, upgrades, and more.
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|---|---|---|
The Amex Platinum Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates and Fees. | $650. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases. Terms Apply. | 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases |
Welcome bonus | 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 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 |
0% Intro APR | None | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | ||
Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable | 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
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Compare Rewards: Amex Platinum vs. Marriott Brilliant
The Brilliant card rewards ratio is a bit better for the average consumer. However, its points are worth less compared to the Amex card.
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Spend Per Category | The Platinum Card® | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 points | 20,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 5,000 points | 15,000 points |
$6,000 – Hotels | 30,000 points | 36,000 points |
$8,000 – Airline
| 40,000 points | 24,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 points | 8,000 points |
Total Points | 89,000 points | 103,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents | 1 point ~ 0.8 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $534 – $1,424 | $824 |
With the Marriott Brilliant card, you earn and redeem points for free nights at Marriott hotels, travel experiences, and exclusive events. Also, you can transfer points to airline or use it to pay for car rentals, merchandise or book an experience with Marriot Moments.
With an American Express Platinum card, you can redeem points for travel, statement credits, merchandise or transfer points to airline and hotel partners for added flexibility. Also, Amex offers exclusive events and shopping perks, enhancing the overall rewards experience.
Travel Benefits: Comparison
There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards. The Amex card offers a variety of credit statements which can be great for a different types of customers.
On the other hand, Marrriot offers Marriot-focused benefits such as free night award and Platinum elite status.
The Amex Platinum Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: As a Platinum Card member, you have the opportunity to enroll in complimentary Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
- Priority Pass: Platinum Card members enjoy a complimentary membership in Priority Pass Select, granting them access to over 1,400 lounges across the globe. It's important to note that this membership does not include access to Priority Pass restaurant lounges
- Dedicated Service Team: You will get access to a customer service team that is operational 24/7, so you can resolve any issues instantly.
- Up to $200/$120 in Uber Cash. You can also become an Uber VIP to be matched with top rated drivers without needing to meet any minimum ride requirements. Up to $200 if you carry the Platinum Card and $120 for Gold Cards. Enrollment Required.
- Preferred Seating at sporting and cultural events, subject to availability
- $100 experience credit – receive a $100 experience credit when you reserve The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel for a delightful getaway of at least two nights. The specific value of the experience credit may vary depending on the property you choose.
- Extra Cards: Both of these cards allow you to add additional cards to your locknut with no additional fees. This allows you to earn rewards when other people make purchases, such as your spouse, children, or employees.
- Up to $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Get reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
- Signature perks at upscale hotels, which are part of the Amex Hotel Collection and you book through American Express Travel.
- Up to $200 hotel credit in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $240 or $20 per month in Digital Entertainment in statement credit when you pay for one or more The New York Times, Peacock or SiriusXM with your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit. When you use your card to pay for your monthly Walmart+ membership, you’ll get the full cost back every month. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $200 in Airline fee credit per year when you charge incidental travel fees from selected airlines on your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $300 back every year in statement credit for eligible Equinox memberships when you enroll and pay using your card (subject to auto-renewal).
- Up to $199 back per year when you use your card to pay for a CLEAR® plus membership. Enrollment Required.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status with the card, allowing you to earn up to 5X points on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
- Earned Choice Award: After spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you can choose an Earned Choice Award benefit such as getting Suite Night Awards™ (five) to redeem for upgrades to select premium rooms and suites, gift Marriott Bonvoy® Silver Elite Status to a family member or friend and more.
- $300 Dining Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits annually ($25 per month) for eligible restaurant purchases with the Brilliant card.
- Free Night Award: Receive one Free Night Award each year after your card renewal month, valid for a one-night stay (up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Get up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotels when booking a special rate for a minimum 2-night stay.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck: Receive a statement credit every 4 years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck application fees when paid with your card.
- 25 Elite Night Credits: Get 25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year toward achieving higher levels of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
- Priority Pass Select: Enjoy unlimited lounge visits for yourself and up to two guests at no extra charge with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, offering access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
- Premium Internet Access: Receive complimentary in-room premium Internet access at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties.
- American Express Experiences: Gain exclusive access to ticket presales and Card Member-only events, including entertainment options like Broadway shows, concerts, family events, and more. Visit the American Express website for more information.
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Can I Transfer Amex Platinum Points To Marriot?
Yes, you can transfer Amex Platinum points to Marriott. The current transfer ratio is 1 Membership Rewards point to 1 Marriott Bonvoy point. If you are an occasional visitor at Marriot, you can use the Amex card and transfer points when needed.
This means that for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points you transfer, you will receive 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The minimum transfer amount is 1,000 Membership Rewards points, and the maximum transfer amount is 999,900 Membership Rewards points.
Marriott's exceptional loyalty program, known as Marriott Bonvoy, grants you access to Marriott's best rates at over 6,700 hotels spanning 29 distinct brands in 130 countries.”
Insurance Benefits: Comparison
Both cards offer a variety of insurance benefits. Most of them are quite similar, but there are some differences in coverage between them. Also, Marriot coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
The Amex Platinum Card
- Fraud Protection: You're protected from fraudulent charges, and if you spot any suspicious transactions, simply contact Amex.
- Baggage Insurance: When you use your card to purchase your fare, you'll have baggage insurance covering up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on if they're lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get reimbursed for cell phone repair or replacement (including cracked screens) up to $800 per claim, with a maximum of 2 approved claims per 12-month period, provided your cell phone line is on a wireless bill paid by your Eligible Card Account, subject to a $50 deductible.
- Return Protection: You can return eligible purchases to Amex if the seller won't accept them, within 90 days from the date of purchase, for a refund of up to $300 per item, with a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, when purchased entirely with your eligible Amex Card.
- Purchase Protection: Covered Purchases made with your Eligible Card are protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, covering accidental damage, theft, or loss, up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.
- Extended Warranty: For Covered Purchases, your Eligible Card extends the original manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year, applicable to warranties of 5 years or less, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you use your Eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire rental, and decline the rental company's CDW, you're covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory, with some exclusions and restrictions.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 6 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can reimburse certain additional expenses, up to $500 per trip, with a maximum of 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive months.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: When you purchase a round-trip with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, you can reimburse non-refundable expenses, up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive months, subject to terms and conditions.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you use your Eligible Card to reserve and pay for a rental vehicle and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter, you can be covered for damage to or theft of the rental vehicle in certain territories, with some exclusions and restrictions.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: You can receive coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket using your Eligible Card, with coverage up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, subject to limits and conditions.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: If you purchase a round-trip with your Eligible Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, this insurance can provide assistance in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, subject to terms and conditions.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your trip is delayed by a covered reason for more than 6 hours and you paid for the round-trip with your Eligible Card, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses, up to $500 per trip, with a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period.
- Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases made with your card can be protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, providing coverage for theft, accidental damage, or loss, with coverage up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.
- Extended Warranty: When you use your Eligible Card for covered purchases, you can receive an additional year of warranty coverage for warranties of 5 years or less on eligible purchases in the United States or its territories.
- Cell Phone Protection: This embedded benefit offers reimbursement for repair or replacement costs following damage or theft of your cell phone, up to $800 per claim, with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period, subject to a $50 deductible and additional terms and conditions.
Main Drawbacks: Comparison
American Express Platinum Card
- Limited Hotel-Specific Benefits
The American Express Platinum Card provides extensive travel perks but lacks hotel-specific benefits beyond its Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
In contrast, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is tailored to Marriott enthusiasts, offering elite status, annual free night awards, and property credits.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- Limited Credits And Travel Benefits
While the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers excellent benefits for Marriott enthusiasts, its travel perks are more limited compared to the American Express Platinum Card. The latter provides broader airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and travel insurance benefits.
- Points Flexibility
While the American Express Platinum Card earns Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, including Marriott Bonvoy, the transfer ratio may not be as favorable as earning Marriott points directly with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card.
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When You Might Want the Amex Platinum?
Here are situations where you might prefer the American Express Platinum Card over the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card:
- You Want Versatile Travel Benefits: If you desire a wide range of travel perks beyond just hotel-related benefits, the American Express Platinum Card offers extensive airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and broader travel insurance coverage, making it a better choice.
- You Value Transferable Points: If you prioritize the flexibility of earning Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, the American Express Platinum Card provides more versatile points-earning potential compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card.
- You're Not Loyal to Marriott: If you don't frequently stay at Marriott properties and prefer to explore different hotel brands and options, the American Express Platinum Card allows you to enjoy its premium travel benefits without being tied to a specific hotel loyalty program.
When You Might Want the Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant?
You might prefer the Brilliant card over the Amex Platinum card if:
You Want to Maximize Marriott Stays: If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and are looking for exclusive Marriott benefits, such as annual free night awards, elite status, and property credits, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is tailored for you.
You Prefer Hotel-Specific Benefits: If you prioritize hotel-specific perks like complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, and annual free nights at Marriott hotels, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers a more hotel-centric focus compared to the broader travel benefits of the Amex Platinum.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a premium travel credit card with airline rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
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Capital One Venture X | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | |
Annual Fee | $395 | $550 | $99 (waived for the first 12 months)
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Rewards |
1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases |
1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. |
1X – 2X
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
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Welcome bonus |
75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening |
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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50,000 Miles
50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
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Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) | 22.49%–29.49% variable | 21.24% – 29.99% (Variable) |
Compare Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card
While there is no big difference when it comes to points rewards, the Brilliant offers lounge access, credit statements, and Platinum status.
The Brilliant is more expensive than the Bevy card but offers more premium perks such as dining credit, lounge access, and TSA PreCheck.
There is no real difference in annual cashback, despite the difference in annual fees. However, the Brilliant card offers premium hotel perks.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful vs Brilliant: : Which Card Is Best?
While the Brilliant card focuses on benefits tailored to Marriott enthusiasts, the Chase Reserve focuses on general, luxury travel perks.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Luxury Travel Card Is Best?
Surprisingly, while having a lower annual fee, the Hilton Amex Aspire's estimated cashback value is higher than the Marriot Brilliant's card.
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Compare American Express Platinum Card
If you're looking for everyday spending rewards, the Amex Gold Card offers more. But for travel rewards benefits, there is a clear winner.
When it comes to premium travel rewards, both may be the best cards in the market. But who is the winner between the two? Here's our analysis.
American Express Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The Infinite Card is tailored for frequent United flyers, while the Amex Platinum offers a more lucrative, comprehensive rewards program.
While the Amex Platinum Card offers extensive travel perks and redemption options, the Delta Reserve Card has better airline-specific perks.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The Amex Platinum wins when it comes to redemption options and protections, but the Venture X is cheaper and offers great travel benefits.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Capital One Venture X: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The Hilton Aspire is surprising with its higher estimated annual cashback value, but the Platinum card wins at premium travel perks.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Hilton Amex Aspire: Side By Side Comparison
If you need premium travel perks and versatility – the Amex Platinum wins. Need airline benefits and lower fees? Consider the Delta Platinum.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The AAdvantage Executive card offers higher cashback value, but when it comes to premium travel perks, the Amex Platinum is the winner.
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite vs. Amex Platinum Card
The Amex Platinum card is a clear winner as it offers much higher annual cashback value, luxury travel perks, and various travel protections.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard: How They Compare?
The Amex Platinum is our winner due to its higher annual cashback value, redemption options, and better luxury perks than the Altitude Reserve.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite vs. Amex Platinum Card: How They Compare?
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- Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
