Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Worth It?
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Written by
Meghan Hunter
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
It’s no surprise that the $650 annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card might raise concerns for potential applicants. This substantial fee can make even seasoned points enthusiasts pause when choosing a hotel credit card. However, after using this premium card for more than three years, I’ve developed a more nuanced understanding of whether it truly justifies its cost.
The card occupies a unique position in the market; it can be either a valuable asset or a costly mistake, depending on your travel habits.
Let’s explore whether the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant might be a good fit for you.
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Quick Verdict
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is a great option if you stay at Marriott properties several times a year and can make the most of the up to $300 annual dining credit. The card also offers an annual free night award for stays costing up to 85,000 points (some hotels have resort fees) and automatic Platinum Elite status, potentially totaling $1,000 in value each year. Additionally, elite perks such as suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast can lead to significant savings.
However, if you tend to spread your loyalty among different hotel chains or primarily stay at budget properties, this card may not provide enough value for you.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card: At a Glance
- Annual fee: $650
- 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 structure: Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Statement credits and perks: Up to $300 annual dining credit (in monthly increments of up to $25), annual free night award (up to 85,000 points), automatic Platinum Elite status, Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Estimated value: The 100,000-point welcome offer, earned after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening, is worth approximately $700 based on Marriott points valued at 0.7 cents each.
Who Should Consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant?
If you stay at Marriott properties — particularly the higher-end brands — multiple times a year, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card could be a great fit.
I recall my first stay after getting this card at the JW Marriott Union Square in San Francisco. I walked into my upgraded suite with a view of the city skyline, enjoyed a complimentary in-room breakfast and took advantage of a 4 p.m. late checkout. These perks would have cost hundreds of dollars if purchased separately.
This card is particularly valuable for those looking to earn Marriott elite status but who may not have enough stays to meet the typical requirements. The automatic Platinum Elite status that comes with the card is a game-changer, as it provides access to premium perks without needing the usual 50 qualifying nights. Cardholders also receive 25 elite night credits toward the next level of status each calendar year, which is a helpful boost if you’re trying to achieve Titanium status.
Business travelers who often stay at Marriott properties are also ideal candidates for this card. If you’re expensing hotel stays and dining out regularly, the up to $300 dining credit effectively puts money back in your pocket.
Who Should Skip the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant?
If you’re not committed to staying at Marriott properties, the Bonvoy Brilliant may not be worth it. The earning rates for purchases outside of Marriott stays are mediocre at best. Moreover, several American Express cards offer better earning potential on everyday spending without the $650 annual fee.
The $300 dining credit can also be trickier than it seems. It comes in monthly installments of up to $25, so you need to remember to use it each month; otherwise, you lose that portion. I’ve missed claiming this credit a few times because I forgot or didn’t meet the minimum restaurant spending requirement during that month. If you find it challenging to keep track of rotating credit card benefits, that $300 could quickly drop to $200 or less in actual value.
Additionally, the annual free night certificate is only valid for properties costing up to 85,000 points per night, and some hotels charge resort fees. While this might seem generous, many luxury properties exceed this limit during peak seasons due to Marriott’s dynamic pricing. If you usually stay at Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, or other mid-tier brands, you’re likely not getting the most value from this perk.
Finally, if you already have another premium card that offers Priority Pass airport lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or American Express Platinum Card®, an advertising partner, then having duplicate perks on this card doesn’t provide any additional benefits.
How To Maximize the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s Value
Strategize Your Annual Free Night Certificate
The 85,000-point annual free night certificate is this card’s claim to fame, but you’ve got to use it strategically. You’ll get the most value by using it at high-end hotels where the cash rate exceeds $500 per night.
Marriott uses dynamic pricing, so do calendar searches with flexible dates to find nights priced at 85,000 points or lower.
If you find a property slightly above the point threshold, you can’t pay the difference in cash. However, you can top up your certificate with up to 15,000 additional points from your account.
Automate Your Dining Credit
Set a monthly reminder to use that $25 restaurant credit. The credits typically post within a few days, and watching $300 disappear because you forgot to track things is frustrating.
Leverage Your Platinum Elite Status
Book directly through Marriott’s website or app to ensure your elite status is recognized. It’s a good idea to call the property before your arrival to confirm upgrade availability. When you check in, make sure to mention that you are a Platinum Elite member and express your interest in any available suite upgrades.
Additionally, at select properties, the complimentary breakfast benefit can save you over $25 per person each day. Over the course of a five-night stay, that’s more than $125 in value, which can help justify your annual fee.
Pair It With the Business Card
If you qualify for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Credit Card, the combination is powerful. You’ll get 40 elite night credits automatically between both cards, putting you just 10 stays away from earning a Choice Benefit and that much closer to Titanium status.
Final Verdict on the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
If you stay at Marriott properties multiple times a year, particularly at luxury brands, and consistently use the $300 dining credit, this card can provide over $1,000 in annual value despite its $650 fee. The perks that come with Platinum Elite status alone have saved me hundreds on breakfast and have secured suite upgrades that I wouldn’t have received otherwise.
However, if you’re unsure about maximizing Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant benefits, that’s usually an indication that you may not fully utilize the card. This has been my experience. To get the most out of the card, you need to track monthly credits, strategically book your free night and focus your hotel stays on Marriott properties.
If you find it hard to reach $650 in value, consider a less costly hotel credit card instead.
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business® Credit Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card worth it if I already have Platinum Elite status?
If you’ve already earned Platinum Elite status organically through stays, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s value proposition weakens since you’re not gaining new status benefits. However, the annual free night certificate and $300 dining credit can still justify the fee if you use them entirely. The card gives you 25 elite night credits toward maintaining your status, which could be valuable if you’re on the cusp of requalifying.
Can you downgrade the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card?
It may be possible to downgrade the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant to a less-expensive Amex Marriott card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card. You’ll need to call American Express to see what options are available to you.
However, it’s not possible to downgrade to the no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card or the $95-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, because those cards are issued by Chase.
Does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card give you lounge access?
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant includes Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide for you and up to two guests.
How much do you need to spend to make the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant worth it?
You need to extract at least $650 in value annually to break even with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. This typically requires using the full $300 dining credit, maximizing the annual free night certificate at a high-value property, and utilizing Platinum Elite benefits on several Marriott stays per year. If you can’t check all three boxes, the card likely isn’t worth it.
What happens to my Platinum Elite status if I cancel the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card?
Your Platinum Elite status is tied to holding the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, so you’ll lose it upon cancellation. However, any elite night credits you’ve earned remain in your account for that calendar year.
