Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Earn 6X Total Points on Marriott Bonvoy purchases
Annual Fee
$650
Top Earning Rate
6x pts marriott bonvoy purchases
Foreign Tx Fee
None
Rating
N/A
Current Welcome Offer
150,000 points
$1,050 estimated value
Spend $5,000 in 90 days
Card Offers
public
150,000 points
$1,050 estimated value
Spend $5,000 in 90 days
Earning Rates
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
- The welcome offer of 185,000 points is valued at approximately $1,295 and requires $6,000 in spending over 180 days
- 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
- 0.20% - 0.30%0% intro APR for 6 months
- Balance Transfer APR
- 0.20% - 0.30%
- Cash Advance APR
- 0.30%
- Penalty APR
- 0.30%May apply if you pay late
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
1 benefits
Elite Status
Coverage Tier Legend
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card?
What is the current welcome offer?
How does the $300 annual dining credit work?
What Marriott Bonvoy status does this card provide?
What is the Annual Free Night Award and what hotels is it valid for?
Does this card include airport lounge access?
Are there foreign transaction fees on this card?
What travel insurance protections does this card offer?
How do the 25 Elite Night Credits work?
What credit score is needed to qualify for this card?
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.
Earn 6X Total Points on Marriott Bonvoy purchases, Free Night Award every year after your Account anniversary, up to 150,000 Bonus Points when you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, and more
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
150,000 points, worth about $1,050 estimated value, with a $650 annual fee.
Spend $5,000 in 90 days
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Sources & Methodology
Sources & Methodology
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Last updated:
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- 1 of 1 benefits rated high confidence
- 1 of 1 offer verified
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