The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a top-tier travel credit card designed for frequent Marriott travelers and those who enjoy a luxurious travel experience. With a hefty annual fee, it packs a punch with high earning rates, valuable travel perks, and elite Marriott Bonvoy status.
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Pros:
- Welcome Offer: One of the highlights of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is its enticing welcome offer. As of 12/6/2023, new cardmembers can enjoy 95,000 bonus points when spending $6,000 or more in the first 6 months on their new card, providing a strong incentive to sign up.
- Robust Earning Rates: Earn 6x points on Marriott stays and U.S. supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Automatic Platinum Elite Status: A significant perk of this card is the automatic elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status, unlocking benefits like room upgrades, welcome gifts, bonus points on stays, lounge access, and more.
- Luxury Travel Perks: Access Priority Pass Select airport lounges, up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit, Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection benefits, and more.
- Choice Benefit: After spending $60,000 on the card within a calendar year, choose one of the following benefits: a free night certificate at a Marriott Bonvoy property worth up to 50,000 points, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for another year, or a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status gift for a friend.
- Travel Protections: Enjoy a variety of travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and car rental insurance.
- 25 Elite Night Credits: Receive 25 Elite Night Credits annually, helping you reach higher Marriott Bonvoy tiers faster.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This feature makes the card ideal for international travel, as cardholders won’t incur additional fees when making purchases abroad.
Cons:
- High Annual Fee: The annual fee of $650 is one of the highest among travel cards, making it essential to weigh the value of the benefits against the cost. Because the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card comes with a higher annual fee compared to other cards you should weigh the benefits against the cost to determine its overall value.
- Limited Earning Categories: While the card offers excellent value for Marriott enthusiasts, those who prefer flexibility in redemption may find the options more limited compared to other travel rewards cards. Outside of Marriott stays and a few bonus categories, the earning rate is average, making it less valuable for everyday spending.
- Competition: Several other travel cards offer similar benefits and earning potential for a lower annual fee.
Overall:
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a powerful option for frequent Marriott travelers who value elite status, luxury travel perks, and high earning rates on Marriott stays and certain spending categories. The card’s combination of a generous welcome offer, elite status perks, and annual free night make it a compelling option for loyal Marriott customers. However, the high annual fee requires careful consideration to ensure the card’s value outweighs the cost. If you primarily stay at Marriott properties and utilize the card’s travel benefits, it can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you have a more diversified travel portfolio or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, other travel cards may be better suited to your needs. We recommend you should carefully assess your travel habits and preferences to ensure the card aligns with your needs and provides a positive return on investment.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
- How often do you stay at Marriott properties?
- Do you value the travel perks offered by the card?
- Can you justify the high annual fee?
- What are your other travel credit card options?
By carefully analyzing your travel habits and preferences, you can determine whether the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the right fit for you.
To apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card click here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
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