Last updated: 6/27/2023

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express®

Earns: Marriott Bonvoy

GigaTake:

A very expensive card at $450 a year, so make sure it’s worth it. The bonuses sound good (3x on dining and flights, 2x on everything else) but Marriott points aren’t as valuable as they used to be. Still, if you’re a frequent guest, it might make sense for the perks.

This card is best for:

  • Dining
  • Airlines

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Here’s how much you would earn with this card

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You could earn Worth Plus Welcome Bonus Total
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per year
${{totalPointsYouCouldEarnValue | number}} {{welcomeBonus | number}} points
worth ${{welcomeBonusValue | number}}
${{totalValueToUser | number}}

How’d we figure that out?

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${{welcomeBonusAmount | number}}Welcome Bonus


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Pros

  • A top earning card for spending at Marriott properties.
  • Dining and Marriott statement credits can cover the annual fee if you’re able to use them.
  • Lots of good perks: free night, lounge access.

Cons

  • $450 annual fee.
  • Marriott points are less valuable than many other points.

See how the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® compares to other credit cards

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Other Cards


Hover the dots to view other Credit Cards

Reward Rate = 3x

Value = 0.8 cents per point
Effective Value = 2.4 %

0%
9%

Reward Rate = 3x

Value = 0.8 cents per point
Effective Value = 2.4 %

0%
7%

Reward Rate = 2x

Value = 0.8 cents per point
Effective Value = 1.6 %

0%
3%

Welcome Bonus = 150,000

Value = 0.8 cents per point
Effective Value = $1200

$5
$1700

Annual Fee = $650

$0
$695
Welcome Bonus
150,000

Excellent

Bonus Rating

Excellent

In the top 15% of cards.

Points

After you spend $3,000 in 3 months

GigaInfo about Welcome Bonuses Welcome Bonuses 101 Article
Spending Rewards
3x Airlines

Very Good

very good

3x U.S. Restaurants

OK

OK

6x Marriott

Excellent

excellent

Excellent

In the top 15% of cards.

2x All Other

Good

good

Good

In the top 50% of cards.

Is this card right for me?

That depends on your individual spending patterns. We have a tool that figures it out for you. Learn what you could earn.

Program Name
Marriott Bonvoy
Gigapoints Value
.8¢ per point
0.4¢ PER POINT
2¢+ PER POINT
Other Card Information

Earn 1 Free Night Award after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.

Annual Fee
  • $650
Use this card for…

You can earn more rewards by using different cards for different purchases. We built a tool that tells you which card to use, when. Just plug in your favorite brand, store, or category to find out which card pays the most.

Use the Best Card For tool Go

Additional perks of owning this card

$300 Restaurant Credits

Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.

Earned Choice Award benefit

Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $750 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

$100 Luxury Property Credit

Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton(R) or St. Regis(R) when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.

Marriott Brilliant 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(R). Certain hotels have resort fees.

Airport Lounge Access

Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership

Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck(R) (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.

The Fine Print

PURCHASES APR 18.74% – 27.74%
CASH ADVANCE APR 28.24% Variable
CASH ADVANCE FEE Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater.
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE 0%