Savvy TPG readers may take one look at this article’s headline and object to its entire premise. Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card So before we get into this comparison, let’s address the elephant in the room.
However, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Although it’s currently Marriott’s only premium-level card technically available to new applicants, there is a workaround to get the now-closed Ritz card. Chase allows cardholders of other personal Marriott-branded Chase cards. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card — You can change products to your Ritz-Carlton Card as long as you’ve held your card for at least 12 months.
Technicalities aside, let’s directly compare the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card and the Ritz-Carlton Card to determine which one is better for you and whether you should have both at the same time.
Ritz-Carlton Card information was independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been verified or provided by the card issuer.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Ritz Carlton Card Comparison
Here are the basics of the major categories for these two cards:
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | ritz carlton card | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 (see Rates and fees) | $450 |
| welcome bonus | Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within your first six months of cardmembership. | Not applicable |
| rate of return |
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| credit |
|
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| elite status | Automatic Platinum Elite Status at Marriott Bonvoy |
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| Free accommodation | Free nights per year (up to 85,000 points) after card renewal. Some hotels charge a resort fee. | Free nights per year after card renewal (up to 85,000 points) |
| Other benefits |
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs. Ritz-Carlton Card Welcome Offer
of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant We’re currently offering a welcome offer of 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within your first six months of cardmembership.
TPG January 2025 evaluation Bonvoy points are pegged at 0.85 cents each, making this offer worth $808.
However, the Ritz-Carlton Card is no longer available for new members, so there is no welcome bonus. Bonus points will not be awarded if the product is changed to a Ritz-Carlton card.
Of course, make sure you are Eligible for bonus Before applying to Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
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winner: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant – Self-explanatory.
Related: The best time to apply for these Amex cards based on offer history
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs. Ritz-Carlton Card Benefits
Both cards offer valuable statement credits, automatic elite status, a free anniversary night, and valuable travel coverage. There are several differences between the two.
of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant accessories:
- Priority Pass Select Membership for you and 2 guests
- Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits on dining at restaurants worldwide.
- automatic platinum elite status
- 25 Elite Night Credits per calendar year
- Earn a Choice Award after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in each calendar year
The Ritz-Carlton Card, on the other hand, comes with the following benefits:
- Priority Pass Select Membership
- Earn up to $300 in statement credits for eligible airline incidentals, including baggage fees, lounge access, and in-flight Wi-Fi.
- automatic gold elite status
- 15 elite night credits per year
- 3 Upgrades to Ritz-Carlton Club Level on Paid Stays of up to 7 Nights
- Avis, National, and Silvercar rental car benefits
If you’re looking for elite status with Bonvoy, you can benefit from higher status and more annual elite night credits with Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. However, these benefits come with a fairly high annual fee. If you want to take advantage of Ritz-Carlton’s club level and car rental benefits, or if you want a lower annual fee, the Ritz-Carlton Card is a great option.
winner: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. It has a higher status level and a $300 annual dining credit, which is easier for many people to use than the Ritz-Carlton card’s airline credit.
Related: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant worth the $650 annual fee?
Earn points with Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs. Ritz-Carlton Card
The winning rates for the two cards are very similar. Both cards earn 6 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott hotels, 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines worldwide, and 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. Earn 2 points. Keeping in mind TPG’s January 2025 valuation, this essentially translates into a return of about 5% on Marriott purchases, 2.5% on restaurants and flights, and 1.7% on everyday spending.
However, the Ritz-Carlton Card also earns you 3 points per dollar spent on rental cars, so you’ll effectively earn about 2.5% back on those purchases as well.
winner: Ritz Carlton Card. Earn bonus points on rental cars. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
Related: How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Redeem and Transfer Points with Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs. Ritz-Carlton Cards
Ritz Carlton card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant They both earn Marriott Bonvoy points, so there’s no difference when it comes to redemption. Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights at more than 8,000 properties across nearly 30 brands in more than 125 countries, or redeem them for airline miles to buy free flights.
Marriott points mostly transfer to over 40 frequent flyer programs at a 2.4:1 ratio, considering the 5,000 mile bonus awarded for every 60,000 points transferred to most programs.
winner: tie. Both of these cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points, so the redemption options are comparable.
Related: How to redeem points in the Marriott Bonvoy program
Should I get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or the Ritz-Carlton Card?
If you want a welcome bonus, an easy path to Bonvoy elite status, and the option to earn selection prizes, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is a better option. However, if you’re looking for Bonvoy benefits with a lower annual fee, maxed out airline credit, and Ritz-Carlton Club access and car rental benefits, the Ritz-Carlton Card is a better option.
Can I switch from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant to the Ritz-Carlton Card?
of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is an American Express card, and the Ritz-Carlton card is a Chase card. Therefore, you cannot change products between the two cards. As mentioned above, the only way to get a Ritz-Carlton card is to convert from another Chase Marriott card after holding it for at least a year.
Related: The ultimate guide to upgrading your credit card
conclusion
Unlike other comparisons, there is no clear winner in this showdown. To determine the winner, you need to consider the eligibility of either card and the value you get from either card. If you can justify Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s high annual fee and appreciate Bonvoy’s great benefits, it’s probably the best option for you. However, if you want a lower annual fee and have a Chase Bonvoy card that you can convert to a Ritz-Carlton card, you can choose to go that route.
Read the full review for more details. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and ritz carlton card.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Click here for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant rates and fees. here.
