The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card’s huge bonus can unlock luxury hotel stays around the world. With 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you could be lounging by a private pool at a high-end resort or enjoying first-class hotel experiences without paying a penny.
We’re going to cover how you can earn this bonus, what perks you get for the card’s $650 annual fee, and who will get the most value out of these benefits.
As frequent travelers and points enthusiasts, we’ll give you our expert take on whether the Bonvoy Brilliant is worth it for you.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card: Massive Welcome Bonus Available Now
We’re looking at a standout deal on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card from American Express. Right now, you can earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points once you hit the initial spending target. Offers like this don’t come around often.
We estimate Bonvoy points to be worth about 0.7 cents each, putting the total value of this bonus around $1,295 in travel. That makes it one of the largest bonuses this card has ever offered.
To qualify, you’ll need to spend $6,000 within the first six months of opening the account. That averages out to around $1,000 per month, which is manageable if you charge regular expenses or have a few larger purchases planned.
This is a time-sensitive offer. As of now, it’s set to expire on May 14, 2025. Offers like this can change without much warning, so acting sooner is safer than waiting.
Before you apply, make sure you understand Amex’s eligibility terms. If you already have this card, or had it in the past, you won’t qualify for the bonus. There are also restrictions tied to other Marriott cards, especially if you’ve opened one through Chase. If you’re unsure, use a card eligibility checker or read the issuer’s terms carefully.
You can apply through either the American Express or Marriott website. Once approved, keep your spending focused so you hit the $6,000 requirement within the six-month window. Your bonus points will usually show up in your Marriott Bonvoy account a few weeks after you qualify.
Breaking Down the Annual Fee and Core Features of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card
If you’re eyeing the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus, you’ll want a clear view of what the card actually costs to carry. This card falls into the premium travel category, and its $650 annual fee reflects that status. It’s not waived in the first year, so you’ll see the charge right on your first statement and every year after that.
That fee may feel steep at first glance, but it comes with a strong lineup of perks. When used smartly, those benefits can return far more value than what you pay.
Adding authorized users won’t increase your fee, which is a plus. Just keep in mind they don’t get everything the primary cardholder does. For instance, elite status doesn’t extend to them, although they can still use features like Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
You won’t get hit with foreign transaction fees when using this card abroad. That means you can spend overseas without the usual 3% penalty many other cards tack on. For international travelers, that adds up fast.
Now Let’s Talk Rewards
You’ll earn 6X points at Marriott properties, 3X points on worldwide dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other eligible purchases. While there are other cards with stronger rates for general spending, this setup works well for frequent Marriott guests.
There’s also a spend milestone built in—if you put $60,000 on the card in a single calendar year, you unlock an extra reward called a Choice Benefit. That could be a free night, upgrade awards, or something similar. It’s a big number to hit, but for high spenders, it might be worth chasing.
The physical card itself is made of metal, giving it a more solid, upscale feel than typical plastic cards. While that’s just an aesthetic detail, it matches the premium positioning Marriott’s aiming for here.
To make that $650 annual fee worth it, the key is to fully use the credits and benefits that come with the card. For many travelers, that value can far exceed the cost, especially when stacked with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus. If the perks line up with your travel habits, this card can deliver strong long-term value.
Key Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus
With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus, you’re getting more than just a huge points offer. This card is stacked with luxury travel perks that can easily outweigh the annual fee if you use them consistently.
One of the most valuable benefits is automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. Just by holding the card, you’re upgraded to this tier, which normally requires 50 nights per year at Marriott properties. Platinum status brings upgrades when available, including suites, along with lounge access or complimentary breakfast at most brands, late checkout, and better earning rates on paid stays.
You also receive 25 Elite Night Credits every calendar year. These help you qualify for even higher levels like Titanium or Ambassador and count toward Lifetime Elite progress. If you have a business Marriott card too, the credits from both can be combined, but Marriott doesn’t allow stacking from two personal cards. Among all Marriott co-branded cards, this 25-night benefit is the highest offered from a single card.
Another major perk is the annual Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points. You receive it each year after your card anniversary and can use it at most Marriott properties, including high-end options like St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton. If needed, you can add up to 15,000 points to book a night valued up to 100,000 points. Depending on where you redeem it, this single benefit could easily be worth $400 to $800, making a big dent in the annual fee.
Credits and Extras That Add Real Value
This card also includes up to $300 in annual dining credits. It’s broken down into $25 monthly credits that apply to restaurant purchases worldwide, including delivery and takeout. Many cardholders use this regularly by setting reminders or grabbing gift cards. Maxing out the credit each year brings your effective net fee closer to $350, which is far easier to justify once other benefits are factored in.
A Priority Pass Select membership is included too, offering access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally. You can typically bring two guests without extra fees. This benefit is especially useful if you don’t already have lounge access through another card, though note that Amex-linked Priority Pass no longer covers partner restaurants.
If you stay at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties, there’s a $100 credit waiting for you when you book a two-night minimum stay using a designated Amex rate and pay with this card. You can use it for extras like dining or spa services during your visit.
You’ll also be reimbursed up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees once every four years. It’s a simple way to speed up airport lines and save money.
On top of all that, the card includes a wide range of travel and purchase protections. This includes trip delay insurance, baggage coverage, return protection, extended warranties, and purchase protection. These built-in safeguards can come in handy when plans go sideways or purchases don’t work out.
Who Should Get the Most Out of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus brings strong value, but only if it aligns with your travel habits. This isn’t a card for everyone, especially with a $650 annual fee. Still, for the right kind of user, it can deliver far more than it costs.
If you stay at Marriott hotels regularly, this card stands out. You get instant Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 50 nights a year. That means better rooms, free breakfast or lounge access, late checkout, and more points on each stay. Even a few trips a year to high-end Marriott properties can justify the fee once you factor in these upgrades.
There’s more. Every year, you get a Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points. That can cover most Marriott hotels, including many premium resorts. If you’ve got other Marriott points saved up, you can top it off and book an even higher-end stay.
The $300 in dining credits can also make a big difference. As long as you spend $25 each month at restaurants, cafes, or delivery spots that qualify, you’ll get reimbursed. If that’s part of your routine already, you’re recapturing a big portion of the fee without changing a thing.
This card is also useful if you’re saving points for a big redemption like a honeymoon, luxury vacation, or international trip. The 185,000-point bonus can go far, whether you use it for multiple free hotel nights or transfer it to airlines to book a flight in business class.
If you already hold a lower-tier Marriott card and want better benefits, this upgrade gives you direct access to higher status and more perks. It also works well for those who want to boost their progress toward Marriott Lifetime or higher elite levels.
Who Might Want to Skip the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus
This card loses most of its appeal if you don’t stay at Marriott properties. If you’re loyal to another chain like Hyatt or Hilton, or tend to book with independent hotels, Platinum status won’t matter. The Free Night Award might go unused, and you won’t see much value in the dining credits if you forget to use them or rarely dine out.
For those who already hold other premium travel cards, some of the benefits here could overlap. Priority Pass lounge access, for example, might already be included with another card you carry. The Global Entry credit is helpful, but it only renews every four years and is common across many premium cards.
If you prefer straightforward rewards and dislike managing credits or tracking redemptions, the Bonvoy Brilliant may feel like too much work. You could likely find a simpler cashback card or a travel card with a lower annual fee that fits better.
Even Marriott fans should think through their status plans. If you already hit 50 or 75 nights per year on your own, you’re earning status without the card. In that case, the main benefit is the Free Night Award and dining credits. That may still make the card worth it, but the value gap narrows if you’re not using all the extras.
Final Thoughts on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Bonus
Right now, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card Bonus is sitting at a massive 185,000 points, available when you spend $6,000 within the first six months. This is one of the highest bonuses ever offered on this card, and it can open the door to some impressive hotel redemptions across Marriott’s global portfolio.
Beyond the welcome offer, the card brings a lot to the table. The $650 annual fee is a real cost, but it’s paired with serious benefits. You’re getting automatic Platinum Elite status, a Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points, $300 in annual dining credits, 25 elite night credits, and access to airport lounges through Priority Pass. These features are built to deliver long-term value if you travel regularly or prefer higher-end stays.
For those who already stay at Marriott properties, the perks alone can return more than the card costs. You’re essentially locking in elite treatment and free nights each year without needing to earn status through nights stayed. That means room upgrades, breakfast, and points bonuses become your default experience, not something you have to earn the hard way.
