American Express® Gold Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
American Express® Gold Card
$325/yr
7.5/10
VS
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
$650/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
American Express® Gold Card charges $325/yr with 1X base rewards. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant charges $650/yr with 1X base rewards. American Express® Gold Card 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
American Express® Gold Card
Lower annual fee ($325 vs $650)
Rewards Earning
American Express® Gold Card
4 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
American Express® Gold Card
6 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
$400 in annual credits
Flexibility
Tie
Both cards have similar redemption flexibility
OUR PICK
American Express® Gold Card wins for most people
The $325 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for American Express® Gold CardPREMIUM 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
American Express® Gold Card
| Dining | 4.0X |
| U.S. Supermarkets | 4.0X (up to $25,000) |
| Flights | 3.0X |
| 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
American Express® Gold Card (6 benefits)
- Trip Delay Insurance (up to $500)
- Baggage Insurance Plan
- 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.