Blue Cash Preferred vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Blue Cash Preferred
$95/yr
7.0/10
VS

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
$650/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
Blue Cash Preferred charges $95/yr with 1X base rewards. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant charges $650/yr with 1X base rewards. Blue Cash Preferred offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.
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Winner by Category
Annual Fees
Blue Cash Preferred
Lower annual fee ($95 vs $650)
Rewards Earning
Blue Cash Preferred
5 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
Blue Cash Preferred
4 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
$400 in annual credits
Flexibility
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Transferable points to airline/hotel partners
OUR PICK
Blue Cash Preferred wins for most people
The $555 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for Blue Cash PreferredPREMIUM PICK
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for Marriott Bonvoy BrilliantRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
Blue Cash Preferred
| US supermarkets | 6.0X (up to $6,000) |
| Streaming services | 6.0X |
| Transit | 3.0X |
| US gas stations | 3.0X (up to $6,000) |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
| Marriott Bonvoy hotels | 6.0X |
| US restaurants | 3.0X |
| Flights (direct) | 3.0X |
| Everything else | 2.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
Blue Cash Preferred (4 benefits)
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
- Purchase Protection (up to $1,000)
- Extended Warranty
- Return Protection (up to $300)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (0 benefits)
See full review for benefits details.