$550
Annual fee
See the card
Card reviewAmerican Express
Updated Jul 23, 2026 · research
American ExpressMarriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
A luxury hotel credit card from American Express and Marriott Bonvoy offering premium benefits and Platinum Elite status.
LuxuryPersonal
American Express
Credit profile: excellent$650
Annual fee
6x pts hotels participating in marriott bonvoy
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Current Welcome Offer
Earn 150,000 points
Spend $8,000 in 180 days
Verifiedissuer
Card Offers
public
Earn 150,000 points
Spend $8,000 in 180 days
issuer
Earning Rates
Hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
6xpoints
For eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
Flights
3xpoints
Booked directly with airlines
Restaurants
3xpoints
At restaurants worldwide
All other eligible purchases
2xpoints
Spent on other eligible purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status with no stay requirement
- Annual Free Night Award valid at properties up to 85,000 points, covering a wide range of Marriott hotels
- $300 annual dining statement credit ($25 per month) usable at restaurants worldwide
- 6X points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, one of the highest hotel earning rates available
- Priority Pass Select membership for unlimited access to 1,300+ airport lounges globally
Cons
- High $650 annual fee with no first-year waiver
- Monthly $25 dining credits expire if unused and do not roll over, requiring active management
- Free Night Award is capped at 85,000 points, which may not cover peak-priced or top-tier properties
- Rewards are locked into the Marriott Bonvoy program, limiting flexibility for non-Marriott travelers
- Car rental and baggage insurance are secondary coverage, meaning other insurance must be exhausted first
Key Takeaways
- The $650 annual fee can be substantially offset by using the $300 dining credit, the annual Free Night Award, and the Platinum Elite status perks each year
- Automatic Platinum Elite status is a standout perk that normally requires 50 qualifying nights per year to earn organically
- The 25 Elite Night Credits per year can be stacked with credits from one other Marriott co-branded card to accelerate a path to Titanium or Ambassador Elite
- All rewards earn in Marriott Bonvoy points, so the card delivers the most value for travelers who regularly stay at Marriott-family hotels
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $650 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
APR Information
- Purchase APR
- 19.49% - 28.49%
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
7 benefits (5 strong or better)
Travel Access & Perks
Travel Credits
Elite Status
Purchase Protection
Statement Credits
Lifestyle Benefits
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card?
The annual fee is $650. It is not waived in the first year, so cardmembers pay the full fee upon account opening.
How does the $300 annual dining credit work?
The credit is issued in monthly increments of $25 as statement credits on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. Unused monthly credits do not roll over to the following month, so cardmembers should plan to use the full $25 each month to capture the entire $300 annual benefit.
What Marriott Bonvoy status does this card provide?
Cardmembers automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for as long as they remain a cardmember. Platinum Elite includes benefits such as enhanced room upgrades, lounge access at eligible Marriott properties, and a 50% bonus on points earned during stays. Status is tied to active card membership and does not include Titanium or Ambassador Elite benefits.
What is the Annual Free Night Award and what hotels is it valid for?
Each year after your card anniversary, you receive one Free Night Award valid for a one-night stay at a Marriott Bonvoy property with a redemption level at or below 85,000 points. The award must be used within 12 months of issuance. Note that some peak-priced nights may exceed the 85,000-point cap and would not be covered.
Does this card include airport lounge access?
Yes. Cardmembers receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Enrollment in Priority Pass is required before visiting a lounge, and guest fees may apply depending on the membership tier.
Are there foreign transaction fees on this card?
No. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card charges no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States.
What travel insurance protections does this card offer?
The card includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance for up to $10,000 per trip for covered reasons, lost baggage insurance up to $3,000 per person per trip, and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance when you decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. It also includes access to the 24/7 Premium Global Assist® Hotline for emergency coordination when traveling more than 100 miles from home.
How do the 25 Elite Night Credits work?
Each calendar year, cardmembers automatically receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward Marriott Bonvoy status. These credits can help cardmembers reach higher tiers such as Titanium or Ambassador Elite, and they may be combined with credits from one other eligible Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card.
What credit score is needed to qualify for this card?
American Express recommends excellent credit for applicants. This card is a personal card and sits in the luxury tier, so applicants with strong credit profiles are best positioned to qualify.
About This Card
This card is best suited for loyal Marriott Bonvoy members who stay at Marriott properties multiple times per year and can take full advantage of the Platinum Elite status, annual Free Night Award, and monthly dining credits to offset the $650 annual fee.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a luxury travel card designed for frequent guests of Marriott hotels. It features premium perks including complimentary Platinum Elite status, an annual Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points, a $300 dining credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and robust earning rates on Marriott stays, dining, and flights.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant stands out among hotel co-branded cards by bundling automatic Platinum Elite status, an 85,000-point Free Night Award, and a globally usable $300 dining credit into a single annual fee, removing the need to meet night thresholds for mid-tier hotel status.
Ready to Decide?
Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Earn 150,000 points with a $650 annual fee.
Spend $8,000 in 180 days
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