Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins 4-2. Frequent Marriott guests, Platinum status from spend, free annual night. US Bank Cash+ is still the right call if 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen, fully customizable..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $650 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott properties
- 3x at restaurants + flights direct
- 2x on everything else
- Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status (with $25K spend)
- 85K-point Free Night Award annually
- $300 dining credit + $25 monthly Marriott credit
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant wins on more dimensions (4 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for its best categories, US Bank Cash+ for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 95,000 Bonvoy points after $6,000 spend in 6 months. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.