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# The Ultimate Guide to Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brilliant® Card Effectively
In the realm of travel rewards, few programs rival the flexibility and benefits offered by Marriott Bonvoy. For avid travelers and hotel guests, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card stands out as a prime choice for accumulating Bonvoy points, unlocking exclusive perks, and enhancing the overall travel experience. This guide delves into strategies to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points and utilize your Brilliant® Card effectively.
## 1. Welcome Bonus: A Head Start on Points
One of the most attractive features of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card is its generous welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn **up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points**:
– **100,000 points** after spending **$6,000** within the first 6 months.
– An additional **50,000 points** after spending an extra **$2,000** in purchases during the same period.
This opportunity allows new users to quickly build a substantial points balance, ideal for redeeming free nights or upgrades.
## 2. Leverage Dining Credits
The **$300 Brilliant Dining Credit** is another compelling aspect of the card. Each calendar year, cardholders can receive up to **$300** in statement credits for eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide (up to **$25 per month**). This benefit not only enhances your dining experiences but also effectively reduces the card’s annual fee, making it a strategic advantage for frequent diners.
## 3. Unlock Elite Status Benefits
Holding the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card grants users **Platinum Elite Status**, which comes with a host of benefits:
– Room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when booking with a Qualifying Rate.
– 25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
These perks can significantly enhance your stays, providing more comfort and convenience during your travels.
## 4. Maximize Points Earning Potential
Understanding how to earn points efficiently is crucial. With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card, cardholders earn:
– **6X points** for every dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
– **3X points** at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
– **2X points** on all other eligible purchases.
By focusing your spending in these categories, you can maximize your points accumulation, allowing for quicker rewards.
## 5. Annual Free Night Award
Each year after the card renewal, users receive a **Free Night Award** redeemable for one night at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy (redemption level at or under **85,000 points**). This benefit can lead to significant savings, especially at high-end properties.
## 6. Take Advantage of Property Credits
When booking direct stays at luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis®, cardholders can receive a **$100 property credit** for qualifying charges during a two-night minimum stay. This credit can enhance the experience and offset costs during luxurious getaways.
## 7. Travel Perks: Global Entry and Lounge Access
Frequent travelers will appreciate the **fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®**, which can be claimed every few years, improving travel efficiency. Additionally, the card offers enrollment in **Priority Pass Select**, granting access to over **1,200 airport lounges** globally—an invaluable perk for those who prefer comfort while traveling.
## 8. Protections and No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Brilliant® Card also provides **Cell Phone Protection**, covering repair or replacement costs for damaged or stolen devices, which is an added bonus for tech-savvy travelers. Moreover, the card imposes **no foreign transaction fees**, making it an excellent companion for international travel.
## Conclusion
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is not just a credit card; it’s a gateway to enhanced travel experiences through earning and maximizing Marriott Bonvoy points. By strategically leveraging the card’s benefits—welcome bonuses, dining credits, elite status, and travel perks—cardholders can significantly elevate their travel game while enjoying the world-class service of Marriott Bonvoy. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional vacationer, using the Brilliant® Card effectively can unlock a treasure trove of rewards and experiences.
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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