Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 2X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card have that the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card doesn't?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses on earn rates, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 2X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card have that the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card doesn't?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses on earn rates, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 2X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card have that the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card doesn't?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses on earn rates, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card ($150/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.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

$650

Welcome Bonus

130,000 Hotel

100,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card	Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Hilton Hotels	12X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card leads in 1.

Hilton Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 12X vs 2X

Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 2X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 2X

Online Shopping

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 4X vs 2X

Marriott Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 6X vs 3X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 2X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr — that's $500 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $500 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower annual fee ($150 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 Surpass Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 2X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card have that the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card doesn't?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses on earn rates, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $650/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Amex vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Amex vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Hilton Honors Aspire vs Hilton Honors Surpass

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

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 Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

$650

Welcome Bonus

130,000 Hotel

100,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card	Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Hilton Hotels	12X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card leads in 1.

Hilton Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 12X vs 2X

Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 2X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 2X

Online Shopping

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 4X vs 2X

Marriott Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 6X vs 3X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 2X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower annual fee ($150 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 Surpass Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 2X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card have that the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card doesn't?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses on earn rates, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $650/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Amex vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Amex vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Hilton Honors Aspire vs Hilton Honors Surpass

Explore More

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

$650

Welcome Bonus

130,000 Hotel

100,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card	Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Hilton Hotels	12X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card leads in 1.

Hilton Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 12X vs 2X

Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 2X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 2X

Online Shopping

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 4X vs 2X

Marriott Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 6X vs 3X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 2X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower annual fee ($150 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 Surpass Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card costs $650/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 2X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card have that the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card doesn't?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses on earn rates, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $650/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Amex vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Amex vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Hilton Honors Aspire vs Hilton Honors Surpass

Explore More

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast at select properties
+Earn Diamond status through $40,000 annual spend (extends through end of next year)
+$200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) covers most of the annual fee
+Free Night Reward earned after $15,000 annual spend
+Strong earning at 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas

+Automatic Platinum Elite status with room upgrades, late checkout, and lounge access at select brands
+25 Elite Night Credits annually accelerates path to Titanium/Ambassador status
+Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points (can book luxury properties)
+$300 annual dining credit offsets nearly half the annual fee
+Priority Pass Select with unlimited lounge visits

Cons

−$150 annual fee with no first-year waiver
−Quarterly credits require spending at Hilton properties (use-it-or-lose-it each quarter)
−Points locked to Hilton program with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Diamond status requires significant $40,000 spend threshold

−$650 annual fee is among the highest for hotel cards
−Dining credit is use-it-or-lose-it monthly ($25/month structure)
−Points locked to Marriott Bonvoy program with limited transfer partners
−American Express acceptance more limited than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Free Night Award capped at 85K points; top-tier properties often cost more

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast at select properties
+Earn Diamond status through $40,000 annual spend (extends through end of next year)
+$200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) covers most of the annual fee
+Free Night Reward earned after $15,000 annual spend
+Strong earning at 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas

+Automatic Platinum Elite status with room upgrades, late checkout, and lounge access at select brands
+25 Elite Night Credits annually accelerates path to Titanium/Ambassador status
+Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points (can book luxury properties)
+$300 annual dining credit offsets nearly half the annual fee
+Priority Pass Select with unlimited lounge visits

Cons

−$150 annual fee with no first-year waiver
−Quarterly credits require spending at Hilton properties (use-it-or-lose-it each quarter)
−Points locked to Hilton program with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Diamond status requires significant $40,000 spend threshold

−$650 annual fee is among the highest for hotel cards
−Dining credit is use-it-or-lose-it monthly ($25/month structure)
−Points locked to Marriott Bonvoy program with limited transfer partners
−American Express acceptance more limited than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Free Night Award capped at 85K points; top-tier properties often cost more

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast at select properties
+Earn Diamond status through $40,000 annual spend (extends through end of next year)
+$200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) covers most of the annual fee
+Free Night Reward earned after $15,000 annual spend
+Strong earning at 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas

+Automatic Platinum Elite status with room upgrades, late checkout, and lounge access at select brands
+25 Elite Night Credits annually accelerates path to Titanium/Ambassador status
+Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points (can book luxury properties)
+$300 annual dining credit offsets nearly half the annual fee
+Priority Pass Select with unlimited lounge visits

Cons

−$150 annual fee with no first-year waiver
−Quarterly credits require spending at Hilton properties (use-it-or-lose-it each quarter)
−Points locked to Hilton program with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Diamond status requires significant $40,000 spend threshold

−$650 annual fee is among the highest for hotel cards
−Dining credit is use-it-or-lose-it monthly ($25/month structure)
−Points locked to Marriott Bonvoy program with limited transfer partners
−American Express acceptance more limited than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Free Night Award capped at 85K points; top-tier properties often cost more

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?