Why the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Is Worth It

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card offers premium hotel rewards, free nights, and elite travel benefits. Tap below to learn more!

By: Bruna Silveira in February 14, 2025

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The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card is a premium hotel rewards card designed for frequent Marriott travelers who want elite perks, luxury upgrades, and high-value travel benefits.

With automatic Platinum Elite status, annual free nights, and generous rewards on stays, this card is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their Marriott Bonvoy experience.

For travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties, the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card offers high-end travel rewards and exclusive perks.

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This card provides 6X points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, making it easy to accumulate points quickly.

Beyond hotel rewards, cardholders receive an annual free night, elite status perks, and travel protections, ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience.

Whether you travel for business or leisure, this card helps you enhance your stays, earn valuable rewards, and enjoy a range of travel benefits.

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Benefits of the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card

This card comes packed with high-value perks that make it an excellent choice for frequent Marriott guests and luxury travelers. Some of the standout benefits include:

Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels and resorts.
Earn 3X points on dining at restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines.
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive automatic Platinum Elite status, unlocking room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays.
Enjoy an annual free night award (valued at up to 85,000 points) to redeem at eligible Marriott properties.
Get a $300 dining credit, distributed as $25 per month for restaurant purchases.
Receive 25 Elite Night Credits each year, making it easier to reach higher status tiers.
Access to premium travel benefits, including trip cancellation insurance, baggage protection, and rental car coverage.
No foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent card for international travellers.

These benefits provide tremendous value for travellers who stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties and want exclusive access to elite perks and luxury experiences.

Prerequisites to Apply for the Card

To be eligible for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Good to excellent credit score (typically 700+).
U.S. residency with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.
Minimum age of 18 (or 19 in some states).
A stable source of income to meet American Express’s credit requirements.

American Express considers credit history, income, and existing debt when reviewing applications, so those with strong financial profiles have a better chance of approval.

About American Express

Founded in 1850, American Express is a global leader in financial services, known for its premium credit cards, travel perks, and exclusive member benefits. The company has a long-standing reputation for offering top-tier rewards programs, concierge services, and elite travel partnerships.

With millions of cardholders worldwide, American Express provides a range of financial products, including business credit cards, personal loans, banking solutions, and digital payment services. As a traditional bank with a strong digital presence, Amex ensures customers can manage their accounts easily through its mobile app and online banking platform.

American Express is particularly well-known for its premium travel credit cards, offering perks like airport lounge access, elite hotel benefits, and comprehensive travel protections.

Who Is This Card For?

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card is designed for:

Luxury travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and resorts.
Frequent business travelers who benefit from Platinum Elite status and free night awards.
Loyal Marriott Bonvoy members who want to maximize points and enjoy hotel perks.
International travelers who need a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Consumers with high spending habits who can take advantage of travel credits and bonus rewards.

Since this is a high-end travel card, it is not ideal for occasional travelers or those who prefer more flexible redemption options.

What Rewards and Programs Does the Card Offer?

This card offers a highly rewarding points system, allowing cardholders to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, travel experiences, and more.

Earn points on every purchase, with the highest rewards on Marriott Bonvoy stays.
Points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, room upgrades, and exclusive experiences.
Transfer points to over 40 airline partners, making it a great choice for frequent flyers.
Elite Night Credits help users reach higher Marriott Bonvoy elite status faster.
Additional perks include complimentary Wi-Fi, priority upgrades, and enhanced customer service.

Initial Credit Limit

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card offers flexible credit limits, which vary based on the applicant’s credit profile and financial history.

Minimum credit limit: $5,000
Maximum credit limit: Can exceed $20,000 for well-qualified applicants.

Higher limits are typically offered to applicants with excellent credit and strong income levels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Card

Applying for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card is simple. Follow these steps:

Visit the official application page: Apply here.
Check your eligibility based on credit score and financial history.
Complete the online application, providing personal, financial, and employment details.
Review the terms and conditions before submitting your application.
Submit your application and wait for approval. Some applicants may receive instant decisions, while others may take a few days for review.

TAP TO ACCESS THE CARD PAGE

Card’s Pros and Cons

Pros

High rewards rate on Marriott purchases.
Automatic Platinum Elite status with room upgrades and exclusive perks.
Annual free night valued up to 85,000 points.
$300 dining credit for restaurant purchases.
No foreign transaction fees for international spending.

Cons

High annual fee of $650, which may not be ideal for casual travelers.
Best rewards are Marriott-focused, limiting flexibility.
Strict approval requirements, making it less accessible for some applicants.