Quantcast

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

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
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
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
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

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

The Daher TBM series, a staple of general aviation since 1988, has seen over 1,000 units produced across various models, with the TBM 960 as the latest iteration.

Apr 21, 2025

Passengers at Brisbane Airport now have access to a new lounge, courtesy of Escape Lounges, a brand known in the UK and US.

Apr 21, 2025

Southwest Airlines faces legal action following an incident involving a hot coffee spill on a four-year-old passenger during a flight from Florida to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Apr 21, 2025