If you’re a frequent traveler who enjoys staying at Marriott Bonvoy properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is one of the best premium credit cards to consider. This luxury travel card is packed with exclusive benefits, including automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, an annual free night award, up to $300 in statement credits, and Priority Pass™ Select membership for access to airport lounges worldwide.
This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, including its features, benefits, rewards, fees, and application process. Let’s dive in!
Overview of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium co-branded travel credit card designed for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. Whether you prefer luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis or mid-range properties like Marriott, Sheraton, and Westin, this card helps you maximize your stays with elite status, free night awards, and high points-earning rates.
With an annual fee of $650, this card is ideal for travelers who value premium benefits. While the fee may seem steep, the annual statement credits, free night awards, and elite perks can easily offset the cost if you take full advantage of them.
Key Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Here’s what makes the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card stand out from other Marriott credit cards:
a) Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status
Upon approval, you receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which offers:
- Complimentary room upgrades (including suites, when available)
- Free breakfast at participating hotels
- 4 PM late checkout (subject to availability)
- Welcome gifts such as bonus points or food & beverage credit
- 50% bonus points on Marriott stays
- Enhanced room upgrades and more
Platinum Elite status normally requires 50+ nights per year, but with this card, you get it instantly!
b) Up to $300 in Dining Statement Credits
This card provides up to $300 in dining statement credits per year. Instead of travel credits, American Express now offers $25 monthly credits at eligible restaurants worldwide. This can help offset the card’s annual fee.
c) Annual Free Night Award (Worth Up to 85,000 Points)
Every year, you receive a Free Night Award (up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) upon renewal. This free night can be redeemed at luxury Marriott properties like:
- JW Marriott
- The Ritz-Carlton
- St. Regis
- W Hotels
- Westin and more
This alone can be worth more than $500 per year, depending on where you use it.
d) Priority Pass™ Select Lounge Access
Enjoy unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select membership. This is perfect for frequent travelers looking for comfort and free amenities while waiting for flights.
e) $100 Property Credit at Ritz-Carlton & St. Regis
When you book two or more consecutive nights at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis through the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Member Exclusive Rate, you receive up to $100 in property credits for dining, spa services, and more.
f) Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit
You can receive up to $100 statement credit every four years to cover the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, making airport security lines faster and easier.
g) No Foreign Transaction Fees
Use your card anywhere in the world without paying foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international travel.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card Rewards Structure
With this card, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points quickly across different categories:
| Spending Category | Rewards Rate |
|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Hotels | 6X Points per $1 |
| Dining (Worldwide) | 3X Points per $1 |
| Flights (Booked Directly) | 3X Points per $1 |
| Other Purchases | 2X Points per $1 |
How Much Are Marriott Bonvoy Points Worth?
Marriott Bonvoy points typically have a value of 0.7 to 1 cent per point when redeemed for free nights. This means:
- 10,000 points = ~$70 to $100 in value
- 50,000 points = ~$350 to $500 in value
- 85,000 points (from the annual free night award) = ~$600+ in value at luxury hotels
By strategically redeeming your points, you can maximize your travel savings.
With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you have several ways to redeem points:
a) Free Hotel Nights
The best way to use your points is by redeeming them for free nights at Marriott properties worldwide. Redemption rates vary based on hotel category, demand, and availability.
b) Point Transfers to Airline Partners
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline loyalty programs, including:
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Delta SkyMiles
- Emirates Skywards
- United MileagePlus
- British Airways Executive Club
c) Marriott Bonvoy Moments
Use your points for exclusive experiences like:
- VIP concert tickets
- Sports packages (Super Bowl, F1 races, etc.)
- Private dining events with celebrity chefs
d) Room Upgrades
Use points to upgrade to executive suites and better room categories.
Annual Fee and Interest Rates
Here’s what you need to know about the costs of this card:
- Annual Fee: $650
- APR: Variable, based on your creditworthiness
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
If you travel frequently and use Marriott hotels often, the benefits can outweigh the fee.
6. How to Apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
a) Check Eligibility
You typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 700+) to qualify. If you’re unsure, check your credit score before applying.
b) Gather Your Information
During the application, you’ll need to provide:
- Personal details (Name, Date of Birth, SSN)
- Income and employment information
- Marriott Bonvoy membership number (if you don’t have one, you can sign up for free)
c) Submit Your Application Online
- Visit the Official American Express Website
- Go to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card page and click “Apply Now.”
- Fill Out the Application
- Enter your details and agree to the terms.
- Wait for Approval
- Many applicants get instant approval, but some may need further review.
- Receive Your Card & Start Earning
- Once approved, your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card will arrive within 7-10 business days.
Is This Card Worth It?
Who Should Get This Card?
✅ Frequent Marriott Travelers – If you stay at Marriott hotels multiple times per year, this card is an excellent choice.
✅ Luxury Travelers – Platinum Elite status, lounge access, and free night awards make this a top-tier hotel rewards card.
✅ Business Travelers – The ability to earn 6X points at Marriott hotels and 3X on flights/dining is perfect for work travel.
Who Should Skip This Card?
❌ Infrequent Marriott Guests – If you don’t stay at Marriott hotels often, you may not fully use the benefits.
❌ People Looking for Cash Back – If you prefer cash back over travel rewards, a different credit card may be a better fit.
Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium credit card for travelers who love luxury perks, hotel rewards, and elite status. While the $650 annual fee may seem high, the Platinum Elite status, free night awards, statement credits, and lounge access make this card incredibly valuable.
If you frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, this card can help you maximize your points and enjoy first-class travel perks.
