The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card are both good options if you want benefits at Marriott Hotels & Resorts.
The Bonvoy Brilliant offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status and valuable perks like an annual free night certificate that can be used at many premium Marriott properties. The card includes generous monthly restaurant credits and provides elite nights toward status each year, making it a strong choice for Marriott travelers.
The Bonvoy Boundless offers valuable rewards for Marriott stays plus an annual free night certificate valid at properties costing up to 35,000 points. While the card provides good baseline benefits for Marriott guests, its true strength lies in helping you achieve higher elite status tiers through its 15 annual elite night credits.
This article will compare each card based on several factors to help you make an informed decision on which card is the best to add to your wallet.
Overview: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Welcome Bonuses
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex currently offers the following welcome bonus:
bonus_miles_full
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Bonvoy Boundless currently offers the following welcome bonus:
Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening. Each Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points.
Earning Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex earns Marriott Bonvoy® points at the following rates:
- 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program;
- 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines; and
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Bonvoy Boundless® earns Marriott points at the following rates:
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program;
- 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining;
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Winner:
Tie. Both cards offer very similar earning rates. The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is better on spending on flights and the Bonvoy Boundless is better for spending at gas stations and grocery stores.
Card Benefits and Perks
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex offers the following benefits and perks:
$300 Annual Restaurant Credit: Each month, you’ll receive $25 back on restaurant purchases worldwide, all automatically applied to your statement. This credit refreshes monthly and works at restaurants globally, making it easy to maximize during both local dining and international travel.
Free Night Award: Your anniversary free night certificate covers rooms costing up to 85,000 points, significantly more valuable than other Marriott cards’ certificates. You can even add up to 15,000 points to book properties costing up to 100,000 points per night.
Platinum Elite Status: You’ll automatically receive Platinum Elite status, granting you valuable perks like suite upgrades when available, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and executive lounge access at participating properties. This status level also includes breakfast benefits at most brands and a 50% bonus on base points earned during stays.
$100 Luxury Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
Priority Pass: Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, granting you unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide upon enrollment. Escape the hustle and bustle of the terminal and relax in a comfortable lounge with amenities like free Wi-Fi, food, and drinks.
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit: This card offers a credit for TSA PreCheck (expedited airport security) or Global Entry (expedited airport security and customs).
Elite Night Head Start: Starting each calendar year with 25 elite nights gives you a significant boost toward higher status tiers. These nights can be combined with the 15 nights from a Marriott business card, potentially starting you at 40 nights annually.
Travel and Purchase Benefits
Cell Phone Protection: When you use your card to pay your monthly phone bill, you’ll receive valuable coverage against damage or theft of your device.*
Trip Delay Insurance: When your trip is significantly delayed due to covered reasons like equipment failures or severe weather, this protection reimburses you for reasonable expenses including lodging, meals, toiletries, and medication. The coverage activates when you pay for travel with your card and extends to family members on the same itinerary, though you’ll need to seek reimbursement from the travel carrier first.*
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation.*
Baggage Insurance Plan covers your baggage if it is lost, damaged, or stolen and you purchase your ticket with this card.*
Secondary Rental Car Insurance: This card provides backup protection for rental car damage or theft when you charge the full rental to your card.*
Return Protection allows cardholders to receive a refund for purchased items within a certain timeframe for items that merchants may not accept for return.*
* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Bonvoy Boundless offers the following benefits and perks:
Free Annual Hotel Night: You will receive a free night certificate for up to 35,000 points after every cardmember anniversary.
Marriott Silver Elite Status: Receive automatic Silver Elite status by holding the Boundless card. The benefits of Silver Elite are a 10% points bonus on qualifying rates, priority late check-out (if available), and Marriott’s Ultimate Reservation Guarantee.
Elite Night Credits: Receive 15 elite night credits to help you get closer to higher Marriott elite status.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: You’ll save money on every purchase while traveling internationally since this card doesn’t add the typical 3% surcharge that many other cards impose.
Baggage Delay Insurance: Missing luggage doesn’t have to derail your trip – this coverage steps in to reimburse you for essential purchases when your checked bags are delayed by airlines, trains, or other carriers. You can grab the necessities you need, from a fresh outfit to personal care items, while waiting for your bags to arrive.
120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card.
Trip Delay Insurance: When your trip is significantly delayed due to covered reasons like equipment failures or severe weather, this protection reimburses you for reasonable expenses including lodging, meals, toiletries, and medication. The coverage activates when you pay for travel with your card and extends to family members on the same itinerary, though you’ll need to seek reimbursement from the travel carrier first.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Your checked luggage gets extra protection against loss, theft, or damage beyond the basic compensation offered by carriers when you pay for travel with this card.
Visa Signature Concierge: Your card comes with a dedicated 24/7 concierge service ready to assist with your lifestyle needs. Whether you need help securing dinner reservations, finding event tickets, or planning travel arrangements, your personal concierge is just a phone call away.
Winner:
Bonvoy Brilliant Amex since it offers higher elite status, airport lounge access, more elite night credits, a better free night award, and dining credit.
Value of the Annual Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex comes with a large $650 annual fee (rates & fees), but offers several valuable benefits that help offset the cost, including up to $300 in annual restaurant credits ($25 monthly), an annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points, and automatic Platinum Elite status.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Bonvoy Boundless comes with a $95 annual fee, making it a mid-range option in the Marriott card lineup. You’ll receive a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points each year upon renewal, which could easily provide several hundred dollars in value and offset the annual fee.
Winner:
It depends. For most people, the Bonvoy Boundless’ annual fee is a better deal because it is easily offset with the annual free night award. Whereas, the Bonvoy Brilliant has a higher potential value if you maximize all the benefits.
Redeeming Rewards
Both Cards
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex and Bonvoy Boundless cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
Marriott Bonvoy points offer versatile redemption options, with hotel stays typically providing the best value. We value Marriott points at 0.82 cents per point based on our data study, but you can get the best value at luxury properties or during peak seasons. The program’s dynamic pricing model means rates fluctuate, so flexibility in your travel dates can help maximize value.
A standout feature is the fifth night free on award stays, effectively giving you a 20% discount on longer bookings. This benefit applies to consecutive award nights and can significantly stretch your points. Marriott also offers Cash + Points options, allowing you to combine cash and points for more flexibility.
Transferring Bonvoy points to airline partners is another valuable option. With a 3:1 transfer ratio for most airlines and a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred, this can be an excellent way to top up airline accounts or access niche programs. However, transfer times vary, so plan accordingly.
For unique experiences, consider Marriott Bonvoy Moments. These exclusive events and activities, often unavailable for cash purchase, can provide memorable opportunities for point redemptions.
While Marriott allows point redemptions for flights, car rentals, and cruises, these typically offer lower value compared to hotel stays or airline transfers. Unless you have a specific need or excess points, it’s generally best to avoid these options.
Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer Partners
Marriott points transfer at a rate of 3 Marriott points to 1 airline mile with a transfer bonus of 5,000 airline miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points.
Aegean Miles+Bonus
Aer Lingus AerClub
Aeromexico ClubPremier
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air China PhoenixMiles
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Air New Zealand [200 to 1 Ratio]
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
American Airlines AAdvantage*
ANA Mileage Club
Asiana Airlines
Avianca Lifemiles*
British Airways Executive Club
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
China Southern Airlines
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles
Delta SkyMiles*
Emirates Skywards
Etihad Guest
Frontier Miles
Hainan Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
Iberia Plus
InterMiles
Japan Airlines
Korean Air*
LATAM Airlines
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Saudia Alfursan
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Southwest Rapid Rewards
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
United MileagePlus®
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Australia
* Transfer Bonus Does Not Apply
The Verdict
Both the Bonvoy Brilliant and Bonvoy Boundless cards are great options.
But if you want the best perks and benefits, the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is your best option. The card offers a top-tier Platinum status, a free award night worth 85k points, airport lounge access, and several annual credits.
The Bonvoy Boundless is also a great pick, but only if you want to earn Marriott points without the fancy benefits.
Which card are you going to choose?
