Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is offering 185,000 points after spending $6000 in 6 months with a $650 annual fee.. That's up 90,000 points over their standard offer of 95,000 points after spending $6000 in 6 months. Offer expires 05/14/2025
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 95,000-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 95,000 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, and points don’t expire, 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 90,000-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 | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185,000 | $6,000 | 0.7 ¢ | $175 | $650 |
$862
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott stays & transfer top-offs | $300 Statement Credit on Marriott purchases, free night annually | Amex 4 Credit , Bonvoy 1/24 , Amex 3/90 , No 5/24 , Amex 1/10 |
Spend Categories
Airfare = »
3X points
2.1¢ Per Dollar Spent
All Other = »
2X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
Hotels - »
6X points
4.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
Restaurants = »
3X points
2.1¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Lounge Access »
Get access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying.
Get access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying.
Cell Phone Protection »
Your cell phone will be covered against damage or theft up to $800 — with a $50 deductible — up to $1,000 per 12-month
Your cell phone will be covered against damage or theft up to $800 — with a $50 deductible — up to $1,000 per 12-month
Free Room Annually »
Get on free Award Night that can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
Get on free Award Night that can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
TSA Pre Check »
Get up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, or an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck.
Get up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, or an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck.
Car Rental Insurance »
Using this card gives you $75,000 secondary car rental insurance for damage or theft of a rental vehicle. If you rent outside the US, coverage is upgraded to primary insurance.
Using this card gives you $75,000 secondary car rental insurance for damage or theft of a rental vehicle. If you rent outside the US, coverage is upgraded to primary insurance.
Travel Insurance »
Lost luggage insurance up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage
Lost luggage insurance up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage
No Foreign Transaction Fees »
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Statement Credits »
Get up to $300 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at Restaurants worldwide that is $25 per month .
Get up to $300 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at Restaurants worldwide that is $25 per month .
Hotel Perks »
Included Platinum status includes: late checkout and free enhanced WiFi, room upgrades based on availability.
Included Platinum status includes: late checkout and free enhanced WiFi, room upgrades based on availability.
Purchase Protection »
Your coverage is limited to 90 days from the date of purchase, up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 per cardmember account per calendar year.
Your coverage is limited to 90 days from the date of purchase, up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 per cardmember account per calendar year.
Extended Warranty »
Get up to 1 additional year on original manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less.
Get up to 1 additional year on original manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Marriott Bonvoy Outside Point System
Transfers Out To
Air Canada Aeroplan
3:1 67% value retained
American Airlines Miles
3:1 67% value retained
Avianca LifeMiles
3:1 67% value retained
British Airway Executive Avios
3:1 48% value retained
Cathay Pacific
3:1 57% value retained
Delta SkyMiles
3:1 57% value retained
Etihad Guest
3:1 57% value retained
Flying Blue and Air France
3:1 57% value retained
Qantas Frequent Flyer
3:1 57% value retained
Qatar Qmiles
3:1 57% value retained
Singapore KrisFlyer
3:1 62% value retained
Southwest Rapid Rewards
3:1 62% value retained
Turkish Airways
3:1 57% value retained
United MileagePlus
3:1.1 68% value retained
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
3:1 67% value retained
Transfers In From
Amex Member Rewards
1:1 50% value retained
Chase Ultimate Rewards
1:1 44% value retained
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Application Rules
Amex will decline your application if you already have 4 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a fifth
You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last 24 months
You'll be declined if you apply for a fourth Amex card in 90 days
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card per lifetime (yours or that version of the card)
Ranking of Cards Offering Marriott Bonvoy
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
5th
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Breaking Points
March 17, 2025
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
July 30, 2024
Mini Points - August 2024
- American Express Gold Card - Limited Time Offer 90,000 Points after spending $6000 in 6 months, $325/annual fee (with lots of perks to off-set the annual fee).
- American Express Marriott BonVoy Brilliant - Limited Time offer 185,000 Points after spending $6000 in 6 months, $650 annual fee ($300 Dining credit - $25/month towards restaurants).
March 5, 2024
Mini Points - March 2024
- Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - Earn 185,000 points after spending $6000 in 6 months, $650 annual fee.
- Amex Bonvoy Bevy - Earn 155,000 points after spending $5000 in 6 months, $250 annual fee.
- Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - Earn 155,000 points after spending $3000 in 6 months, $150 annual fee.
- Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - Earn 175,000 points after spending $6000 in 6 months, $550 annual fee.
- Amex Hilton Honors - Earn 100,000 points after spending $2000 in 6 months, $0 annual fee.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner - 75,000 points after spending $2000 in 6 months, $0 annual fee.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner + - 100,000 points after spending $2000 in 6 months, $75 annual fee.
- Wyndham Rewards Business - 50,000 points after spending $4000 in 3 months + 50,000 points after spending $15,000 in 12 months, $95 annual fee.
September 25, 2023
Marriott American Express Cards Limited Time Offer
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card - 2 Free Night Awards at 85,000 Points hotels after spending $6000 in 6 months, $650 annual fee.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card - 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5000 in 6 months, $250 annual fee.