
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Rating
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
For frequent travelers and Marriott enthusiasts, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has been a topic of much discussion. With its hefty $650 annual fee, it’s natural to wonder: does this card deliver enough value to justify the cost? Let’s dive into the details and see if this premium hotel card deserves a spot in your wallet.
Unpacking the Perks
At first glance, the Bonvoy Brilliant card’s benefits might make your eyes pop. Here’s what you’re getting:
- Up to $300 in annual dining credits (up to $25 per month)
- Annual Free Night Award (worth up to 85,000 points)
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
- 25 Elite Night Credits annually
- Priority Pass Select membership
- Up to $100 property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotels
That’s quite a list! But let’s break it down further.
The Good, The Great, and The… Expensive
The Good: The dining credit is a standout feature. If you eat out regularly (or order in), you’ll likely max out this $300 benefit without even trying. It’s like getting a $25 gift card every month for your favorite restaurants.
The Great: The Annual Free Night Award is where this card shines. With a redemption value of up to 85,000 points, you could stay at some of Marriott’s most luxurious properties. We’re talking about rooms costing $500 or more per night!
The Expensive: There’s no sugarcoating it – $650 is a lot for an annual fee. While the benefits can certainly outweigh the cost for the right user, it’s a significant upfront investment.
Who Should Consider This Card?
- Marriott loyalists who stay 10+ nights per year
- Frequent travelers who value hotel status perks
- Diners who can maximize the monthly restaurant credits
- Luxury seekers who’ll use the Free Night Award at high-end properties
If you nodded to at least two of these, the Bonvoy Brilliant might be worth a closer look.
The Rewards Structure: How Does It Stack Up?
- 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
While not groundbreaking, this structure ensures you always earn bonus points on travel and dining. The 6X at Marriott properties is particularly attractive for frequent guests.
The Verdict
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card isn’t for everyone. Its high annual fee and Marriott-centric benefits make it a niche product. However, for the right user – someone who values Marriott status, stays frequently at their properties, and can maximize the dining credits – this card can provide exceptional value.
Remember, the key to any premium card is using its benefits. If you can take full advantage of the perks, the Bonvoy Brilliant could elevate your travel experience and save you money in the long run.
Pros
Generous dining credit: Up to $300 annual statement credit for restaurant purchases worldwide
Valuable Free Night Award: Can be used at properties costing up to 85,000 points per night.
Automatic Platinum Elite status: Provides room upgrades, late checkout, and enhanced earnings on stays.
Cons
High annual fee: At $650, it’s one of the most expensive hotel credit cards available
Limited bonus categories: Only offers elevated earnings on Marriott stays, flights, and dining
Marriott-centric benefits: Most perks are tied to the Marriott Bonvoy program
