Link: Apply now for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
We’re currently seeing a huge limited time welcome offer on Marriott’s most premium credit card, offering nearly twice as many points as the previous offer. I wanted to recap this offer, as it will be expiring in the coming days. If you’re at all interested in this card, this would be an ideal time to apply.
In this post:
Earn 185K Points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card
For applications through Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card has a welcome offer of 185,000 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 185,000 Bonvoy points at $1,295. This is the best points offer that 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 Marriott 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 Marriott Bonvoy status annually, which can help you earn a higher elite tier, like Titanium status or 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 Marriott Bonvoy 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 15,000 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 Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status, a valuable free night award, and much more.
Read a full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card.
Bottom line
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card has an elevated welcome offer of 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months. This is an amazing offer, the best points offer we’ve seen on the card.
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).
American Express was happy to send me the card, but said I didn’t “qualify” for the bonus points. They didn’t say why. I don’t chase bonus offers and can’t remember the last time I received any. I do have a Marriott Chase card but I’ve had it for years. I think credit card companies should have to inform you exactly why you were approved for the card, but not the bonus.
With every credit card gating their benefits behind incremental timed spending, IMO it's too hard nowadays to take these perks at face value. Who has time to remember on the first of the month use A card, in this quarter use B card (up to a limit then you have to remember to switch to C card), in this category use D card, (up to a limit, then switch to E card), but first don't...
With every credit card gating their benefits behind incremental timed spending, IMO it's too hard nowadays to take these perks at face value. Who has time to remember on the first of the month use A card, in this quarter use B card (up to a limit then you have to remember to switch to C card), in this category use D card, (up to a limit, then switch to E card), but first don't forget $25 "free" from F card, then switch to G card for $15 before switching back to D card, etc.
Instead I've been using the simple calculus of: is it worth paying $650 for 185,000 Bonvoy points, especially when I'm already paying thousands of dollars a year in other CC AFs? That's the real math, then you can consider the card perks as a freebie.
You care about good coffee yet have a running parade of Starbucks gift cards?!?!?
How strict is the 24 month rule applied? I got the Boundless card in August 2022, want wanted to upgrade to the Brilliant since then for the Platinum status. It appears I could apply latest end of April for the card to get the bonus, but that would be only 20 months. Should I wait for a future promotion instead?
It depends on when the points for the SUB hit your marriot account if you go back and check. 24Mo from them. Also when you apply it will tell you if you are eligible
Didnt they do away with free breakfast in the US or am i confusing that with some other chain.
Also does the Priority Pass come with guess and restaurant access ?
@ Manny -- Hilton Honors replaced free breakfast with a food & beverage credit. Marriott still offers breakfast as an option at most brands for Platinum members. The Priority Pass membership allows you to take two guests, but doesn't give you credits at restaurants.