Unlock Luxury with the Amex Marriott Card

Link: Apply now for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Both American Express and Chase have teamed up with Marriott to offer some pretty enticing credit cards. Let’s dive into the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. This little gem is the crème de la crème of Marriott’s credit cards and hands-down the simplest way to snag that coveted Platinum Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. Intrigued? Let’s take a peek under the hood.

Getting to Know the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

Marriott’s flagship card isn’t messing around. Sure, it’s got a substantial annual fee, but the perks make it worth every penny. We’re talking Platinum Elite status — no strings attached, not even a spending requirement. I’ve got my hands on this card and can vouch for its value.

Curious about what you get with this card? Let’s unpack the details, like the juicy welcome offer and those jaw-dropping benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Welcome Offer

Until May 14, 2025, sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card and enjoy a whopping 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you splurge $6,000 in the first six months. Compared to previous deals, this offer is practically a steal, doubling what we’ve seen before. I’ve crunched the numbers and value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, making this offer worth a cool $1,295 in my book.

Marriott Credit Card Eligibility

The world of Marriott credit cards is vast, and eligibility rules can be a bit of a maze. You won’t get the welcome offer if you’ve had this card before or if you’re entangled with certain other Marriott cards from Chase or Amex. But if you hold other specific Amex Marriott cards, you’re good to go.

General Amex Card Restrictions

Got stellar credit? You’re probably in good standing with Amex approvals. Typically, folks report speedy approvals for this card. A couple of quick pointers: no more than two Amex credit cards in 90 days, and you can’t have more than five Amex credit cards at once. Simple enough, right?

The $650 Annual Fee

The elephant in the room is the $650 annual fee. Before you gasp, remember, you can bring on additional cardmembers for free. This fee unlocks a treasure trove of benefits that make it a worthy investment.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Jetsetters rejoice, the Bonvoy Brilliant Card comes with zero foreign transaction fees. So, whether you’re savoring paella in Barcelona or sushi in Tokyo, this card has your back, keeping those pesky fees at bay.

How To Rack Up Points with the Bonvoy Brilliant Card

While not necessarily your go-to for daily swipes, the card’s bonus categories cater to luxury lovers and frequent fliers. Plus, if you’re spending $60,000 a year, you might find the math leaning in your favor.

6x Bonvoy Points at Marriott Hotels

Those points stack up fast with 6x Bonvoy points on Marriott purchases. Do the math, and you’re looking at a 4.2% return on your stays. Loyalty truly pays off.

3x Bonvoy Points on Dining and Flights

Get 3x points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines. While some might scoff at the 2.1% return, avid travelers might find it enticing.

2x Bonvoy Points on Other Purchases

With 2x points on all else, the return isn’t stellar. That’s why it’s best to reserve this card for maximizing those Marriott and elite category splurges.

Rewards for Spending $60,000 Per Year

Hit that $60K mark, and you can pick from stellar perks: five Suite Night Awards, a free night at upmarket Marriott locations, or get $1,000 off luxurious Marriott beds. A perfect excuse to treat yourself, wouldn’t you say?

Experience Luxe with the Bonvoy Brilliant Card Perks

Dive into the perks offered with this card, including Platinum Elite status, a $300 dining credit, and a free night award, making the hefty annual fee a bit easier to stomach.

Platinum Elite Status

Gain Platinum Elite status effortlessly with this card. Usually, this takes 50 elite nights, but here, you get bonus points for hotel stays, enjoy leisurely check-out times, snag room upgrades, and possibly access executive lounges. Luxury, indeed.

Up To $300 in Dining Credits

Feasting globally? Enjoy up to $300 a year on restaurant credits, dished out as $25 monthly credits. Knowledge is power, and knowing you’ve got dining covered is money-saving magic.

Annual Free Night—Up to 85K Points

Receive a free night certificate every year upon your card anniversary, perfect for high-end Marriott stays. Go ahead, cash in on elite stays costing up to 85,000 points, or go to higher grounds if needed.

25 Elite Nights Toward Yearly Status

Starting your year with 25 elite nights just for owning the card, climb the elite ladder effortlessly. Couple this with a co-branded business card and watch your elite status surge.

$100 Credit at Ritz & St. Regis

Booking two nights or more at select Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotels? Use your $100 credit for an upscale experience. Just remember, some restrictions might apply.

Your Lounge Passport—Priority Pass

Travel in style and comfort with a Priority Pass membership, offering access to over 1,300 lounges globally. A comfortable layover awaits.

Simplify Travel with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credits

Dodge those lengthy security lines with a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Getting through checkpoints has never been this easy.

Unlock Incredible Savings with Amex Offers

Amplify savings and discounts with Amex Offers available to cardholders. The savvy spender knows when to seize these deals like treasure hidden in plain sight.

Overall Verdict: Is the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Worthwhile?

If Marriott stays are your cup of tea, the Bonvoy Brilliant Card is a no-brainer. The perks are abundant, but the standout is unquestionably the effortless pathway to Platinum Elite status. Not to mention, the $300 restaurant credit practically pays for itself, sweetening the pot with a free night award worth a good sum.

If you’re eyeing this card, seize the moment—it’s deal stacking season.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Against the Bonvoy Bevy Card

Weighing the Bonvoy Brilliant against the Bonvoy Bevy? The former might have a steeper fee, but you’re paying for top-tier benefits and luxury—it’s a toss-up with bragging rights. For a frequent traveler, the Brilliant card is hard to beat.

Wrapping it Up

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card may seem costly upfront, but dive into its depths and return with priceless rewards, each perk stacking up to a lucrative verdict. Don those luxury lenses and peer into a world of elite hospitality.