United Gateway vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: Which Is Better In 2025?

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®.

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• Cardholders automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, unlocking valuable perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
• The card's annual free night award and monthly dining credits can help offset its premium annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
• It offers strong rewards-earning potential on Marriott stays, dining, and flights booked directly with airlines.

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Pros

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• Automatic Platinum Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy® unlocks premium hotel benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, and lounge access.
• An annual free night award and monthly dining credits provide significant value that can help offset the annual fee.
• Cardholders enjoy premium travel perks, including airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees.

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Cons

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• A high annual fee makes the card's value highly dependent on frequent stays within the Marriott portfolio.
• Marriott's dynamic pricing can make point redemptions inconsistent, potentially reducing their value.
• Some statement credits are distributed in monthly increments, which can be less flexible than a single annual credit.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® vs United Gateway

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Categories

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Deciding which is better United Gateway or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant comes down to understanding what category each card excels in.

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• United Gateway℠ Card - This is an entry-level airline credit card designed for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn miles on everyday spending without a financial commitment.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card - This is a high-end travel card for frequent travelers loyal to Marriott who want to maximize luxury benefits and elite status.

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Redemption

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United Gateway℠ Card: Miles earned with this card are redeemed through the United MileagePlus program for award flights, seat upgrades, and other travel purchases with United and its airline partners.

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Points are redeemed within the Marriott Bonvoy program for free hotel nights, room upgrades, and other travel packages at Marriott properties across the globe.

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Travel Perks

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is built for international travel, charging no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. In contrast, the United Gateway℠ Card does include a foreign transaction fee.
• Airport Lounge Access: For those who value a quiet space before a flight, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card offers complimentary membership in a global airport lounge network. The United Gateway℠ Card does not come with this benefit.
• Elite Status and Credits: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card automatically grants cardholders Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and provides annual statement credits that can be used for eligible purchases. The United Gateway℠ Card offers 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of premium drinks in United Club locations and on United-operated flights, but it does not confer elite status.
• Travel Protections: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card includes a robust suite of travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage insurance plan coverage. The United Gateway℠ Card offers some core protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption insurance, though its coverage is not as comprehensive.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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If you're looking for a way to cut through the noise, Kudos offers a data-driven tool that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the perfect match for your spending habits.

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Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn MileagePlus miles without committing to an annual fee. It's also well-suited for credit card beginners or budget-conscious travelers looking for a straightforward way to enter the world of travel rewards. As a no-fee card, it serves as a great entry-level option for earning miles on everyday purchases and for existing Chase customers who want to manage their accounts in one place.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is tailor-made for frequent travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand and can take full advantage of its premium perks. These cardholders typically stay at Marriott properties several nights a year, dine out often enough to maximize the monthly dining credits, and value the automatic Platinum Elite status that unlocks benefits like room upgrades and late checkout. Essentially, it's for someone who wants to elevate their travel experience within the Marriott ecosystem, as detailed in this comprehensive review.

Alternatives to Consider

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The United Gateway℠ Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card comparison highlights two very different travel cards, but what if neither one is your perfect match? Let's explore a few other top-tier travel cards that offer compelling rewards and benefits for different types of travelers.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer without going into debt.
• Review the benefits - Ensure the card’s perks, like elite status or statement credits, align with your lifestyle.

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Application Strategy

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• Know your 5/24 status - Issuers like Chase may deny applications if you've opened too many recent accounts.
• Time your application for the best offer - Some issuers, like American Express, may limit you to one welcome offer per card in your lifetime.
• Don't be afraid to call for reconsideration - If your application is denied, a phone call can sometimes overturn the decision.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I transfer points between United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy?

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Yes, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to United MileagePlus, but you cannot transfer United miles to Marriott Bonvoy. The transfer ratio can vary, so it's wise to check the current rates before initiating a transfer.

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What are the annual fees for these cards?

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The United Gateway℠ Card has no annual fee, making it an accessible option for travelers. In contrast, the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card carries a substantial annual fee that funds its robust suite of travel benefits.

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Do the United Gateway and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant cards offer airport lounge access?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes a Priority Pass™ Select membership, providing access to a global network of airport lounges. As a no-annual-fee card, the United Gateway℠ Card does not offer complimentary lounge access.

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