Quantcast

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

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
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
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
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
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

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025