American Express is recognized as the leader in the ultra-premium card industry, offering luxury travel benefits and exceptional service. Two standout products from Amex are The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. These cards come with a higher annual fee but offer a plethora of benefits that can easily outweigh the cost.
The Platinum Card from American Express boasts a welcome offer of 80,000 points after spending $8,000, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers 95,000 points after spending $6,000. With the earning potential, redemption options, airport lounge access, hotel and rental car program benefits, and travel protections, both cards offer unique perks.
In terms of earning potential, the Amex Platinum card is better for flights, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card excels in rewards at restaurants and Marriott hotels. The redemption options for both cards include transfers to travel partners for booking award travel. Both cards offer no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
The Amex Platinum card provides no preset spending limit and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers Platinum Elite status and a Free Night Award.
When it comes to annual fees, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a $695 annual fee, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card has a $650 annual fee. Enrolling authorized users will incur additional fees, but each card offers various benefits for authorized users.
In conclusion, the Amex Platinum card stands out for its valuable Membership Rewards points, excellent airport lounge access, and an array of benefits, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card appeals to loyal Marriott customers with its Platinum Elite status and Free Night Award. Both cards cater to luxury travelers seeking rewards and exclusive perks in the travel industry.