American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve?

American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve returns $60 over its fee and American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant returns $320, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.

American Express Marriott Bonvoy BrilliantAmerican Express · $650 fee · 2 credits

American Express Delta SkyMiles ReserveAmerican Express · $650 fee · 4 credits

NET VALUE-$320$330 credits

NET VALUE-$60$590 credits

CATEGORY	MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT	DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE
🍽️Food & Dining	$300	$240
🌎Travel	—	$200
🚗Transportation	—	$120
Airline Companion Certificates	—	Delta First Class Companion Certificate
Hotel Free Night Certificates	Marriott 85k Free Night	—
Lounge Access	—	Centurion Lounge Access Delta Sky Club Access
Total credits	$330	$590
Annual fee	$650	$650
Net value	-$320	-$60

AMERICAN EXPRESSAmerican Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

FEE$650

CREDITS$330

NET-$320

Category wins1 of 3

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

HOTEL FREE NIGHT CERTIFICATES

Marriott 85k Free Night

BEST NET VALUE

AMERICAN EXPRESSAmerican Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve

FEE$650

CREDITS$590

NET-$60

Category wins2 of 3

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

AIRLINE COMPANION CERTIFICATES

Delta First Class Companion Certificate

LOUNGE ACCESS

Centurion Lounge Access

Delta Sky Club Access

TAKE THE AMEX MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT IF

You use food & dining.

TAKE THE AMEX DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE IF

You use travel, transportation. Travel and Transportation alone are worth $320 here and nothing on the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Where to use each card

AMEX MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT

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AMEX DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better, American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve?

The American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve is better with -$60 net annual value compared to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant at -$320. The American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve wins by $260/year.

What's the difference between American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve?

The key differences: American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve has a $650 annual fee and $590 in annual benefits, while American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant has a $650 annual fee and $330 in annual benefits.

Is the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve worth it compared to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant?

Yes, the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve offers better value with -$60 net annual value compared to -$320 for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. It also has a similar annual fee.

Which card is better for travel?

The American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve is better for travel with $200 in annual travel benefits compared to $0 for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Should I get the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve?

If you're deciding between the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve, the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve is the better choice with -$60 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.