
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Annual fee
- $650
- Recommended credit
- Excellent
- Card network
- American Express
- Regular purchase APR
- 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
At a glance
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card adds a sizable dose of luxury to your wallet with generous rewards and ample perks for your travels. If you feel as though you spend more time in a Marriott Bonvoy hotel room than anywhere else, this card can help you make the most of it with free stays, upgrades and points for days (and nights).
Our review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the ultimate rewards card in the Marriott Bonvoy suite. With a focus on points, this card offers unparalleled benefits including complimentary Gold Elite status, statement credits, and more. If you’re looking to maximize your rewards, the Bonvoy Brilliant card is the way to go.
Point-Earning Powerhouse
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card stands out with its impressive point-earning potential. While it earns six points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels like its sister card, the Bonvoy Boundless™, it also offers three points per dollar on U.S. restaurant purchases and flights booked directly with airlines. This extra earning power makes it easier to accumulate points for both hotel stays and flights.
Additionally, the card’s welcome offer provides a substantial number of bonus Bonvoy Points when you spend a minimum of $6,000 within the first six months. This offer can translate to up to 7 free nights at qualifying hotels, making it a lucrative opportunity for frequent travelers.
Luxury Travel Comparison
For luxury travelers, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card competes with other top-tier credit cards like The Platinum Card® and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Each card offers unique benefits and rewards, catering to different travel preferences and lifestyles. Here’s a comparison of the three cards:
| Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® | The Platinum Card® | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rewards | 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X points on U.S. dining and flights, 2X points on all other purchases | 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines, 5X on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X on all other purchases | 5X on flights, 10X on hotels and car rentals through Ultimate Rewards, 10X on Chase Dining, 3X on other travel purchases, 3X on dining, 1X on all other purchases |
| Lounge Access | Priority Pass Select, Global Lounge Collection | Priority Pass Select | Priority Pass Select, Credits for CLEAR, TSA, Marriott property, free night |
| Annual Fee | $450 | $695 | $550 |
Redeeming Points
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers flexibility in redeeming points for a variety of rewards, including free nights, airline tickets, gift cards, event tickets, and more. Points can be used to book award night stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, with options for standard or discounted rates. Plus, the card provides a complimentary 5th night when you book four nights, extending the value of your rewards.
In addition to free nights, points can be redeemed for upgrades, donations, and other perks to enhance your travel experience. Whether you prefer luxury hotel stays or unique experiences, the Bonvoy Brilliant card offers plenty of options for maximizing your points.
Conclusion
With its generous rewards, exclusive benefits, and luxury travel perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a top choice for travelers seeking premium experiences. Whether you’re a frequent Marriott Bonvoy guest or simply enjoy luxury travel, this card delivers exceptional value and rewards. If you’re ready to elevate your travel game, the Bonvoy Brilliant card is the ultimate companion for your journey.
Card features
Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.
- Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you stay 6 eligible paid nights at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy through 1/31/24. Offer ends 8/9/2023.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® program. 3 points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
- Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases made on their Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Luxury Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. 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.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
Who this card may suit
- You book the majority of your hotel stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties
- You travel frequently for work or pleasure and want to rack up more points on your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty membership
- You often incur incidental charges such as room service or spa service during your hotel stays
- You're looking for a luxury travel card with massive rewards for every purchase and no foreign transaction fees
Rates, fees and terms
| Annual Fee | $650 |
|---|---|
| Regular Purchase APR | 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate |
| Cash Advance Transaction Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
| Penalty APR | 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate |
| Late Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $40 |
| Return Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $40 |
Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Excellent Credit.
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