Both American Express Platinum Card® and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card are premium travel cards offering lots of perks.
The Amex Platinum offers the most comprehensive airport lounge network available, giving you access to premium Centurion Lounges plus thousands of other lounges worldwide. You can easily offset the card’s large annual fee through generous credits for Uber, hotels, digital entertainment, Resy dining, and lifestyle brands like lululemon.
The Bonvoy Brilliant offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status and valuable perks like an annual free night certificate that can be used at many premium Marriott properties. The card includes generous monthly restaurant credits and provides elite nights toward status each year, making it a strong choice for Marriott travelers.
This article will compare each card based on several factors to help you make an informed decision on which card is the best to add to your wallet.
Full Reviews: American Express Platinum Card® and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Overview: Amex Platinum vs. Bonvoy Brilliant
- bonus_miles_full
- Up to a $300 Statement Credit for Eligible Purchases at Restaurants Worldwide Each Year ($25 Per Month)
- Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status
- 25 Elite Night Credits Each Year
- Free Anniversary Night Award (Up to 85,000 Points)
- Priority Pass™ Airport Lounge Access
- $650 Annual Fee and No Foreign Transaction Fees (Rates and Fees)
Welcome Bonuses
Amex Platinum:
The American Express Platinum currently offers the following welcome bonus: bonus_miles_full
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant:
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex currently offers the following welcome bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earning Rewards
Amex Platinum:
Cardmembers are also eligible for targeted Amex Offers that could boost earning rates at various merchants.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant:
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex earns Marriott Bonvoy® points at the following rates:
Winner:
Amex Platinum for a few reasons. Amex Membership Rewards points are worth about 2-3x more than Marriott Bonvoy points. The Amex Platinum is the best card for booking flights, but not great for other categories. Whereas the Bonvoy Brilliant earns a decent amount of points at Marriott and restaurants, but you could easily replace it with another card that earns more rewards in those categories.
Card Benefits and Perks
Amex Platinum:
The Amex Platinum offers the most benefits of any credit card, including the following: Lounge Access: Eligible Card members get access to the extensive American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Lufthansa lounges (when flying Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian) and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Platinum members receive 10 Delta Sky Club visits annually per eligible card (unless you spend $75,000 in a calendar year) when traveling on same-day Delta flights. Airline Fee Credit: You’ll receive up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one qualifying airline of your choice.* Hotel Credits: You’ll receive up to $600 in hotel credits annually with this card, split into two convenient semi-annual periods. The credit structure gives you up to $300 from January through June and another $300 from July through December.* Uber Cash: Your card provides up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, distributed as up to $15 monthly credits, plus a bonus of up to $20 in December. These credits can be used for both Uber rides and Uber Eats orders within the United States when you add your Platinum Card as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.* Uber One Credit: You’ll receive up to $120 annually in statement credits after purchasing an auto-renewing Uber One membership with your card, which is separate from the existing $200 annual Uber Cash benefit.* CLEAR Plus Credit: You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with this card.* Digital Entertainment Credit: You’ll receive up to $25 monthly (up to $300 annually) in credits toward popular streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and digital subscriptions to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. * Resy Dining Credit: You’ll receive up to $100 quarterly (up to $400 annually) in statement credits when you use your card for eligible dining purchases at over 10,000 U.S. Resy restaurants.* Lululemon Shopping Credit: You’ll receive up to $75 quarterly (up to $300 annually) in statement credits when you use your card for eligible purchases with Lululemon in the U.S.* Oura Ring Credit: You’ll receive up to $200 annually in credits when you use your card to purchase an Oura Ring through ouraring.com.* Equinox Credit: Enjoy up to $300 in annual statement credits toward Equinox gym memberships or the Equinox+ fitness app (subject to auto-renewal).* SoulCycle Benefit: You can receive up to $300 in statement credits toward the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike (up to 15 bikes per calendar year). To qualify, you must be enrolled in an Equinox+ membership when making your purchase.* Walmart+ Credit: Receive up to $155 in statement credits annually (up to $12.95 monthly plus applicable taxes) covering a Walmart+ membership when paying with your Platinum Card. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: You’ll get a $120 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or up to $85 credit for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years. Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Enjoy up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits annually, divided into two $50 credits (January-June and July-December).* Hotel Elite Status: Enjoy complimentary Gold status with both Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and Leaders Club hotel programs.* Car Rental Status: Enjoy complimentary elite status with multiple car rental agencies: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle, Avis Preferred Plus, and National Emerald Club Executive. Premium Hotel Programs: You’ll have access to exclusive Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection booking programs. These provide valuable perks like room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout, and unique property amenities during your stays. Travel Protections: Your Platinum Card covers trip delays over six hours (up to $500), cancellations/interruptions (up to $10,000), secondary rental car insurance when declining the rental company’s waiver, and baggage insurance for lost, damaged, or stolen items when purchasing tickets with your card.** Shopping Protections: Your Platinum Card safeguards purchases with extended warranty coverage adding up to one year to eligible manufacturer’s warranties, protection against theft, damage, or loss for 90 days, potential reimbursement when merchants refuse returns within 90 days, and cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with your card.** * Enrollment is required for select benefits. ** Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant:
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex offers the following benefits and perks: $300 Annual Restaurant Credit: Each month, you’ll receive $25 back on restaurant purchases worldwide, all automatically applied to your statement. This credit refreshes monthly and works at restaurants globally, making it easy to maximize during both local dining and international travel. Free Night Award: Your anniversary free night certificate covers rooms costing up to 85,000 points, significantly more valuable than other Marriott cards’ certificates. You can even add up to 15,000 points to book properties costing up to 100,000 points per night. Platinum Elite Status: You’ll automatically receive Platinum Elite status, granting you valuable perks like suite upgrades when available, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and executive lounge access at participating properties. This status level also includes breakfast benefits at most brands and a 50% bonus on base points earned during stays. $100 Luxury Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card. Priority Pass: Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, granting you unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide upon enrollment. Escape the hustle and bustle of the terminal and relax in a comfortable lounge with amenities like free Wi-Fi, food, and drinks. Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit: This card offers a credit for TSA PreCheck (expedited airport security) or Global Entry (expedited airport security and customs). Elite Night Head Start: Starting each calendar year with 25 elite nights gives you a significant boost toward higher status tiers. These nights can be combined with the 15 nights from a Marriott business card, potentially starting you at 40 nights annually. Cell Phone Protection: When you use your card to pay your monthly phone bill, you’ll receive valuable coverage against damage or theft of your device.* Trip Delay Insurance: When your trip is significantly delayed due to covered reasons like equipment failures or severe weather, this protection reimburses you for reasonable expenses including lodging, meals, toiletries, and medication. The coverage activates when you pay for travel with your card and extends to family members on the same itinerary, though you’ll need to seek reimbursement from the travel carrier first.* Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation.* Baggage Insurance Plan covers your baggage if it is lost, damaged, or stolen and you purchase your ticket with this card.* Secondary Rental Car Insurance: This card provides backup protection for rental car damage or theft when you charge the full rental to your card.* Return Protection allows cardholders to receive a refund for purchased items within a certain timeframe for items that merchants may not accept for return.* * Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Travel and Purchase Benefits
Winner:
It depends on how much you fly and how often you stay at Marriott Hotels. The Amex Platinum has much better airport lounge access and the lower Marriott Gold elite status. Wheras the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex offers more valuable Platinum elite status and 25 elite night credits to help you reach the next level of status.
Value of the Annual Fees
American Express Platinum:
The Amex Platinum comes with a hefty annual fee of $895 (rates & fees), which can be offset if you take advantage of the numerous credits and great airport lounge access. There is also a $195 annual fee for each additional authorized user Platinum Card, who also receive airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and hotel and rental car elite status. For example, if you had three authorized users with Amex Platinum cards, your additional fee would be $585. Alternatively, you can add for free up to 99 Companion Cards for free, which allows you to earn points for spending on the Companion Card, but there are no perks like airport lounge access.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant:
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes with a large $650 annual fee (rates & fees), but offers several valuable benefits that help offset the cost, including up to $300 in annual restaurant credits ($25 monthly), an annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points, and automatic Platinum Elite status.
Winner:
The Amex Platinum since it’s easier to offset the annual fee as long as you take advantage of the credits.
Redeeming Rewards
American Express Platinum:
American Express Membership Rewards points are a versatile and valuable currency for travelers. The program offers numerous redemption options, with transfers to airline partners being the most lucrative way to use your points. Amex partners with 18 airlines and 3 hotel chains, allowing you to access a wide range of travel possibilities. Some of the best redemptions include booking business class flights to Europe through Air France-KLM Flying Blue for as low as 50,000 miles one-way. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club offers excellent value for Delta One flights to Europe at 50,000 points, significantly less than booking directly through Delta. For those planning a trip to Asia, transferring to ANA Mileage Club can yield incredible value. Round-trip business class flights from the West Coast to Tokyo can be booked for just 90,000 miles. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is another great option, especially for their renowned long-haul flights like New York to Singapore. Domestic travelers can benefit from transferring to British Airways Executive Club for short-haul American and Alaska Airlines flights, with awards starting at just 8,250 Avios for distances up to 650 miles. While transferring to airline partners typically offers the best value, Amex also allows direct redemptions for flights through their travel portal. However, this option generally provides lower value at 1 cent per point. To maximize your Membership Rewards, focus on high-value airline transfers for premium cabin international flights. With strategic planning, you can unlock extraordinary travel experiences and significant savings on your next adventure.
Membership Rewards Transfer Partners [1 to 1]
Aer Lingus Avios
AeroMexico [1 to 1.6]
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
ANA
Avianca LifeMiles
British Airways Avios
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Delta SkyMiles
El Al [1,000 to 20]
Emirates
Etihad Guest
Hawaiian Airlines
Iberia Avios
JetBlue [250 to 200]
Qantas
Qatar Airways
Singapore KrisFlyer
Virgin Atlantic
Choice
Marriott Bonvoy
Hilton Honors [1 to 2]
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant:
Marriott Bonvoy points offer versatile redemption options, with hotel stays typically providing the best value. We value Marriott points at 0.82 cents per point based on our data study, but you can get the best value at luxury properties or during peak seasons. The program’s dynamic pricing model means rates fluctuate, so flexibility in your travel dates can help maximize value. A standout feature is the fifth night free on award stays, effectively giving you a 20% discount on longer bookings. This benefit applies to consecutive award nights and can significantly stretch your points. Marriott also offers Cash + Points options, allowing you to combine cash and points for more flexibility. Transferring Bonvoy points to airline partners is another valuable option. With a 3:1 transfer ratio for most airlines and a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred, this can be an excellent way to top up airline accounts or access niche programs. However, transfer times vary, so plan accordingly. For unique experiences, consider Marriott Bonvoy Moments. These exclusive events and activities, often unavailable for cash purchase, can provide memorable opportunities for point redemptions. While Marriott allows point redemptions for flights, car rentals, and cruises, these typically offer lower value compared to hotel stays or airline transfers. Unless you have a specific need or excess points, it’s generally best to avoid these options.
Winner:
Amex Platinum since Membership Rewards points are more flexible than Marriott Bonvoy Points.
The Verdict
The Amex Platinum and Bonvoy Brilliant are both good choices for luxury travel.
The Amex Platinum is a better choice if you value extensive airport lounge access over Marriott Platinum elite status and can utilize its many credits.
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex could be a good choice if you frequently stay at Marriott to take advantage of the Brilliant’s many Marriott-specific benefits.
Which card are you going to choose?
- bonus_miles_full
- Up to a $300 Statement Credit for Eligible Purchases at Restaurants Worldwide Each Year ($25 Per Month)
- Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status
- 25 Elite Night Credits Each Year
- Free Anniversary Night Award (Up to 85,000 Points)
- Priority Pass™ Airport Lounge Access
- $650 Annual Fee and No Foreign Transaction Fees (Rates and Fees)
