The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the most premium credit card in Marriott’s co-brand card portfolio. The card has great ongoing perks that can more than justify the annual fee, and it’s a card that I’ve had for years.
If you are going to pick up the card, it always makes sense to time it with a period where we’re seeing an elevated welcome offer. Fortunately we’ve just seen one of those introduced, making it an ideal time to apply.
Link: Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
What is the current Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offer?
For applications through September 30, 2026, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is offering a two-part welcome offer where you can earn 150,000 Bonvoy bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 within the first six months.
I value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, given all the ways there are to redeem them, so I would value 150,000 points at $1,050. When you add in the $250 statement credit, you’re looking at $1,300 in total value, which is excellent.
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 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 status annually, which can help you earn a higher elite tier, like Bonvoy Titanium status or Bonvoy 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 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 25,000 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™ 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 Platinum status, a valuable free night award, and much more.
Read a full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card frequently asked questions
Bottom line
For applications through September 30, 2026, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card has a limited time welcome offer that can earn you 150,000 Bonvoy bonus points plus a $250 statement credit upon completing minimum spending.
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).