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Rates & Fees; Terms Apply

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Generous dining credit: Up to $300 annual statement credit for restaurant purchases worldwide

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the ultimate tool for Marriott loyalists, offering immediate value that outweighs its steep $650 annual fee. With automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points, and up to $300 in dining credits, it is arguably the most powerful hotel co-branded card on the market for frequent travelers.

At a Glance

  • Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Rewards Rate: 6X points at Marriott; 3X at restaurants & flights; 2X on everything else
  • Annual Fee: $650
  • Credits: Up to $300 Dining Credit ($25/month) + $100 Luxury Property Credit
  • Status: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status
  • Free Night Award: 1 Annual Award (up to 85,000 points) after card renewal
  • APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None
  • Credit Score: Excellent/Good

Overview

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is Marriott’s premium flagship card, designed to compete directly with luxury travel cards like the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. It is not just a credit card; it is a "status shortcut." It targets travelers who are loyal to the Marriott portfolio (which includes W Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, and Ritz-Carlton) and want VIP treatment without actually staying 50 nights a year to earn it.

Rewards & Benefits

The card's value proposition relies entirely on its perks. If you don't stay at Marriott hotels, the math doesn't work.

  • Earning Points: You earn 6X points per dollar at Marriott properties, 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Platinum Elite Status: This is the card's "killer app." Platinum status unlocks the most valuable hotel perks: guaranteed 4 PM late checkout, 50% bonus points on stays, and, most importantly, complimentary breakfast and lounge access at most brands.
  • Free Night Award: After your card renewal every year, you receive a certificate valid for a night costing up to 85,000 points. You can even "top off" this award with up to 15,000 of your own points to book a 100,000-point room.
  • Dining Credit: You receive up to $25 in statement credits per month for dining purchases at restaurants worldwide.

Fees & Requirements

  • Annual Fee: $650. This is non-negotiable and billed on your first statement.
  • Credit Score: Applicants generally need Excellent/Good.
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Receive a statement credit for application fees every 4 years (Global Entry) or 4.5 years (TSA PreCheck).
  • Payment Terms: Unlike some Amex charge cards, this is a credit card with a set limit and typical APR ranges (19.49%-28.49% Variable).

Borrower Experience

  • Application: American Express provides a "Apply with Confidence" feature, allowing you to see if you are approved with no impact to your credit score until you accept the card.
  • Service: Cardholders get access to Amex’s premium customer service and Global Assist® Hotline for medical or legal referrals while traveling.

Who It’s Best For

  • Marriott Loyalists: If you stay at Marriotts 15+ nights a year, the Platinum status upgrades and free breakfast can save you hundreds of dollars.
  • Status Chasers: If you aim for Titanium Elite status (75 nights), the 25 Elite Night Credits this card gives you means you only need to stay 50 actual nights.
  • Luxury Travelers: The 85k Free Night Award is specifically useful for high-end properties. If you prefer budget Courtyard stays, this benefit is overkill.

Who Should Skip It

  • Free Agents: If you like booking the cheapest hotel regardless of brand (Hilton, Hyatt, etc.), you are paying $650 for benefits you won't use.
  • Occasional Travelers: If you only travel once or twice a year, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® (Chase) is a much cheaper ($95) way to get a free night certificate.
  • Low Spenders: If you won't remember to use the $25 dining credit every single month, the effective cost of the card stays high.

Bottom Line

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is expensive, but for the right person, it is "profitable." If you use the $300 dining credit and redeem the 85,000-point certificate for a hotel night worth $400+, you have already recovered your $650 fee, essentially getting Platinum Elite status and lounge access for free. It is a must-have for serious Marriott fans.

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

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