American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
What it is
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is an American Express card earning Marriott Bonvoy points. Its ongoing value can outweigh the annual fee, making it a potential keeper past year one. The premium Marriott keeper — an 85k-point anniversary free night and automatic Platinum status that routinely outrun the fee for anyone who books a few Marriott stays a year. A card to hold for the long haul, not just open for the welcome bonus.
Offer history
Value is the welcome bonus at your valuations. The Year 1 total also counts recurring benefits and subtracts the annual fee. Spend / mo (the dashed line, right axis) is the monthly pace to clear the minimum spend in time — shown on every view so the spend stays in context.
| Offer | Bonus | Value | Year 1 | Return | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PUBLIC | 150,000$8k · 180d | $1,155 | $1,505 | 19% | May ’26 |
PUBLIC ATH | 200,000$6k · 180d | $1,540 | $1,890 | 31% | Mar ’26 |
PUBLIC | 100,000$6k · 180d | $770 | $1,120 | 19% | Sep ’25 |
What you get
- Anniversary free night$655per year
One free-night award each year on your card anniversary, good for a stay costing up to 85,000 points — add up to 15,000 of your own points to reach a pricier night. · up to 85,000 Marriott
- Marriott dining credit$300per year
Up to $300 a year ($25 a month) in statement credits at restaurants worldwide.
- Priority Pass$300per year
Priority Pass Select — unlimited member visits; 2 free guests, then paid (~$469/yr retail).
- Marriott Platinum status$250per year
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status while you hold the card — suite upgrades when available, late checkout, and lounge access at many brands.
- Global Entry credit$120one-time
Up to $120 every four years toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, as a statement credit.
- Ritz/St. Regis credit$100per year
Up to $100 in property credit on a two-night-minimum stay booked directly at a Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis.
Dollar figures are the benefit’s face value. What it’s worth to you — after realistic usage and your own point values — is in the receipt below.
The receipt
standard values| SUB value | +$1,155 |
| 150,000 Marriott × | |
| Benefits (Year 1) | +$1,000 |
↳ $1,758 at sticker value — before custom valuations Ongoing Anniversary free night(85,000 Marriott · $655 × ) Anniversary free night 85,000 Marriott · $655 × ~$556 Marriott dining credit($25/mo × ) Marriott dining credit $25/mo × $135 Priority Pass($300 × ) Priority Pass $300 × ~$120 One-time Global Entry credit($120 × ) Global Entry credit $120 × $30 | |
| Annual fee | −$650 |
| Year 1 | $1,505 |
| Return for spending $8k | 19% |
Sign in to fold in your eligibility, spend-fit, and 5/24.
Related cards
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant scores 46 here on standard point values. See where it ranks against every card, scored for your points, spend, and eligibility.
Open the ranked table →