Comparison of Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card in Detail
Two Popular Travel Rewards Cards Offer Different Perks for Different Travelers
Two of the most popular travel rewards cards on the market cater to distinct traveler preferences: the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is geared towards general travelers seeking flexibility and strong travel protection. It offers 2x points on travel and dining (3x on select categories), primary car rental insurance, and comprehensive travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption coverage up to $10,000 per trip and trip delay reimbursement after 12 hours. Plus, its points can be transferred to many travel partners, making them more versatile for redeeming travel rewards beyond a single hotel brand.
On the other hand, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card targets frequent Marriott guests who value hotel perks. It grants automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status with benefits like room upgrades (including suites), late checkout, and annual free night awards worth up to 85,000 points. The card also includes Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 annual dining credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, and secondary car rental coverage. This card's rewards are more centered on Marriott stays and related travel benefits rather than flexible point transfers.
In terms of fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has an annual fee of $95, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card carries a heftier $650 annual fee. However, the Marriott card offers additional benefits such as a $100 Hotel Credit for on-site property credit when booking a minimum 2-night stay at a Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or St. Regis property, a Complimentary Premium Annual Hotel Night Certificate worth up to 85,000 points, and a $300 Dining Credit with up to $25 in statement credits each month for dining purchases.
Both cards offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fee Reimbursement, with statement credit of $120 for Global Entry and $85 for TSA PreCheck. They also provide Priority PassTM Select Membership, allowing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide upon enrollment.
For travelers seeking general flexibility and strong travel insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is recommended. For Marriott loyalists who value hotel perks and frequent stays, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers more specialized benefits.
[1] Chase Sapphire Preferred: [Link to Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Information] [2] Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: [Link to Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card Information] [3] Chase Travel: [Link to Chase Travel Information] [4] Marriott Bonvoy Boutique: [Link to Marriott Bonvoy Boutique Information]
- Interest in investing in business and personal-finance areas can be boosted by earning rewards points through the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, as its points can be transferred to various travel partners, providing flexibility for redeeming travel rewards. [Link to Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Information]
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card's strong travel protection benefits, such as primary car rental insurance and trip cancellation/interruption coverage, can offer financial security for travelers. [Link to Chase Travel Information]
- Those seeking to improve their personal-finance situation through different investment opportunities might find the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card advantageous, as its rewards are more centered on Marriott stays and related travel benefits, potentially offering opportunities for further investments in the hospitality industry. [Link to Marriott Bonvoy Boutique Information]
