Unlock Luxury Travel with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card stands out as Marriott’s premier credit card, designed for travelers who seek luxury and value. With an annual fee of $650, it offers a suite of premium benefits, including automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual free night certificate, and up to $300 in statement credits each year for dining at eligible restaurants worldwide. However, is this card worth the hefty price tag? Let’s explore its features and benefits to help you decide.

For potential cardholders, new applicants can earn a remarkable 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of membership. This offer, valid until September 24, is one of the highest in the card’s history and translates to approximately $1,295 in value based on TPG’s July 2025 valuation of Marriott points at 0.7 cents each. This generous bonus easily surpasses the recommended threshold of 100,000 points, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their rewards.

It’s important to note that eligibility for the welcome bonus may be restricted if you’ve previously held similar Marriott cards or earned a welcome offer on the Bonvoy Brilliant before. Be sure to review the offer details to ensure you qualify.

The Bonvoy Brilliant Amex truly shines with its extensive perks, which include:

– Access to automatic Platinum Elite status, which offers enhanced benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays.
– An annual free night certificate that can be redeemed for a stay at participating hotels (subject to certain limitations).
– Up to $300 in statement credits for eligible dining purchases each calendar year.
– 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery.
– 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
– 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

While the non-Marriott earning rates may not be as competitive as some other cards, pairing the Bonvoy Brilliant with cards that excel in other categories—like The Platinum Card® from American Express for travel or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for dining—can enhance your overall rewards strategy.

When it comes to redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy points, the most straightforward option is booking stays at Marriott properties. However, keep in mind that Marriott employs dynamic award pricing, meaning the number of points required for a stay can fluctuate based on demand. For example, a night at the Wailea Beach Resort may cost anywhere from 71,500 to 118,000 points depending on the date.

Despite recent devaluations in the Marriott Bonvoy program, which may require more points for certain bookings than in the past, the program boasts a vast selection of over 30 hotel brands, including luxurious options like Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. These high-end properties can cost upwards of 100,000 points per night, but given that their cash rates can reach $1,500, redeeming points for these stays can still represent excellent value.

Another option for using your Bonvoy points is transferring them to over 35 airline partners. However, this rarely provides good value, so it’s best reserved for situations where you need a few extra points for a flight redemption.

If you’re not particularly loyal to Marriott or are considering alternatives, there are various other hotel credit cards worth exploring. For a comprehensive comparison, check our full list of the best hotel credit cards.

In conclusion, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is an ideal choice for dedicated Marriott loyalists or those looking to switch from another Marriott card. While its earning rates may not match the most lucrative competitors, the impressive welcome bonus and valuable built-in perks—such as the annual dining credit and free night certificate—offer substantial value for frequent travelers.

If you’re ready to enhance your travel experiences, consider applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card today. For more details on rates and fees, visit the official site.

At The Points Guy, we believe that credit cards can transform your financial landscape, helping you turn everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences. If you choose to apply for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, which can influence how these products are presented. However, our editorial team independently analyzes and maintains the content, ensuring that you receive unbiased information to help you make informed decisions.