Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Sapphire Reserve
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
$650/yr
6.0/10
VS
Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr
7.0/10
Quick Answer
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant charges $650/yr with 1X base rewards. Sapphire Reserve charges $795/yr with 1X base rewards. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 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
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Lower annual fee ($650 vs $795)
Rewards Earning
Sapphire Reserve
5 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
Sapphire Reserve
12 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Sapphire Reserve
$2348 in annual credits
Flexibility
Tie
Both cards have similar redemption flexibility
OUR PICK
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins for most people
The $145 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for Marriott Bonvoy BrilliantPREMIUM PICK
Sapphire Reserve wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for Sapphire ReserveRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
| Marriott Bonvoy hotels | 6.0X |
| US restaurants | 3.0X |
| Flights (direct) | 3.0X |
| Everything else | 2.0X |
Sapphire Reserve
| Chase Travel purchases including The Edit | 8.0X |
| Flights booked directly with airlines | 4.0X |
| Hotels booked directly | 4.0X |
| Dining worldwide | 3.0X |
| All other purchases | 1.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (0 benefits)
See full review for benefits details.
Sapphire Reserve (12 benefits)
- Emergency Medical and Dental (up to $2,500)
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement (up to $3,000)
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000)
- Trip Delay Reimbursement (up to $500)
- Baggage Delay Insurance (up to $100)
- Primary Auto Rental Coverage (up to $75,000)
- Purchase Protection (up to $10,000)
- Extended Warranty Protection
- Emergency Evacuation/Transportation (up to $100,000)
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounges (up to $469)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit (up to $120)
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status