The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card 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.
This credit card review will cover everything you need to know about this card to determine if you should add this card or a different card to your wallet. Let’s dive right in.
Welcome Bonus of Bonvoy Brilliant
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex currently offers the following welcome bonus: bonus_miles_full
Before applying, make sure you’re eligible for the welcome bonus. If you’ve had certain Marriott co-branded cards from Chase in the past 24-90 days, you may be restricted from earning these bonus points. Additionally, if you currently have or previously had this card or the former Starwood Preferred Guest Luxury Card, you won’t qualify for the welcome offer.
The good news is that having the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card won’t impact your eligibility. Just remember that American Express has a “once per lifetime” rule for welcome bonuses on their cards.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex earns Marriott Bonvoy® points at the following rates:
The 6x points on Marriott stays provides good value for hotel spending, especially when combined with the card’s elite status benefits.
However, the earning rates are less competitive for non-Marriott purchases —the 3x categories only provide modest returns given Marriott’s lower points value of 0.82 cents per point , and the 2x on everyday spending is particularly weak.
You’ll want to use other cards for dining, travel, and general purchases that offer higher rewards rates and more flexible points.
Annual Fee of 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.
You can also add authorized users to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant without an extra fee.
Benefits of 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. 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.
Travel and Purchase Benefits
Redeeming Rewards
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.
Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this card:
Pros:
Automatic Elite Status: Cardholders receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which typically requires 50 elite night credits per year. This status offers valuable perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and welcome gifts.
Valuable Free Night Award: Each year after your card renewal, you receive a free night award valid at properties costing up to 85,000 Bonvoy points. This can potentially offset a significant portion of the annual fee.
Dining Credit: The card offers up to $300 in annual restaurant credits, effectively reducing the card’s net cost for those who dine out regularly.
Cons:
High Annual Fee: The card comes with a substantial $650 annual fee, which may be difficult to justify for some users.
Limited Value for Infrequent Marriott Guests: If you don’t frequently stay at Marriott properties, you may struggle to maximize the card’s benefits and offset the annual fee.
Mediocre Non-Bonus Earnings: The card only offers 2x points on general purchases, which is not particularly competitive compared to other premium travel cards.
Alternatives to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Now that you know about this credit card’s various benefits and pros and cons, it’s time to see its alternatives.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (review) 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. Welcome Bonus:6x points at Marriott Hotels; 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants; 2x points on all other purchases. Earning Rewards: 6x points at Marriott Hotels; 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants; 2x points on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Free annual hotel night after each account anniversary (up to 35,000 points), Marriott Silver elite status, 15 elite night credits, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip delay, baggage delay, and lost luggage), and purchase protection.
American Express Platinum Card®
American Express Platinum Card® (review) offers the most comprehensive airport lounge network available, giving you access to premium Centurion Lounges plus thousands of other lounges worldwide. You can easily offset the card’s large annual fee through generous credits for Uber, hotels, digital entertainment, Resy dining, and lifestyle brands like lululemon. Earning Points: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year; 5x points on on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com; 1x points on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France – KLM Flying Blue, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Virgin Atlantic.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (review) delivers both everyday value with unlimited 2x miles on purchases and premium comfort through comprehensive airport lounge access for you upon enrollment. You’ll also receive $300 in annual travel credits plus 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, creating substantial ongoing value. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases. Card Benefits: $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, airport lounge access (Capital One and Priority Pass) upon enrollment, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, Hertz President’s Circle elite status, primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and cell phone protection. Transfer Partners: Accor (2 to 1), Aeromexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, I Prefer Hotels (1 to 2), Japan Airlines(2 to 1.5), JetBlue (5 to 3), Qantas, Qatar, Singapore KrisFlyer, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards.
Is the Bonvoy Brilliant Worth It?
The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex stands out as a good option for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties, offering automatic Platinum Elite status that unlocks valuable perks like suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
You’ll receive a generous annual free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, which can be used at luxury properties like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis where rooms often exceed $500 per night. While the $650 annual fee might seem steep, the card’s benefits, including up to $300 in annual restaurant credits ($25 monthly) and Priority Pass lounge access, make it easy to recoup that cost.
The card’s earning structure isn’t particularly impressive at 6x points on Marriott stays and 3x on restaurants and flights, so you can pair it with other cards for everyday spending. This card delivers exceptional value for Marriott travelers who can maximize the elite status benefits and annual free night certificate despite its premium price tag.
Learn How to Apply: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here. 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.
For the rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here. 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.
