For discerning travelers seeking elevated experiences and luxurious accommodations, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card stands as a beacon of exceptional rewards and exclusive benefits. Tailored specifically for those who frequent Marriott Bonvoy® properties, this card not only enhances every hotel stay but also rewards dining and travel expenses generously.

In a landscape where travel and hospitality are paramount, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card shines with its unparalleled offering of 6X points on eligible hotel purchases, 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases.

Key information about the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card is tailored for travelers who frequent Marriott Bonvoy® properties. Cardholders earn 6X points on eligible hotel purchases, 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases. With an annual fee of $650, the card offers substantial benefits, making it a premium choice for travelers seeking luxury and convenience.

How does the annual fee work?

The annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card is $650, payable annually. This fee grants access to a range of benefits, including a $300 annual statement credit for eligible dining purchases and a complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Free Night Award each year. While there’s no option for fee waiver, the card’s perks often outweigh the fee for frequent travelers and hotel enthusiasts.

How is the credit limit determined?

American Express determines credit limits based on the applicant’s creditworthiness and income. For traditional cards, credit limits are set by evaluating credit history and financial capacity. Prepaid options allow users to deposit funds, setting their own spending limits, ideal for budget control and financial planning.

Credit card benefits 

• High points earning potential: Earn 6X points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, allowing for rapid accumulation of points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, upgrades, and more.
• Generous dining credits: Enjoy up to $300 in annual statement credits for eligible dining purchases at restaurants worldwide, making dining out more rewarding and cost-effective.
• Annual free night award: Receive a Free Night Award each year after your card renewal, valid at Marriott Bonvoy® hotels with redemption levels up to 85,000 points, ideal for special getaways or business stays.
• Platinum elite status: Automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, providing benefits such as room upgrades when available, enhanced points earning on stays, and priority late check-out.
• No foreign transaction fees: Pay no additional fees on purchases made abroad with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card, ensuring seamless international travel without extra costs.
• Brilliant earned choice award: After spending $60,000 on eligible purchases annually, choose one Earned Choice Award benefit, offering flexibility in enhancing your travel and hotel experience based on your preferences and needs.

Marriott Bonvoy® points

The card’s standout feature is its Marriott Bonvoy® points program, offering high earning potential and flexibility in redeeming points for hotel stays, room upgrades, and travel experiences, enhancing the overall travel and stay experience.

Disadvantages

• High annual fee: The card comes with a significant annual fee of $650, which may deter potential cardholders who are looking for a lower-cost option or who may not fully utilize all the card’s benefits.
• Limited brand flexibility: While advantageous for Marriott Bonvoy® loyalists, the card’s benefits are primarily focused on Marriott properties, limiting its utility for travelers who prefer a broader range of hotel options outside the Marriott portfolio.
• Complex rewards structure: Managing and maximizing rewards can be intricate due to the card’s tiered points system and specific redemption options within the Marriott Bonvoy® program, requiring careful planning and understanding of point valuations and redemption strategies.

Limited brand flexibility

A notable drawback is the card’s restriction to Marriott Bonvoy® properties, which can limit its utility for travelers who prefer diverse hotel options outside the Marriott network. This restriction may restrict flexibility in choosing accommodations, particularly in locations where Marriott hotels are not prevalent or in destinations where travelers seek alternative lodging experiences beyond the Marriott brand’s scope.

Who can apply for this card?

To apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card, applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score, a minimum income requirement, and proof of income. The card is not suitable for individuals with poor credit or those unable to meet the income threshold.

How to apply for the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant card

Via WebSite

Applying for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card through their website is a streamlined process designed to make it accessible for potential cardholders. To begin, visit the official American Express website and navigate specifically to the page dedicated to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card. Here, you’ll find comprehensive details outlining the card’s exclusive benefits, associated fees, and terms of service, ensuring transparency before you proceed with your application.

Once on the card’s page, you’ll encounter a prominent “Apply Now” button that initiates the application process. Clicking this button directs you to an online application form where you’ll need to provide detailed personal information. This includes your full legal name, current residential address, contact number, email address, and date of birth. It’s essential to accurately fill out these fields to ensure the smooth processing of your application.

In addition to personal details, you’ll be required to disclose financial information to assess your eligibility. This typically involves stating your annual income, employment status, and possibly details about any existing banking relationships. American Express may use this information to evaluate your creditworthiness and determine the credit limit for your card.

As part of the application, you’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions set forth by American Express. These terms encompass the card’s usage guidelines, fee structure, and privacy policy. It’s crucial to review these terms thoroughly to understand your obligations as a cardholder and the benefits you’ll receive upon approval.

After completing and submitting your application, American Express will process your request. Approval timelines may vary, but you can typically expect a response within a few business days. Upon approval, you’ll receive your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card by mail, along with instructions on how to activate it and access your online account management tools. This comprehensive process ensures that applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® card is straightforward and efficient for prospective cardholders.