Quantcast

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card offers high-value perks despite steep annual fee

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card offers high-value perks despite steep annual fee
Research
Webp rz99gstz2u6tob377iwela066u3v
Nick Ewen Senior editorial director | The Points Guy

Many years ago, the Platinum Card® from American Express was one of the few major rewards cards with an annual fee exceeding $100. It offered exclusive access to the Centurion Lounge, making it a must-have for travelers. However, times have changed, and now several rewards cards come with hefty fees. Among them is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, which carries a $650 annual fee, just shy of the Amex Platinum's $695.

Despite this high cost, some find value in the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. "I see enough value in the card, despite the high annual fee," said Summer Hull from The Points Guy. The appeal lies not in prestige but in potential savings compared to other Marriott cards.

The card offers instant Marriott Platinum status without requiring 50 hotel nights per year. "If I was able to add the Bonvoy Brilliant to my arsenal...my Marriott elite status work would be done," Hull explained.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Marriott Platinum status provides over $1,000 in tangible benefits annually through additional points on paid stays and perks like breakfast and suite upgrades at higher-end hotels such as St. Regis New York or Walt Disney World's Swan Reserve.

While maintaining elite status can be challenging for those who don't travel extensively for work, this card simplifies that process by providing necessary credits through personal and small-business Marriott cards.

In addition to these benefits, cardholders receive up to $300 in dining statement credits annually. This reduces out-of-pocket costs significantly if used wisely each month.

Another notable feature is an annual award night worth 85,000 points—enough for stays at many desirable properties worldwide when combined with up to 15,000 additional points.

Moreover, new applicants can earn a 95,000-point welcome bonus after spending $6,000 within six months—a substantial amount usable for luxury trips or practical stays alike.

Overall Hull concludes: "I'd say I easily get over $2,900 in value from having this card."

For more information about applying or details on rates and fees related to both cards mentioned here today—visit their respective links provided online directly via official channels only!

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025