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Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Review: A Long Lineup of Luxurious Perks

Review Updated
Lyle Daly
Author: Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
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Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. His work with Motley Fool Money and The Motley Fool has appeared syndicated in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.

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Eric McWhinnie
Fact Checked: Eric McWhinnie
Eric McWhinnie
Eric McWhinnie

Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Hotel credit cards don't get much more feature-packed than the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Marriott's most luxurious card offers a rich welcome offer, spending credits, a free night award, and much more (terms apply). However, this card also comes with a hefty annual fee (see rates and fees). Decide if it's worth the cost with our Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card review.

Ratings Methodology

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Great for: Marriot Bonvoy benefits

Apply Now for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: n/a

Balance Transfers: n/a

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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.

2X-6X points

Annual Fee

$650

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points

  • It's one of the most expensive hotel cards we've seen, but the benefits could be worth thousands for the right type of cardholder.

    • Big Marriott Bonvoy bonuses
    • Travel credits
    • Free night award
    • Automatic Platinum Elite status
    • Airport lounge access
    • Expensive annual fee
    • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
    • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
    • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
    • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
    • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
    • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
    • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
    • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
    • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
    • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
    • $650 Annual Fee.
    • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
    • Terms Apply.
• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. • Trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and cell phone protection underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. • Extended warranty, purchase protection warranty, baggage insurance plan, and car rental loss & damage insurance underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Full Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant review

This credit card is a good fit for: Frequent guests of Marriott hotels who want a luxury card with perks to cover both hotel stays and air travel.

Top perks

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is one of the most feature-packed hotel cards.

95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points

You can earn 95,000 bonus points from Marriott Bonvoy when you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. Terms apply.

CHECK OUT MORE BIG BONUSES: Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards

Up to 6 points per $1

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card earns:

  • 6X points per $1 on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
  • 3X points per $1 on restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases
  • Terms apply

Those points are in addition to the points you already earn as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program. You also earn 50% more points on hotel purchases with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which is a complimentary perk of this card. Terms apply.

COMPARE TO OTHER TOP OPTIONS: Best Hotel Credit Cards

$300 annual dining statements credit

Each cardmember year, your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card covers $300 in eligible dining statements (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. You receive this as a statement credit. Terms apply. Assuming you use the credit every month, it effectively brings this card's annual fee down to $350.

$100 property credit

When you use your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card to book and pay for a stay of two nights or longer at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® using the "$100 Property Credit, Luxury Credit Card" rate, you receive a credit of up to $100 to redeem toward qualifying purchases at the property. The property credit appears as a credit on your bill at checkout, not as a statement credit on your credit card. Terms apply.

Annual free night award

After your card renewal month each year, you receive one free night award. You can redeem this for one night at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 points. Terms apply.

Complimentary Platinum Elite status

This card offers complimentary Platinum Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. Terms apply. Platinum Elite status unlocks perks that include:

  • 50% bonus points on stays
  • Enhanced room upgrades (when available)
  • 4 p.m. late checkout
  • Welcome gift choice upon arrival
  • Full lounge access at hotel brands that have lounges
  • Dedicated elite support available 24/7

Benefits like these can elevate every stay. You also receive 25 Elite Night Credits each year, which gets you closer to the next level of Elite status. Terms apply.

Airport lounge access

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Once you enroll in this benefit, you get unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests in the more than 1,200 Priority Pass lounges. Terms apply; enrollment required.

Most premium travel credit cards offer airport lounge access, but this is still a useful feature for frequent flyers.

SEE MORE OPTIONS: Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

Your Marriott card covers your membership fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, two Trusted Traveler programs. You can get either a $120 statement credit for Global Entry every four years, or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years. Terms apply.

Global Entry is the superior choice, and not just because it's the larger credit. A membership to that program also automatically enrolls you in TSA PreCheck, so you get both programs' benefits for the price of one.

LEARN MORE: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR: Which Program Is the Best?

Travel and purchase protections

American Express cards tend to have top-notch protections, and this one is no exception. It offers (and here, too, terms apply):

No foreign transaction fee

Like just about all the best travel credit cards, this card doesn't charge you extra for international transactions in a foreign currency. This can easily save you 2% to 3% on every transaction in non-U.S. dollars versus cards that charge foreign transaction fees. (see rates and fees)

RELATED: Best Airline Credit Cards

What could be improved

There is one downside to know about with this Marriott card.

Expensive annual fee

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card certainly doesn't come cheap at $650 per year. However, that annual fee is justifiable if you visit Marriott properties often.

The $300 dining statement credit can bring this card's annual cost down to $350. It also has plenty of additional benefits, including the annual free night award. That can be used at some of the most expensive Marriott properties, including many that charge $500 to $1,000 per night. Assuming you can use its benefits, this card's value more than makes up for its annual fee. If you're not sure you can, you're better off checking out other credit card reviews.

Have a business? Then you should check out Motley Fool Money's Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card review.

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Suggested credit score

We recommend a FICO® Score of 670 or higher to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. It generally takes a good or excellent credit score to get approved for this card.

As with any credit card application, your credit score isn't the only factor that matters. American Express reviews your credit history as well as your income when evaluating your application. You can get approved with a lower score or denied with a higher one.

GET THE CREDIT CARD YOU WANT: How to Increase Your Credit Score

The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is right for you if:

You book stays at Marriott properties several times per year and want the card that will get you the most benefits there.

If you visit Marriott often, you're just about guaranteed to get your money's worth from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. It offers a spectacular list of features, rivaled only by the best credit cards. Not only can you save a substantial amount of money on your Marriott stays, but the complimentary perks can result in a better hotel experience

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

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Our credit card methodology

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

FAQs

  • The minimum starting credit limit for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is usually $3,100, but higher limits are possible depending on your income and credit profile. Some people have reported receiving credit limits of $20,000 or more.

  • This card isn't hard to get if you meet its qualifications. Approval depends on several factors, one of the most important being your credit score. A FICO® Score of at least 670 gives you a good chance of getting approved.

  • Yes, you can use this card internationally, and it doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.