Best in Class
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and value elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is an excellent choice. Its high annual fee of $650 is offset by Platinum Elite Status, which offers a range of perks for those who regularly stay at Marriott hotels. You also receive a generous 100,000 (current special 200,000)-point sign-up bonus and one free night each year (worth up to 85,000 points). If you can take advantage of the card’s various statement credits, it may be worth keeping long-term to maintain your loyalty to the brand.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card stands out as the top-tier option among Marriott credit cards, offering the most benefits and perks — fitting for its $650 annual fee. If you frequently stay at Marriott properties throughout the year, consider adding this card to your wallet. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 (current special 200,000) points after spending $6,000 in six months, providing a robust start to your Marriott rewards journey.
- Free Night Certificate: The annual free night is capped at 85,000 points — far higher than other Marriott cards — giving you more flexibility to book higher-tier properties.
- Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy a 4 p.m. late checkout, enhanced room upgrades, guaranteed lounge access, a welcome gift (points, breakfast, or amenity), and a 50% bonus on eligible hotel purchases.
- Valuable Statement Credits: Justify the high annual fee with perks like a $100 property credit (at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis), a $300 Brilliant Dining credit, a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and Priority Pass membership.
With these extensive perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card can be a rewarding choice if you’re a devoted Marriott guest and can take full advantage of its benefits.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Consider other options if:
- You won’t take advantage of the perks that offset the high annual fee.
- You’re mainly interested in a welcome bonus, and the Boundless Card offers a better one with a much lower annual fee if you decide to keep the card.
What to Know About Marriott Bonvoy
Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, but they can be frustrating to find, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
How The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card Fits In The Marriott Bonvoy Ecosystem
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is Marriott’s premium offering, with the highest annual fee and the most perks. However, if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often or don’t prioritize elite status, there are other card choices:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Ideal if you prioritize sign-up bonuses and plan to move on to another card. It offers a 0-point sign-up bonus and a $150 statement credit after your first purchase. You’ll get one free night each year (capped at 35,000 points) and complimentary Silver Elite Status. With a $95 annual fee, the free night alone can be enough to justify keeping the card.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and Bevy Cards: Essentially the same product, each provides an 85,000-point sign-up bonus (with different spending requirements), charges a $250 annual fee, and offers limited perks beyond Gold Elite Status. These cards include a few spending multipliers and Elite Night credits toward Platinum Elite Status, but if that’s your main goal, the Brilliant Card is still the better option.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card: The only no annual fee Marriott card, offering a 30,000-point sign-up bonus and a free night (up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 in the first three months. Beyond the sign-up bonus, it features complimentary Silver Elite Status and a few spending multipliers.
Card Information
Bonus Points
200,000
Minimum Spend
$6,000 / 3mo
Point Value
0.7 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$650
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
Anniversary Free Night
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status
Priority Pass Select Lounge Access
Monthly $25 Dining Statement Credit
21X on Marriot Bonvoy Stays
3X on Restaurants
3X on Flights
2X on All Purchases
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
Est. Value
Total Annual Value
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No extras to display for this card.
Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Average Frequency
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Average Offer Length
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
4.2¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.1¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.1¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
1.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last 24 months
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
Point Transfer Options
+2 Lower Value Transfers Show
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles
Value: 1.5¢
71% Value Retained
3:1
+31 Lower Value Transfers Show
AEGEAN Airlines (Miles+Bonus)
Value: 1.4¢
67% Value Retained
3:1
SAUDIA Alfursan
Value: 1.1¢
52% Value Retained
3:1
Air China PhoenixMiles
Value: 1¢
48% Value Retained
3:1
China Southern Airlines
Value: 1¢
48% Value Retained
3:1
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Value: 0.8¢
38% Value Retained
3:1
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
5th
Rank
1st
Rank
3rd
Rank
5th
Rank
5th
Rank
6th
Ranking of Cards Offering Marriott Bonvoy
Downgrade Options
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
Marriott Bonvoy