Here you can add a description about your company or product
© Copyright 2026 CardRewards. All Rights Reserved.
Platinum Status, Premium Benefits, Priority Access
Instant Marriott Platinum Elite status with up to $700 in annual credits and a free night worth up to 85,000 points.
$650
Annual Fee
100,000
Hotel · Welcome Bonus
6X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$650
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Marriott Bonvoy
Point Valuation
0.6–0.8 cpp (mid: 0.7)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
100,000
Hotel
Spend $6,000 in the first 6 months
Marriott Hotels
6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
Flights
Flights booked directly with airlines
Dining
3X points at restaurants worldwide
A $200/night Marriott stay earns 1,200 Bonvoy points — plus up to 15X more from elite status bonuses for 21X total.
Spending $500/month on dining earns 1,500 points — plus triggers the $25 monthly dining credit.
A $400 flight booked directly with an airline earns 1,200 Bonvoy points.
Your $3,000 in monthly other spending earns 6,000 Bonvoy points.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The world's largest hotel loyalty program
Marriott Bonvoy is the largest hotel loyalty program in the world, combining the former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs. With over 8,500 properties across 30 brands in 139 countries, Bonvoy offers unmatched flexibility for both budget-conscious and luxury travelers. Members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most Marriott brands, with higher earning rates for elite members. Points can be redeemed for free night awards starting at 5,000 points, transferred to 40+ airline partners, or used for unique experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The program's six elite tiers (Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador) offer escalating benefits including room upgrades, late checkout, lounge access, and bonus points. Elite status can be earned through paid nights or granted automatically through co-branded credit cards.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex 2/90 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days |
| Amex 4 Credit | Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth |
| Bonvoy 1/24 | You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last 24 months |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
| Purchase APR | 21.49%–29.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee |
Platinum Status, Premium Benefits, Priority Access
Instant Marriott Platinum Elite status with up to $700 in annual credits and a free night worth up to 85,000 points.
$650
Annual Fee
100,000
Hotel · Welcome Bonus
6X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$650
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Marriott Bonvoy
Point Valuation
0.6–0.8 cpp (mid: 0.7)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
100,000
Hotel
Spend $6,000 in the first 6 months
Marriott Hotels
6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
Flights
Flights booked directly with airlines
Dining
3X points at restaurants worldwide
A $200/night Marriott stay earns 1,200 Bonvoy points — plus up to 15X more from elite status bonuses for 21X total.
Spending $500/month on dining earns 1,500 points — plus triggers the $25 monthly dining credit.
A $400 flight booked directly with an airline earns 1,200 Bonvoy points.
Your $3,000 in monthly other spending earns 6,000 Bonvoy points.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The world's largest hotel loyalty program
Marriott Bonvoy is the largest hotel loyalty program in the world, combining the former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs. With over 8,500 properties across 30 brands in 139 countries, Bonvoy offers unmatched flexibility for both budget-conscious and luxury travelers. Members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most Marriott brands, with higher earning rates for elite members. Points can be redeemed for free night awards starting at 5,000 points, transferred to 40+ airline partners, or used for unique experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The program's six elite tiers (Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador) offer escalating benefits including room upgrades, late checkout, lounge access, and bonus points. Elite status can be earned through paid nights or granted automatically through co-branded credit cards.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex 2/90 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days |
| Amex 4 Credit | Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth |
| Bonvoy 1/24 | You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last 24 months |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
| Purchase APR | 21.49%–29.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee |
Platinum Status, Premium Benefits, Priority Access
Instant Marriott Platinum Elite status with up to $700 in annual credits and a free night worth up to 85,000 points.
$650
Annual Fee
100,000
Hotel · Welcome Bonus
6X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$650
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Marriott Bonvoy
Point Valuation
0.6–0.8 cpp (mid: 0.7)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
100,000
Hotel
Spend $6,000 in the first 6 months
Marriott Hotels
6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
Flights
Flights booked directly with airlines
Dining
3X points at restaurants worldwide
A $200/night Marriott stay earns 1,200 Bonvoy points — plus up to 15X more from elite status bonuses for 21X total.
Spending $500/month on dining earns 1,500 points — plus triggers the $25 monthly dining credit.
A $400 flight booked directly with an airline earns 1,200 Bonvoy points.
Your $3,000 in monthly other spending earns 6,000 Bonvoy points.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The world's largest hotel loyalty program
Marriott Bonvoy is the largest hotel loyalty program in the world, combining the former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs. With over 8,500 properties across 30 brands in 139 countries, Bonvoy offers unmatched flexibility for both budget-conscious and luxury travelers. Members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most Marriott brands, with higher earning rates for elite members. Points can be redeemed for free night awards starting at 5,000 points, transferred to 40+ airline partners, or used for unique experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The program's six elite tiers (Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador) offer escalating benefits including room upgrades, late checkout, lounge access, and bonus points. Elite status can be earned through paid nights or granted automatically through co-branded credit cards.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex 2/90 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days |
| Amex 4 Credit | Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth |
| Bonvoy 1/24 | You're allowed only 1 personal and 1 business Bonvoy Card at the same time, and only 1 bonus in the last 24 months |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
| Purchase APR | 21.49%–29.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee |
Up to
$520
in annual credits
$300 dining credit
$300
Annual
Receive up to $25 per month in statement credits for restaurant purchases worldwide, totaling $300 annually
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
$120
Receive statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every 4-4.5 years
$100 luxury hotel credit
$100
Receive a $100 property credit for dining, spa, or amenities when booking 2+ nights at participating luxury properties
DoorDash DashPass
—
Annual
Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for 1 year, plus $10 quarterly discount on non-restaurant orders
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Monthly
3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership plus $10 monthly Instacart statement credit (up to $120/year) through December 2027
Combined Protection Value
$99,601
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions due to illness, injury, severe weather, and other covered reasons
Get up to $800 per claim and $1,600 annually for cell phone damage or theft when you pay monthly wireless bill with Brilliant Card
Coverage for damage or theft of rental vehicles - primary for international rentals, secondary for domestic
Reimbursement for meals, lodging, and necessities when your trip is delayed more than 6 hours
Coverage for accidental damage or theft within 90 days of purchase
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Night Free on Award Stays | 0 | — | — | — |
| Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy | 10,000 | — | — | — |
| St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort | 85,000 | — | — | — |
| JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (All-Inclusive Safari) | 60,000 | — | — | — |
| Protea Hotels in South Africa | 5,000 | — | — | — |
| Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts (Mexico & Caribbean) | 40,000 | — | — | — |
| Category 1-3 Properties Off-Peak | 5,000 | — | — | — |
| The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach | 100,000 | — | — | — |
| Airline Transfer with 60k Bonus (United) | 60,000 | — | — | — |
| Marriott Bonvoy Moments Experiences | 1 | — | — | — |
| W Hotels for Weekend Getaways | 25,000 | — | — | — |
| Courtyard/Fairfield Near Theme Parks | 15,000 | — | — | — |
If you frequently stay at Marriott and want to enjoy Platinum Elite Status perks, free annual night certificates, and a comprehensive sign-up bonus, the Bonvoy Brilliant’s annual fee can be worthwhile.
**If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and value elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is an excellent choice**. Its high annual fee of $650 is offset by Platinum Elite Status, which offers a range of perks for those who regularly stay at Marriott hotels. You also receive a generous 100,000-point sign-up bonus and **one free night each year** (worth up to 85,000 points). If you can take advantage of the card’s various statement credits, it may be worth keeping long-term to maintain your loyalty to the brand.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card stands out as the top-tier option among Marriott credit cards, offering the most benefits and perks — fitting for its **$650 annual fee**. If you frequently stay at Marriott properties throughout the year, consider adding this card to your wallet. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Earn **100,000 points after spending $6,000** in six months, providing a comprehensive start to your Marriott rewards journey.
- Free Night Certificate: The annual free night is capped at 85,000 points — far higher than other Marriott cards — giving you more flexibility to book higher-tier properties.
- Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy a 4 p.m. late checkout, enhanced room upgrades, guaranteed lounge access, a welcome gift (points, breakfast, or amenity), and a 50% bonus on eligible hotel purchases.
- Valuable Statement Credits: Justify the high annual fee with perks like a $100 property credit (at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis), a $300 Brilliant Dining credit, a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and Priority Pass membership.
With these extensive perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card can be a rewarding choice if you’re a devoted Marriott guest and can take full advantage of its benefits.
Consider other options if:
- You won’t take advantage of the perks that offset the high annual fee.
- You’re mainly interested in a welcome bonus, and the Boundless Card offers a better one with a much lower annual fee if you decide to keep the card.
**Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.**
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, but they can be frustrating to find, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is Marriott’s premium offering, with the highest annual fee and the most perks. However, if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often or don’t prioritize elite status, there are other card choices:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Ideal if you prioritize sign-up bonuses and plan to move on to another card. It offers a 90,000-point sign-up bonus and a $150 statement credit after your first purchase. You’ll get one free night each year (capped at 35,000 points) and complimentary Silver Elite Status. With a $95 annual fee, the free night alone can be enough to justify keeping the card.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$312
Annual Fee
-$650
Net Annual Value
-$338
| $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
TPG and NerdWallet value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7-0.8 cents per point on average. However, with dynamic pricing, actual value can range from 0.4 cpp (gift cards) to 2+ cpp (aspirational hotel redemptions). The fifth night free benefit can push value even higher on 5-night stays.
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy partners with ~40 airlines at a 3:1 ratio (3 Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile). Transfers of 60,000 points earn a 5,000-mile bonus with most partners, giving you 25,000 airline miles per 60,000 Bonvoy points.
Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity — earning, redeeming, or purchasing points — resets the clock. Simply holding a co-branded credit card and using it keeps your account active.
When you redeem points for 5+ consecutive nights at the same hotel, the cheapest night is free. This effectively saves you 20% on longer award stays and is available to all Marriott Bonvoy members, regardless of elite status.
The fastest path is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which grants automatic Platinum Elite status. Otherwise, hold a co-branded card for 15 elite night credits, then stay 35 more paid nights to reach Platinum.
Yes. You can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member's account, with a receiving limit of 500,000 points per year. Both accounts must be open and in good standing.
TPG's review covering earn rates, welcome offer, and comparison with other hotel cards.
Bankrate's comprehensive review with 4.4/5 rating, expert experience, and comparison to other hotel cards.
Forbes Advisor review covering free night benefit, Platinum Elite status, and annual fee value analysis.
US News review with 4.1 rating covering rewards optimization and comparison to Marriott Bevy.
WalletHub's comprehensive review with editor rating of 4.5/5 and 15 user reviews.
CNBC Select review covering premium perks, insurance coverage, and annual fee justification.
Credit Karma's review highlighting free nights, loyalty rewards, and hotel experience benefits.
NerdWallet's review covering earn rates, welcome bonus, elite status perks, and annual fee value analysis.
Official Amex card page with current offer details, benefits overview, and application.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Up to
$520
in annual credits
$300 dining credit
$300
Annual
Receive up to $25 per month in statement credits for restaurant purchases worldwide, totaling $300 annually
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
$120
Receive statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every 4-4.5 years
$100 luxury hotel credit
$100
Receive a $100 property credit for dining, spa, or amenities when booking 2+ nights at participating luxury properties
DoorDash DashPass
—
Annual
Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for 1 year, plus $10 quarterly discount on non-restaurant orders
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Monthly
3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership plus $10 monthly Instacart statement credit (up to $120/year) through December 2027
Combined Protection Value
$99,601
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions due to illness, injury, severe weather, and other covered reasons
Get up to $800 per claim and $1,600 annually for cell phone damage or theft when you pay monthly wireless bill with Brilliant Card
Coverage for damage or theft of rental vehicles - primary for international rentals, secondary for domestic
Reimbursement for meals, lodging, and necessities when your trip is delayed more than 6 hours
Coverage for accidental damage or theft within 90 days of purchase
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Night Free on Award Stays | 0 | — | — | — |
| Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy | 10,000 | — | — | — |
| St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort | 85,000 | — | — | — |
| JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (All-Inclusive Safari) | 60,000 | — | — | — |
| Protea Hotels in South Africa | 5,000 | — | — | — |
| Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts (Mexico & Caribbean) | 40,000 | — | — | — |
| Category 1-3 Properties Off-Peak | 5,000 | — | — | — |
| The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach | 100,000 | — | — | — |
| Airline Transfer with 60k Bonus (United) | 60,000 | — | — | — |
| Marriott Bonvoy Moments Experiences | 1 | — | — | — |
| W Hotels for Weekend Getaways | 25,000 | — | — | — |
| Courtyard/Fairfield Near Theme Parks | 15,000 | — | — | — |
If you frequently stay at Marriott and want to enjoy Platinum Elite Status perks, free annual night certificates, and a comprehensive sign-up bonus, the Bonvoy Brilliant’s annual fee can be worthwhile.
**If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and value elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is an excellent choice**. Its high annual fee of $650 is offset by Platinum Elite Status, which offers a range of perks for those who regularly stay at Marriott hotels. You also receive a generous 100,000-point sign-up bonus and **one free night each year** (worth up to 85,000 points). If you can take advantage of the card’s various statement credits, it may be worth keeping long-term to maintain your loyalty to the brand.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card stands out as the top-tier option among Marriott credit cards, offering the most benefits and perks — fitting for its **$650 annual fee**. If you frequently stay at Marriott properties throughout the year, consider adding this card to your wallet. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Earn **100,000 points after spending $6,000** in six months, providing a comprehensive start to your Marriott rewards journey.
- Free Night Certificate: The annual free night is capped at 85,000 points — far higher than other Marriott cards — giving you more flexibility to book higher-tier properties.
- Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy a 4 p.m. late checkout, enhanced room upgrades, guaranteed lounge access, a welcome gift (points, breakfast, or amenity), and a 50% bonus on eligible hotel purchases.
- Valuable Statement Credits: Justify the high annual fee with perks like a $100 property credit (at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis), a $300 Brilliant Dining credit, a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and Priority Pass membership.
With these extensive perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card can be a rewarding choice if you’re a devoted Marriott guest and can take full advantage of its benefits.
Consider other options if:
- You won’t take advantage of the perks that offset the high annual fee.
- You’re mainly interested in a welcome bonus, and the Boundless Card offers a better one with a much lower annual fee if you decide to keep the card.
**Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.**
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, but they can be frustrating to find, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is Marriott’s premium offering, with the highest annual fee and the most perks. However, if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often or don’t prioritize elite status, there are other card choices:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Ideal if you prioritize sign-up bonuses and plan to move on to another card. It offers a 90,000-point sign-up bonus and a $150 statement credit after your first purchase. You’ll get one free night each year (capped at 35,000 points) and complimentary Silver Elite Status. With a $95 annual fee, the free night alone can be enough to justify keeping the card.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$312
Annual Fee
-$650
Net Annual Value
-$338
| $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
TPG and NerdWallet value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7-0.8 cents per point on average. However, with dynamic pricing, actual value can range from 0.4 cpp (gift cards) to 2+ cpp (aspirational hotel redemptions). The fifth night free benefit can push value even higher on 5-night stays.
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy partners with ~40 airlines at a 3:1 ratio (3 Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile). Transfers of 60,000 points earn a 5,000-mile bonus with most partners, giving you 25,000 airline miles per 60,000 Bonvoy points.
Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity — earning, redeeming, or purchasing points — resets the clock. Simply holding a co-branded credit card and using it keeps your account active.
When you redeem points for 5+ consecutive nights at the same hotel, the cheapest night is free. This effectively saves you 20% on longer award stays and is available to all Marriott Bonvoy members, regardless of elite status.
The fastest path is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which grants automatic Platinum Elite status. Otherwise, hold a co-branded card for 15 elite night credits, then stay 35 more paid nights to reach Platinum.
Yes. You can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member's account, with a receiving limit of 500,000 points per year. Both accounts must be open and in good standing.
TPG's review covering earn rates, welcome offer, and comparison with other hotel cards.
Bankrate's comprehensive review with 4.4/5 rating, expert experience, and comparison to other hotel cards.
Forbes Advisor review covering free night benefit, Platinum Elite status, and annual fee value analysis.
US News review with 4.1 rating covering rewards optimization and comparison to Marriott Bevy.
WalletHub's comprehensive review with editor rating of 4.5/5 and 15 user reviews.
CNBC Select review covering premium perks, insurance coverage, and annual fee justification.
Credit Karma's review highlighting free nights, loyalty rewards, and hotel experience benefits.
NerdWallet's review covering earn rates, welcome bonus, elite status perks, and annual fee value analysis.
Official Amex card page with current offer details, benefits overview, and application.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Up to
$520
in annual credits
$300 dining credit
$300
Annual
Receive up to $25 per month in statement credits for restaurant purchases worldwide, totaling $300 annually
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
$120
Receive statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every 4-4.5 years
$100 luxury hotel credit
$100
Receive a $100 property credit for dining, spa, or amenities when booking 2+ nights at participating luxury properties
DoorDash DashPass
—
Annual
Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for 1 year, plus $10 quarterly discount on non-restaurant orders
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Monthly
3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership plus $10 monthly Instacart statement credit (up to $120/year) through December 2027
Combined Protection Value
$99,601
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions due to illness, injury, severe weather, and other covered reasons
Get up to $800 per claim and $1,600 annually for cell phone damage or theft when you pay monthly wireless bill with Brilliant Card
Coverage for damage or theft of rental vehicles - primary for international rentals, secondary for domestic
Reimbursement for meals, lodging, and necessities when your trip is delayed more than 6 hours
Coverage for accidental damage or theft within 90 days of purchase
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Night Free on Award Stays | 0 | — | — | — |
| Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy | 10,000 | — | — | — |
| St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort | 85,000 | — | — | — |
| JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (All-Inclusive Safari) | 60,000 | — | — | — |
| Protea Hotels in South Africa | 5,000 | — | — | — |
| Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts (Mexico & Caribbean) | 40,000 | — | — | — |
| Category 1-3 Properties Off-Peak | 5,000 | — | — | — |
| The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach | 100,000 | — | — | — |
| Airline Transfer with 60k Bonus (United) | 60,000 | — | — | — |
| Marriott Bonvoy Moments Experiences | 1 | — | — | — |
| W Hotels for Weekend Getaways | 25,000 | — | — | — |
| Courtyard/Fairfield Near Theme Parks | 15,000 | — | — | — |
If you frequently stay at Marriott and want to enjoy Platinum Elite Status perks, free annual night certificates, and a comprehensive sign-up bonus, the Bonvoy Brilliant’s annual fee can be worthwhile.
**If you frequently stay at Marriott properties and value elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is an excellent choice**. Its high annual fee of $650 is offset by Platinum Elite Status, which offers a range of perks for those who regularly stay at Marriott hotels. You also receive a generous 100,000-point sign-up bonus and **one free night each year** (worth up to 85,000 points). If you can take advantage of the card’s various statement credits, it may be worth keeping long-term to maintain your loyalty to the brand.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card stands out as the top-tier option among Marriott credit cards, offering the most benefits and perks — fitting for its **$650 annual fee**. If you frequently stay at Marriott properties throughout the year, consider adding this card to your wallet. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Earn **100,000 points after spending $6,000** in six months, providing a comprehensive start to your Marriott rewards journey.
- Free Night Certificate: The annual free night is capped at 85,000 points — far higher than other Marriott cards — giving you more flexibility to book higher-tier properties.
- Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy a 4 p.m. late checkout, enhanced room upgrades, guaranteed lounge access, a welcome gift (points, breakfast, or amenity), and a 50% bonus on eligible hotel purchases.
- Valuable Statement Credits: Justify the high annual fee with perks like a $100 property credit (at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis), a $300 Brilliant Dining credit, a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and Priority Pass membership.
With these extensive perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card can be a rewarding choice if you’re a devoted Marriott guest and can take full advantage of its benefits.
Consider other options if:
- You won’t take advantage of the perks that offset the high annual fee.
- You’re mainly interested in a welcome bonus, and the Boundless Card offers a better one with a much lower annual fee if you decide to keep the card.
**Their poor points redemption value leaves Bonvoy near the bottom of our rankings.**
- There are multiple cards with great point transfer options. In theory, this is good.
- Finding a solid value for a Marriott stay is a challenge. A one night stay at desirable destinations can match the number of points from one card bonus.
- Values can be found, but they can be frustrating to find, so it isn’t a terrible system. It just doesn’t have the usefulness of many of the other hotel systems.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is Marriott’s premium offering, with the highest annual fee and the most perks. However, if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often or don’t prioritize elite status, there are other card choices:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Ideal if you prioritize sign-up bonuses and plan to move on to another card. It offers a 90,000-point sign-up bonus and a $150 statement credit after your first purchase. You’ll get one free night each year (capped at 35,000 points) and complimentary Silver Elite Status. With a $95 annual fee, the free night alone can be enough to justify keeping the card.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$312
Annual Fee
-$650
Net Annual Value
-$338
| $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
TPG and NerdWallet value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7-0.8 cents per point on average. However, with dynamic pricing, actual value can range from 0.4 cpp (gift cards) to 2+ cpp (aspirational hotel redemptions). The fifth night free benefit can push value even higher on 5-night stays.
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy partners with ~40 airlines at a 3:1 ratio (3 Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile). Transfers of 60,000 points earn a 5,000-mile bonus with most partners, giving you 25,000 airline miles per 60,000 Bonvoy points.
Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity — earning, redeeming, or purchasing points — resets the clock. Simply holding a co-branded credit card and using it keeps your account active.
When you redeem points for 5+ consecutive nights at the same hotel, the cheapest night is free. This effectively saves you 20% on longer award stays and is available to all Marriott Bonvoy members, regardless of elite status.
The fastest path is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which grants automatic Platinum Elite status. Otherwise, hold a co-branded card for 15 elite night credits, then stay 35 more paid nights to reach Platinum.
Yes. You can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member's account, with a receiving limit of 500,000 points per year. Both accounts must be open and in good standing.
TPG's review covering earn rates, welcome offer, and comparison with other hotel cards.
Bankrate's comprehensive review with 4.4/5 rating, expert experience, and comparison to other hotel cards.
Forbes Advisor review covering free night benefit, Platinum Elite status, and annual fee value analysis.
US News review with 4.1 rating covering rewards optimization and comparison to Marriott Bevy.
WalletHub's comprehensive review with editor rating of 4.5/5 and 15 user reviews.
CNBC Select review covering premium perks, insurance coverage, and annual fee justification.
Credit Karma's review highlighting free nights, loyalty rewards, and hotel experience benefits.
NerdWallet's review covering earn rates, welcome bonus, elite status perks, and annual fee value analysis.
Official Amex card page with current offer details, benefits overview, and application.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage in excess of carrier coverage
Reimbursement up to $300 per item if merchant refuses to accept return within 90 days
Adds one year of warranty coverage to items with 3 years or less of manufacturer warranty
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and Bevy Cards: Essentially the same product, each provides an 85,000-point sign-up bonus (with different spending requirements), charges a $250 annual fee, and offers limited perks beyond Gold Elite Status. These cards include a few spending multipliers and Elite Night credits toward Platinum Elite Status, but if that’s your main goal, the Brilliant Card is still the better option.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card: The only no annual fee Marriott card, offering a 30,000-point sign-up bonus and a free night (up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 in the first three months. Beyond the sign-up bonus, it features complimentary Silver Elite Status and a few spending multipliers.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage in excess of carrier coverage
Reimbursement up to $300 per item if merchant refuses to accept return within 90 days
Adds one year of warranty coverage to items with 3 years or less of manufacturer warranty
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and Bevy Cards: Essentially the same product, each provides an 85,000-point sign-up bonus (with different spending requirements), charges a $250 annual fee, and offers limited perks beyond Gold Elite Status. These cards include a few spending multipliers and Elite Night credits toward Platinum Elite Status, but if that’s your main goal, the Brilliant Card is still the better option.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card: The only no annual fee Marriott card, offering a 30,000-point sign-up bonus and a free night (up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 in the first three months. Beyond the sign-up bonus, it features complimentary Silver Elite Status and a few spending multipliers.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage in excess of carrier coverage
Reimbursement up to $300 per item if merchant refuses to accept return within 90 days
Adds one year of warranty coverage to items with 3 years or less of manufacturer warranty
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and Bevy Cards: Essentially the same product, each provides an 85,000-point sign-up bonus (with different spending requirements), charges a $250 annual fee, and offers limited perks beyond Gold Elite Status. These cards include a few spending multipliers and Elite Night credits toward Platinum Elite Status, but if that’s your main goal, the Brilliant Card is still the better option.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card: The only no annual fee Marriott card, offering a 30,000-point sign-up bonus and a free night (up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 in the first three months. Beyond the sign-up bonus, it features complimentary Silver Elite Status and a few spending multipliers.
