Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Review

When it comes to luxury travel and premium perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card stands out as a top contender. With an array of benefits tailored to frequent travelers and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, this card offers a robust rewards structure and numerous travel-related perks. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every facet of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, from its rewards and benefits to its fees and ideal user profile.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Key Takeaways

Before diving into the detailed review, it’s essential to highlight some key aspects of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card:
– Rewards Structure: Earn 6x points on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and flights, and 2x points on all other purchases.
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 within the first three months of card membership.
– Annual Fee: $650
– Travel Credits: Up to $300 in Marriott Bonvoy statement credits, $100 property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, and a free night award each year.
– Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and auto rental insurance.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

– Impressive Welcome Bonus: The 185,000-point welcome bonus can significantly boost your Marriott Bonvoy balance, allowing for luxurious stays at Marriott properties worldwide.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, this card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective option for global use.
– Marriott Platinum Elite Status: Cardholders automatically receive Marriott Platinum Elite status, unlocking a range of exclusive benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast.
– Annual Free-Night Award: Each year, cardholders receive a free night award, redeemable at participating Marriott properties with a redemption level of up to 50,000 points.
– Comprehensive Travel Insurance: The card offers extensive travel insurance coverage, providing peace of mind during your travels.

Cons:

– High Annual Fee: At $650 annually, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with a steep fee, which may be a deterrent for some.
– High APR on Purchases: The variable APR ranges from 20.99% to 29.99%, which is relatively high and could result in significant interest charges if balances are not paid in full each month.
– No Introductory APR: The card does not offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers, which may be a drawback for those looking to finance large purchases or pay off existing debt.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Benefits

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is replete with benefits that cater to frequent travelers and Marriott Bonvoy enthusiasts. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

Rewards Structure

– 6x Points on Hotels: For eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, cardholders earn a lucrative 6x points. This can significantly accelerate your points accumulation, especially if you frequently stay at Marriott properties.
– 3x Points on Dining: Earn 3x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, making this card a solid choice for foodies.
– 3x Points on Flights: For those who frequently take to the skies, the 3x points on flights can help maximize your rewards.
– 2x Points on All Other Purchases: While not as generous as the other categories, the 2x points on all other purchases still offer value for everyday spending.

Travel Credits

– $300 Marriott Bonvoy Statement Credit: Cardholders receive up to $300 in statement credits each year for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, effectively reducing the annual fee to $350 if fully utilized.
– $100 Property Credit: Book a stay of two nights or more at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis using a special rate and receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges. This can enhance your stay with extras like dining or spa credits.
– Free Night Award: Each year on your card anniversary, you’ll receive a free night award, redeemable at participating Marriott properties with a redemption level of up to 50,000 points. This benefit alone can offset a significant portion of the annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

– 15 Elite Night Credits: Cardholders receive 15 elite night credits each calendar year, helping you achieve the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status faster.
– Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy the perks of Platinum Elite status, including room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast, and lounge access at participating properties.

Travel Insurance

– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Reimburse non-refundable expenses up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-month period if your trip is canceled or interrupted for covered reasons.
– Trip Delay Insurance: Receive up to $500 per trip for additional expenses incurred due to trip delays, with a maximum of two claims per 12-month period.
– Baggage Insurance Plan: Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase your common carrier ticket with the card. Up to $2,000 for checked baggage and a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage.
– Auto Rental Insurance: Secondary coverage for damage or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your card to reserve and pay for the rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter.
– Premium Global Assist® Hotline: Access to 24/7 emergency assistance services, including medical, legal, financial, and other select emergency coordination while traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Additional Travel Perks

– Priority Pass™ Select: Unlimited access to over 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries, offering a comfortable space to relax before or between flights.
– Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®: Receive a statement credit (up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA Pre✓®) every four to 4.5 years, helping you expedite your airport security experience.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid additional charges when making purchases abroad, making this card a great companion for international travel.

Purchase Protection

– Extended Warranty Protection: Provides up to one additional year of coverage on eligible warranties of five years or less.
– Purchase Protection: Coverage for eligible purchases against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date.

Conclusion

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a powerhouse for avid travelers and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists. Its impressive welcome bonus, robust rewards structure, and extensive travel-related perks make it an attractive option for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and seek premium travel benefits.
However, the card’s high annual fee and APR on purchases may be prohibitive for some. It’s essential to evaluate whether the benefits and rewards align with your spending habits and travel preferences to justify the cost.
In summary, if you are a frequent traveler who values luxury accommodations and premium travel perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card can be a valuable addition to your wallet. The combination of points earning potential, elite status benefits, and travel credits can enhance your travel experience and provide significant value over time.