American Express· co-branded with Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

Annual fee
$650
Welcome bonus
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Foreign txn fee
0%
Apply at American Express
(Direct link to issuer does not currently earn a commission on this card.)
Good to know before you apply
  • $650/year is not a vibe unless you actually use the perks. That means the $300 dining credit, the $100 Ritz/St. Regis credit, the 85K Free Night Award, and the Earned Choice Award. Skip even one and suddenly you're paying luxury-hotel prices for a card that's not checking you in.
  • The $300 dining credit is $25/month, not a cute annual lump sum. Use it or lose it. No rollover. No grace. Set a reminder so you're not crying over a forgotten poke bowl on the 31st.
  • The $100 Ritz/St. Regis property credit only works on PAID stays of 2+ nights on the special rate. Translation: Award nights don't count. Don't show up with points and vibes expecting $100 off.
  • The 85K Free Night Award is legit - and you can top it off with up to 15K Bonvoy points to reach the bougie stuff. Think of it as "choose your own upgrade adventure."
  • Priority Pass Select is included, with unlimited visits to 1,200+ lounges. BUT: Amex's version is no-restaurants-for-you, unlike Chase's "go eat on us" flavor.
  • Spend $60K in a calendar year and you unlock the Brilliant Earned Choice Award - ONE perk, choose wisely. Options can change, so check choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant before you start manifesting a specific benefit.
  • No 5/24 drama. This is Amex, not Chase. The only hard rule here is the once-per-lifetime welcome bonus per card product. (Everything else is vibes and internal risk models.)
  • Spend $60,000 in a calendar year to unlock a Brilliant Earned Choice Award - your pick from options like extra elite nights or a free-night award, stacking on top of the annual free night for big spenders.
  • Don't forget the Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit - $120 (or up to $85 for PreCheck) reimbursed when you apply with the card.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is the ultimate loyalty card for Marriott diehards — $650/year buys you Platinum Elite status, an 85K free night every anniversary, $300 in dining credits, and Priority Pass lounge access. Throw in a $100 Ritz/St. Regis property credit and a Brilliant Earned Choice Award at $60K spend, and it's basically a travel lifestyle package masquerading as a credit card.

Welcome bonus

What you get for signing up and hitting the minimum spend.

150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points · $8,000 spend in 6mo

See the offer

150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

Stepped offer: 100K points after $6,000 in 6 months + extra 50K points after additional $2,000 ($8,000 total) within first 6 months of Card Membership. Source verified 2026-05-19 on marriott.com co-brand comparison page.

Earn rates

How many points per dollar across categories.

4 categories · top rate 6x

See the multipliers

Card-level multipliers. Earn currency: Marriott Bonvoy.

CategoryMultiplierChannelNotes
Hotels6xdirect6x total at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy (2x base card + 4x bonus). Card contribution only is 6x as stated; Marriott Bonvoy member base earn is separate.
Dining3x3x at restaurants worldwide. Excludes nightclubs, convenience stores, grocery stores/supermarkets, and restaurants inside hotels/casinos/event venues.
Flights3xdirect3x on flights booked directly with airlines. Charter and private jet flights excluded.
All other purchases2x2x on all other eligible purchases.

Transfer partners

Where you can move your Marriott Bonvoy to airline + hotel programs.

38 partners

Meet the partners

Points earned with this card transfer to 38 partner programs via Marriott Bonvoy.

ToRatioNotes
American AAdvantage3:1Flat 3:1 - excluded from the 5,000-mile transfer bonus.
Aegean Miles+Bonus3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Aer Lingus AerClub3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Aeromexico Rewards3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Air Canada Aeroplan3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Air China PhoenixMiles3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Flying Blue3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Air New Zealand Koru200:1Airpoints are dollar-denominated; transfers at 200:1, not a standard mile ratio.
ANA Mileage Club3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Asiana Club3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Atmos Rewards3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Miles & More3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Avianca LifeMiles3:1Flat 3:1 - excluded from the 5,000-mile transfer bonus.
Avios3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
China Southern Sky Pearl Club3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Copa ConnectMiles3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Delta SkyMiles3:1Flat 3:1 - excluded from the 5,000-mile transfer bonus.
Emirates Skywards3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Ethiopian ShebaMiles3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Etihad Guest3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Frontier Miles3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Hainan Airlines3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Club Iberia Plus3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Singapore KrisFlyer3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
LATAM Pass3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Qantas Frequent Flyer3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Qatar Privilege Club3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Saudia Alfursan3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Southwest Rapid Rewards3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
TAP Miles&Go3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Thai Royal Orchid Plus3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Turkish Miles&Smiles3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
United MileagePlus3:1Base 3:1 with an enhanced 10,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Velocity Frequent Flyer3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).
Vueling Club3:1Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments).

Cardholder experiences

Members-only events, dining access, and special experiences bundled with this card.

2 programs

Browse the portals
American Express Experiences
Amex's entertainment portal --- presales, preferred seating on concerts, sports, and Broadway. Available to U.S. Amex cardholders.
🔒 Access this perk through your cardmember account at the issuer's website or app.
Marriott Bonvoy Moments
Marriott's auction + fixed-price experiences portal --- culinary, sports, concerts, travel packages. Open to anyone earning Marriott Bonvoy points (most cobrand cards qualify).
🔒 Access this perk through your cardmember account at the issuer's website or app.

Free nights

Annual free night certificates and similar.

1 benefit

See the details
Annual Free Night Award
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Redeemable for one night at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at participating hotels. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Status

Hotel / airline / partner status this card grants.

1 benefit

See the details
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status with the card.

Status accelerators

Perks that unlock at spending milestones.

1 benefit

See the details
Brilliant Earned Choice Award
After spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. Only one award per calendar year. See choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for options.
Unlocks at $60,000 spend

Lounge access

Airport lounge access conferred by this card.

1 benefit

See the details
Priority Pass™ Select
Enroll in Priority Pass Select for unlimited visits to 1,200+ airport lounges in 130+ countries, regardless of carrier or class. Includes snacks, drinks, and internet access.

Travel credits

Annual travel-spend credits and portal incentives.

1 benefit

See the details
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
$120 statement credit for Global Entry application or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck (through official enrollment provider) every 4 years. Global Entry approval also includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

Statement credits

Bill credits and recurring perks that offset annual fees.

2 benefits

See the details
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit
Up to $25 per month (up to $300 per calendar year) in statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit
Up to $100 property credit for qualifying charges (dining, spa, hotel activities) at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when booking direct with the special rate for a 2-night minimum stay. Credit applied at checkout, not on Amex statement. Basic Card Member only; Additional Card Members not eligible.

Travel & rental insurance

Trip protection, rental car coverage, baggage, accident coverage.

5 benefits

See the details
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
Theft and collision damage coverage on rental cars when the full rental is charged to this card. Secondary coverage in the US. Not available for vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Does not include liability coverage.
Premium Car Rental Protection
Primary coverage for damage/theft of rental vehicle plus Accidental Death or Dismemberment coverage. Enrollment required. Two plan options available. Exclusive to Amex Card Members.
Trip Delay Insurance
Covers eligible expenses when a covered reason delays a round-trip (purchased entirely with card) more than 6 hours. Coverage provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
Covers eligible expenses if a covered reason cancels or interrupts a round-trip purchased entirely with the card. Coverage provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Baggage Insurance Plan
Covers lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when traveling on a common carrier vehicle (plane, train, ship, bus) with entire fare charged to the card. Coverage limits apply.

Purchase & travel protection

Purchase, extended warranty, cell phone, and fraud protections.

1 benefit

See the details
Return Protection
Return eligible purchases to Amex if the seller won't take them back within 90 days of purchase. Up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per calendar year per card account. U.S. purchases only.

Other

Other perks on this card.

7 benefits

See the details
25 Elite Night Credits
Receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward next Marriott Bonvoy Elite status level each calendar year. Limitations apply per member account; benefit not exclusive to Amex cards.
Transfer Marriott Bonvoy® Points to Airline Programs
Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to 40+ airline frequent flyer programs, mostly at a 3:1 ratio.
Premium Global Assist® Hotline
24/7 emergency assistance and coordination when traveling 100+ miles from home, including medical, legal, and financial referrals. Emergency medical transportation may be provided at no cost if approved and coordinated by the hotline. Third-party costs may apply.
Amex Offers
Earn additional rewards with targeted Amex Offers. Add offers via the American Express App to eligible card and get rewarded on qualifying purchases.
FICO® Score and Insights
Free FICO Score and Experian credit report via American Express MyCredit Guide, plus personalized alerts for unauthorized activity. Enrollment required.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
Redeem Marriott Bonvoy® Points for Free Nights
Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Some hotels may have mandatory service charges.

Last verified May 25, 2026.

Card terms change. Confirm details on the issuer's site before applying. crazy4points does not provide financial advice. We are not responsible for application outcomes or terms accepted — see our Terms of Service for full details.

We don't currently earn a commission on this card. The Apply button links to the issuer directly.