Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card ($650/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express

American Express
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Hilton Honors American Express Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Properties | 7X |
The Hilton Honors American Express Card wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card leads in 1.
Hilton Properties
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 2X
Hilton Hotels Resorts
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 2X
Dining
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 3X
Grocery Stores
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 2X
U.S. Gas Stations
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 2X
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 6X vs 3X
Everyday purchases
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 2X
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr — that's $650 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $650 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $650), making it the more accessible option.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.
For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more with its 3X base rate.
Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card ($650/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express

American Express
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Hilton Honors American Express Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Properties | 7X |
The Hilton Honors American Express Card wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card leads in 1.
Hilton Properties
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 2X
Hilton Hotels Resorts
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 2X
Dining
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 3X
Grocery Stores
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 2X
U.S. Gas Stations
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 2X
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 6X vs 3X
Everyday purchases
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 2X
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr — that's $650 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $650 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $650), making it the more accessible option.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.
For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more with its 3X base rate.
Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card ($650/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express

American Express
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Hilton Honors American Express Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Properties | 7X |
The Hilton Honors American Express Card wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card leads in 1.
Hilton Properties
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 2X
Hilton Hotels Resorts
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 2X
Dining
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 3X
Grocery Stores
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 2X
U.S. Gas Stations
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 2X
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 6X vs 3X
Everyday purchases
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 2X
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr — that's $650 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $650 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $650), making it the more accessible option.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.
For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more with its 3X base rate.
Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
| Hilton Hotels Resorts | 7X | 2X |
| Marriott Hotels | 3X | 6X |
| Dining | 5X | 3X |
| Grocery Stores | 5X | 2X |
| U.S. Gas Stations | 5X | 2X |
| Flights | 3X | 3X |
| Everything Else | 3X | 2X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.
Bottom line: The $650 gap is significant. Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card only if you spend heavily on marriott hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Hilton Honors American Express Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.
Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.
Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Card means losing:
Get the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you:
Get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you:
| Hilton Hotels Resorts | 7X | 2X |
| Marriott Hotels | 3X | 6X |
| Dining | 5X | 3X |
| Grocery Stores | 5X | 2X |
| U.S. Gas Stations | 5X | 2X |
| Flights | 3X | 3X |
| Everything Else | 3X | 2X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.
Bottom line: The $650 gap is significant. Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card only if you spend heavily on marriott hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Hilton Honors American Express Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.
Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.
Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Card means losing:
Get the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you:
Get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you:
| Hilton Hotels Resorts | 7X | 2X |
| Marriott Hotels | 3X | 6X |
| Dining | 5X | 3X |
| Grocery Stores | 5X | 2X |
| U.S. Gas Stations | 5X | 2X |
| Flights | 3X | 3X |
| Everything Else | 3X | 2X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.
Bottom line: The $650 gap is significant. Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card only if you spend heavily on marriott hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Hilton Honors American Express Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.
Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.
Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Card means losing:
Get the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you:
Get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you: