Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $650
• APR: Variable (typically 19.74%–28.74%)
• Rewards: 6X points at Marriott, 3X on restaurants & flights, 2X on everything else
• Bonus: 100,000 bonus points after $6,000 spend in 6 months
• Best For: Frequent Marriott travelers seeking Platinum Elite status and luxury benefits
• Credit Needed: Excellent (720+)

Overview

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is the ultimate credit card for dedicated Marriott travelers who demand premium elite status and comprehensive luxury benefits. With automatic Platinum Elite status, up to $500 in annual statement credits, a free night award (up to 85,000 points), and Priority Pass Select airport lounge access, this card transforms every Marriott stay into an elevated experience.

Built for frequent Marriott guests who value elite treatment and premium perks, the Brilliant card delivers powerful earning with 6X points at Marriott properties and 3X on dining and flights. While the $650 annual fee is substantial, the combination of Platinum Elite benefits, generous credits, and a high-value free night certificate can easily provide $1,500+ in annual value for active Marriott travelers.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: Variable (typically 19.74%–28.74%)
• Balance Transfer APR: Variable (typically 19.74%–28.74%)
• Cash Advance APR: Variable (typically 19.74%–28.74%)
• Penalty APR: None

Note: This premium card is designed for travelers who pay in full monthly.

Benefits Overview

Premium Hotel Benefits

• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy elite benefits at 8,500+ properties across 139 countries
• Free Night Award: Annually after card renewal for a standard room (up to 85,000 points value)
• $300 Marriott Bonvoy Statement Credit: Annual credit for eligible purchases at participating Marriott properties
• 25 Elite Night Credits: Count toward higher status tiers each year
• $100 Property Credit: Annual credit at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis (participating properties)
• Priority Pass™ Select: Unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use internationally without additional charges

Marriott Platinum Elite Status Benefits

• 50% Bonus Points: On eligible stays at Marriott properties
• Enhanced Room Upgrades: Complimentary upgrades at check-in (including suites, subject to availability)
• Late Checkout: Up to 4 p.m. when available
• Guaranteed Availability: 48-hour guaranteed reservation
• Lounge Access: Access to Concierge/Club lounges when available
• Complimentary Breakfast: At select brands (Courtyard, Fairfield, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites)
• Premium Internet: Free high-speed internet
• Welcome Gift: Choose bonus points or amenity

Travel Benefits

• Trip Delay Insurance: Coverage for qualified delays
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Comprehensive protection for qualified trip disruptions
• Baggage Insurance Plan: Protection for lost or damaged luggage
• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Primary coverage worldwide (superior to secondary)
• Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $500,000 coverage
• Global Assist Hotline: 24/7 emergency assistance while traveling

Everyday Benefits

• Purchase Protection: Coverage on eligible purchases for up to 90 days
• Extended Warranty Protection: Adds an additional year to warranties
• Return Protection: Get refunded for purchases that merchants won't take back
• Fraud Protection: Zero liability for unauthorized charges
• Free Additional Cards: Add authorized users at no cost

Lifestyle Benefits

• Amex Experiences: Access to exclusive events, concerts, and experiences
• Global Dining Collection: Reservations at exclusive restaurants worldwide
• ShopRunner: Free 2-day shipping at select online retailers
• Concierge Service: 24/7 personal concierge for travel planning

Rewards & Points

• 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 3X points at restaurants worldwide
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X points on all other eligible purchases

Redemption Options:

• Book free nights at 8,500+ Marriott properties worldwide (starting at 5,000 points per night)
• Redeem for premium hotel suites and luxury resorts
• Transfer points to 40+ airline partners (3:1 ratio, with 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred)
• Book Marriott Moments experiences and events
• Rent cars and book flights through Marriott
• Donate points to charitable causes

Points never expire as long as you have activity in your Marriott Bonvoy account every 24 months.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 100,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Value: 100,000 Marriott points is typically worth $700–$1,000+ in free hotel nights, enough for 2–4 nights at quality Marriott properties or 1–2 nights at luxury resorts. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $650
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of transferred amount (minimum $5)
• Cash Advance Fee: 5% of cash advance amount (minimum $10)
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Frequent Marriott guests who stay 15+ nights per year at Marriott properties
• Platinum Elite status seekers who value room upgrades and lounge access
• Luxury travelers who stay at The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties
• Business travelers who benefit from late checkout and guaranteed availability
• Frequent diners and flyers maximizing 3X on restaurants and flights
• Airport lounge enthusiasts wanting unlimited Priority Pass access
• International travelers benefiting from no foreign transaction fees
• Those pursuing Titanium/Ambassador Elite using 25 Elite Night Credits

Not Good For

• Casual Marriott guests who stay less than 10 nights per year
• Budget travelers who can't justify the $650 annual fee
• Non-Marriott guests who prefer hotel flexibility
• Those who don't use property credits regularly (major value lost)
• Solo budget travelers who don't maximize Platinum Elite benefits
• Those preferring simple cash back over hotel-specific points
• Balance carriers (extremely high APR)
• Light spenders who won't maximize earning categories

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Automatic Platinum Elite status with room upgrades and lounge access
• Up to $500 in annual credits ($300 Marriott + $100 Ritz-Carlton/St. Regis + $100 dining)
• Free night award up to 85,000 points (worth $400–$600+ at luxury properties)
• 25 Elite Night Credits help achieve higher status tiers faster
• 6X earning at Marriott properties accelerates free nights
• 3X earning on dining and flights is excellent
• 2X on everything else provides solid base earning
• Priority Pass Select with unlimited visits worth $500+
• Primary car rental insurance (better than secondary coverage)
• 50% bonus points on Marriott stays (Platinum Elite benefit)
• Late checkout (4 p.m.) adds significant value
• Points transfer to 40+ airlines (bonus on large transfers)

Cons

• $650 annual fee is very high and requires maximum utilization
• Free night award capped at 85,000 points (top-tier properties cost more)
• $300 Marriott credit only for eligible purchases at participating properties
• $100 Ritz-Carlton/St. Regis credit limited to select luxury properties
• Platinum Elite benefits vary by property (some don't offer lounges/upgrades)
• 3:1 airline transfer ratio is poor (6:1 effective with bonus)
• Marriott points can devalue during peak seasons
• Must achieve 50+ nights for Titanium Elite (25 credits help but don't guarantee)
• Suite upgrades subject to availability (not guaranteed)
• APR is very high if you carry a balance
• $6,000 minimum spend for welcome bonus is higher than many cards

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

If you spend $45,000 per year on typical expenses:

Benefits Value:

• Marriott Platinum Elite status (upgrades, lounge, 50% bonus): ~$700 value
• Free night award (up to 85,000 points): ~$500 value
• $300 Marriott statement credit: $300
• $100 Ritz-Carlton/St. Regis credit: $100
• Priority Pass (unlimited): ~$600 value
• 25 Elite Night Credits: ~$250 value
• Late checkout: ~$150 value
• Total Benefits: ~$2,600

Net Annual Fee: $650 - $2,600 in benefits = effectively -$1,950 (significant profit if you maximize all benefits)

Total Value: 135,000 Marriott points (worth $945–$1,350 in free nights) + $2,600 in benefits = $3,545–$3,950 in total value, minus $650 annual fee = $2,895–$3,300 net value.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You stay at Marriott properties 15+ nights per year
• You value Platinum Elite benefits (room upgrades, lounge access, late checkout)
• You stay at luxury Marriott brands (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Edition)
• You can use the $300 Marriott and $100 luxury property credits annually
• You want unlimited airport lounge access for yourself and guests
• You spend heavily on dining and flights (3X categories)
• You're pursuing Titanium or Ambassador Elite status (25 credits help)
• You travel internationally and benefit from no foreign fees
• You value primary car rental insurance coverage
• You can justify the $650 fee with credits and elite benefits

You Should Skip It If...

• You stay at Marriott less than 10 nights per year
• You can't use the $400 in property credits regularly (major value lost)
• You prefer hotel chain flexibility over Marriott loyalty
• You don't value airport lounge access highly
• You travel on a budget and don't need Platinum-level luxury
• You prefer cash back over hotel-specific points
• You carry balances month-to-month (very high APR)
• You can't reach $6,000 minimum spend for the welcome bonus
• You want better airline transfer ratios (consider Chase/Amex travel cards)
• You can't justify the $650 annual fee with your travel patterns

Apply Now

Apply for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.