American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Citi Strata Elite?
Citi Strata Elite returns $135 over its fee and American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant returns $320, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT | CITI STRATA ELITE |
|---|---|---|
| 🌎Travel | — | $500 |
| 🍽️Food & Dining | $300 | — |
| 🎭Entertainment & Media | — | $200 |
| 🚗Transportation | — | $200 |
| Hotel Free Night Certificates | — | |
| Lounge Access | — | |
| Total credits | $330 | $730 |
| Annual fee | $650 | $595 |
| Net value | -$320 | +$135 |

You use food & dining. Food & Dining alone is worth $300 here and nothing on the Citi Strata Elite.
You use travel, entertainment & media, transportation. Travel and Entertainment & Media and Transportation alone are worth $900 here and nothing on the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Citi Strata Elite?
The Citi Strata Elite is better with $135 net annual value compared to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant at -$320. The Citi Strata Elite wins by $455/year.
What's the difference between American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Citi Strata Elite?
The key differences: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant has a $650 annual fee and $730 in annual benefits, while Citi Strata Elite has a $595 annual fee and $330 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $55.
Which has a lower annual fee, American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Citi Strata Elite?
The Citi Strata Elite has a lower annual fee at $595 compared to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant at $650. However, the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant offers $330 in total annual benefits.
Is the Citi Strata Elite worth it compared to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant?
Yes, the Citi Strata Elite offers better value with $135 net annual value compared to -$320 for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. It also has a lower annual fee.
Amex vs Citi: which issuer is better?
For these specific cards, Citi's Citi Strata Elite offers better value with $135 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.
Which card is better for travel?
The Citi Strata Elite is better for travel with $500 in annual travel benefits compared to $0 for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
Should I get the Citi Strata Elite?
If you're deciding between the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Citi Strata Elite, the Citi Strata Elite is the better choice with $135 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.
Other comparisons
NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACHMORE AMEX MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Explorer
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
MORE CITI STRATA ELITE COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Explorer
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey