The Marriott Bonvoy program is unique in that it has credit card partnerships with two different issuers: Chase and American Express.
If you’re in the market for a new card, you may be torn between the mid-tier Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) from Chase and the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Deciding between a mid-tier credit card and a premium credit card is challenging enough, but when the cards you’re considering are subject to different application rules, the decision becomes even harder.
Let’s demystify the decision and help you determine whether the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card makes more sense for you.
Bonvoy Boundless vs. Bonvoy Brilliant comparison
| Bonvoy Boundless | Bonvoy Brilliant | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome offer | Earn five free nights (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. |
Earn 100,000 bonus points after making $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership and an extra 50,000 bonus points after making an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first six months. . |
| Annual fee | $95 | $650 (see rates and fees) |
| Bonus categories |
|
|
| Free night award | Receive one free award night (up to 35,000 points) every year after the account anniversary. Certain hotels have resort fees. | Receive one free award night (worth up to 85,000 points) every year after the account anniversary at participating Marriott hotels. Certain hotels have resort fees. |
| Elite status | Enjoy complimentary Silver Elite status. Earn Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on purchases in a calendar year. | Enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status. |
| Benefits |
|
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply. |
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Bonvoy Boundless vs. Bonvoy Brilliant welcome offer
New Bonvoy Boundless cardholders can earn five free nights (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.
If you maximize each free night award, plus earn the 50,000 points, TPG’s June 2025 valuations make this welcome offer worth up to $1,750.
Transferring points can be a good choice in some specific instances, such as transferring them to American Airlines AAdvantage to take advantage of sweet spots. However, you’ll usually get a lower value from your points if you transfer them to airlines, so we generally recommend avoiding this option except to top off your miles balances when needed.
Additionally, you can easily transfer points between Marriott Bonvoy accounts, whether between two accounts belonging to the same person or transferring points to a friend or family member. Point transfers are free and can be completed online.
Winner: Tie. Both cards have access to the same transfer partners and can transfer to friends and family.
: Should you transfer hotel points to airline partners?
Should I get the Bonvoy Boundless or the Bonvoy Brilliant?
The Bonvoy Boundless, with a reasonable $95 annual fee, is the best choice for beginner travelers and those who stay at Marriott properties just a couple of times each year. Conversely, with a much higher $650 annual fee, the Bonvoy Brilliant is best for Marriott loyalists who want Platinum Elite status and can maximize its other benefits.
: Free nights and easy status: Why I have 3 Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and pay over $1,200 in annual fees
Bottom line
Once you’ve confirmed that you are eligible to apply for either Chase’s Bonvoy Boundless or Amex’s Bonvoy Brilliant, the choice comes down to your travel habits and how often you stay at Marriott properties.
If you’re a beginner traveler or you aren’t committed to Marriott, consider the more affordable Bonvoy Boundless. If you’re a dedicated Marriott vacationer, you can’t go wrong with the Bonvoy Brilliant and its plethora of benefits to help elevate your hotel stays.
To learn more, see our full reviews of the Bonvoy Boundless and the Bonvoy Brilliant.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.