The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium credit card that comes with a hefty annual fee of $650. This high fee has led many people to question whether the benefits of the card justify the cost. In this article, we will examine the various perks and features of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card to determine if it is worth the annual fee.
One of the key benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is the welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months. These points have a value of approximately $798, according to The Points Guy.
Marriott Bonvoy points can be used for free nights at luxury properties around the world. Some popular options include The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and The West Hollywood Edition. However, it is worth noting that Marriott uses a dynamic pricing model, so the number of points required for a stay can vary. It is important to do a calendar search to find nights that cost 85,000 points or less.
Another valuable perk of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is the annual free night award. Each year after your card renewal month, you will receive a free night award worth up to 85,000 points. This can be used for a one-night stay at a luxury property. However, if you plan to stay for multiple nights, you will need to pay with points, cash, or move to a different hotel.
The card also offers up to $300 in dining credits per calendar year. Previously, this credit could be used for spending at Marriott-affiliated properties, but it has now been changed to monthly dining credits of up to $25. While this change makes the credits more complicated to use, it can help offset a significant portion of the annual fee.
One of the most valuable benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is the automatic Marriott Platinum Elite status. This level of elite status comes with perks such as 4 p.m. late checkout, room upgrades, welcome gifts, and free breakfast at select properties. However, it is worth noting that you are not entitled to a Choice Benefit, such as Suite Night Awards, just by having the card. You can earn a Choice benefit by spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year or by reaching 50 elite night credits.
The card also comes with other perks, including a Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you and two guests unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide. It also offers an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
In terms of earning potential, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.
In conclusion, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers a range of valuable perks and benefits that can make it worth the $650 annual fee for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott properties. The welcome bonus, annual free night award, dining credits, elite status, and other perks can provide significant value. However, it is important to consider your own travel habits and spending patterns to determine if this card is the right fit for you.