Quantcast

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

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
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

Airlines for America announced on X that it is promoting the 2025 joint ATA e-Business Forum & S1000D User Forum, scheduled for October 6–8 in Montreal, Canada.

Apr 21, 2025

Air India has announced on the social media platform X that it is promoting DigiYatra for contactless travel on domestic flights.

Apr 21, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it is promoting open positions across the United States and encouraging job seekers to apply.

Apr 21, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced on the social media platform X that Hawaiian Airlines will be relocating its operations to Terminal 6.

Apr 21, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced on the social media platform X that it is hiring station attendants for airline catering positions in Hawaii.

Apr 21, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced its support for DigiYatra, an Indian government platform that facilitates contactless travel through facial recognition technology.

Apr 21, 2025