Link: Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the most premium credit card in Marriott’s co-brand card portfolio. The card has great ongoing perks that can more than justify the annual fee, and it’s a card that I’ve had for years.
For the past several weeks, the card has been offering a huge limited time welcome offer, making it an ideal time to apply. I’d like to post a reminder of this offer, as it’s not around for much longer, so the clock is ticking…
In this post:
Earn 200K points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card
For applications through May 13, 2026, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is offering a limited time welcome offer where you can earn 200,000 Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months.
I value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, given all the great ways there are to redeem them, so I would value 200,000 points at $1,400. This is an excellent offer, among the best we’ve ever seen on this card.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card eligibility requirements
If you’re applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, the general Amex application restrictions apply. For example, you’re limited to having a total of five Amex credit cards (not including hybrid cards), regardless of whether they’re personal or business. The good news is that I find Amex cards to anecdotally be pretty easy to get approved for.
Beyond that, since both American Express and Chase issue cards for Marriott, there are some pretty complicated restrictions regarding eligibility for this card, so see this post for more details.
Why the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is worth it
Not only does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card have a generous welcome offer, but this is a card that’s worth keeping in the long run. It’s a card I’ve had for years, and plan to hold onto. The card has a $650 annual fee (Rates & Fees), and for that you receive huge perks:
- The card offers Bonvoy Platinum status for as long as you’re a cardmember; this is where status really gets valuable, and offers perks like suite upgrades and free breakfast at most brands
- The card offers 25 elite nights toward status annually, which can help you earn a higher elite tier, like Bonvoy Titanium status or Bonvoy Ambassador status, or qualify for Choice Benefits
- Both the Platinum status as well as the elite nights that you earn with the card count toward lifetime status
- The card offers an anniversary free night award every year, valid at a property costing up to 85,000 points per night (this can also be topped off with up to 25,000 additional points)
- This card offers up to $300 per year in restaurant credits, in the form of a $25 credit each month
- The card offers a Priority Pass™ Select membership, which can get you airport lounge access (Enrollment required)
To me this card is absolutely worth it. You’re getting $300 per year in restaurant credits (I just buy $25 in Starbucks gift cards every month), which I consider to be worth close to face value. Then for that you’re getting Platinum status, a valuable free night award, and much more.
Read a full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card.
Bottom line
At the moment, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card has a huge limited time welcome offer that can earn you 200,000 bonus points.
The card offers Bonvoy Platinum status for as long as you have the card, an anniversary free night award, up to $300 in annual restaurant credits, and more. If you stay at Marriotts with any frequency and don’t have this card, you’re potentially missing out on quite a bit of value.
Do you plan on picking up the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card?
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees).
I can't find supplementary card fees and benefits on this card. Does it offer one?
Does anyone know how long after being approved does it take for Marriott to bump your status to Platinum?
My took literally just minutes after card approval. Was amazed it was that quick.
I think about cancelling this card every year, but never do cause the value is there. Just stayed at the Edition Rome for free using the free night credit which was asking for over 1k in cash.
That's a sweet redemption. I, too, think about closing Brilliant, namely, because Marriott keeps devaluing, and certain brands don't honor the Platinum free breakfast benefit (like, RC), but, then, they do something like increasing the cap (now 110K for those FNCs, 85K+25K), so, it's like... fine, I'll hold on a little longer. Coupon book $25/mo dining is kinda lame, but at least it's broader than just Resy (like with Delta Reserve), so I'll still use it.
Respectfully, Bonvoy points are like Weimar Republic cash, I'm out.
Ah, yes, All Due Respect... we Bonvoy members are still paying for the reparations from the First 'Starwood' World War... *sigh*
Right? Exactly! I mean with the credits for dining which is not the reason I obviously get the card and the free night; it is pretty easy to come out ahead. I also don't travel enough anymore to reach platinum organically without the card, so the free breakfasts are value too.