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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: Which Earns More?

Melvyn Kim
Founder & Editor · Published July 29, 2026
B.A. Economics

The verdict

On typical spending the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card nets $520 a year after fees, $542 more than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card at −$22. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card stays ahead at every spending level we model.

Who earns more, by the numbers

Spending levelHilton Honors American Express Aspire CardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardWinner
Light spender ($1,200/mo)−$17/yr−$337/yrHilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Typical spender ($2,400/mo)$520/yr−$22/yrHilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Heavy spender ($4,500/mo)$1,459/yr$527/yrHilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Net of annual fees, typical category mix at baseline point values. The same card wins at every spending level here.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

2.3/5
Annual Fee:$550
APR:22.49%-30.49% variable
Welcome Bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after $6,000 in purchases in 3 months
Rewards: 14X Hilton, 7X restaurants/flights/car rental, 3X everything else
EARNS MORE ON TYPICAL SPEND

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

American Express

2.3/5
Annual Fee:$650
APR:22.49%-30.49% variable
Welcome Bonus: 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after $6,000 in purchases in 3 months
Rewards: 6X Marriott, 3X flights/dining, 2X everything else

The tables above are computed from each card's typed rewards rates and current
fees, on the same spending profiles used across the site. Editorial context to
follow.

FAQ

Which is better, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?
On typical spending the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card nets $520 a year after fees, $542 more than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card at −$22. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card stays ahead at every spending level we model.
What is the annual fee difference between the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card charges $550, versus $650 for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card — a $100 difference every year.
Which has the better welcome bonus?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, at 175,000 points (~$1,750) as of 2026-07-29. Bonuses change often — each card's page carries the date we last recorded it.