10 Best Credit Cards for Brilliant of October 2026
Top picks for Brilliant from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Brilliant, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns the top spot for Brilliant purchases at 2.1¢ per dollar at brilliant — a $650 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Brilliant purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
American Express
- +Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status — Offered automatically to eligible cardholders. Provided with the eligible Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card to the Basic Card Member only. Allow up to 12 weeks from account opening. Cancelling the card cancels this complimentary status.; Basic Card Member only; Additional Card Members do not receive this grant; While the eligible Brilliant card remains open. Your eligibility and completion of requirements are not verified.
- +Official cobrand card — earns Marriott Bonvoy on all purchases
- +3x on Flights booked direct — points worth 0.7¢ each
The Platinum Card from American Express
American Express
- +5x on Flights — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Est. $300/yr value — Fine Hotels + Resorts / Hotel Collection Credit
- +Est. $100/yr value — Airline Fee Credit
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
- +4x on Flights booked direct — points worth 1.8¢ each
- +Est. $240/yr value — Annual Travel Credit
- +Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Access
Why Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card wins for Brilliant
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card earns 2.1¢ per dollar at Brilliant, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 2.1¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $650 fee after about $30,950 a year in Brilliant spending. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Flights Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x Marriott Bonvoy | 2.1¢/$ | $650 | $150 | amex |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 7.5¢/$ | $895 | $632.50 | amex |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $588 | visa |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 4x Wells Fargo Rewards | 5.8¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Capital One Miles | 6.5¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| BMO EscapeBMO | 4x points | 4.0¢/$ | $150 | $12.50 | mastercard |
| U.S. Bank Shield Visa CardU.S. Bank | 4% cash back | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | $10 | visa |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $495 | $100 | mastercard |
More Options
How to maximize value at Brilliant
- Use Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card for Brilliant purchases — it earns 2.1¢ per dollar at Brilliant in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Brilliant; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card with The Platinum Card from American Express to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Plan a major Brilliant purchase around your card's welcome offer window — Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card's sign-up bonus is worth roughly $700 on top of base rewards.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Similar Brands
Other brands in Shopping where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Brilliant?
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card ranks #1 for Brilliant in our list at 2.1¢ per dollar at Brilliant — $650 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Brilliant?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Brilliant; check current portal rates before you buy.
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