American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®

American Express and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Madeen is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of American Express. Madeen is an independent credit-card comparison and education service. Issuer websites control current terms, fees, and eligibility.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®2.1%
Dining at 2.1%$650 annual feeWelcome bonus
Top 80% for Dining
Highest earn rate in Dining at 2.1% effective value

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® from American Express earns up to 2.1% effective value on dining in Madeen's catalog snapshot. Its annual fee is $650. New applicants may see: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn an additional 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership..

Top category
Dining
Effective value
2.1%
Annual fee
$650
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card art

Best for dining-heavy spend when the $650 fee fits your usage; confirm issuer terms before applying. Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 3x points. The welcome bonus can help if you can meet the spend requirement. Travel perks may add value beyond the earn rate.

Madeen analysis

What does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express earn in each category?

Dining is the strongest category at 2.1% effective value (3x points at about 0.7 cents each). That dining rate ranks higher than about 80% of the 2,850 cards we track in that category. The five-category effective-rate table on this page shows how Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express compares across dining, grocery, gas, travel, and other spend. Catalog spend signals highlight.

Dining is the strongest category at 2.1% effective value (3x points at about 0.7 cents each). That dining rate ranks higher than about 80% of the 2,850 cards we track in that category. The five-category effective-rate table on this page shows how Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express compares across dining, grocery, gas, travel, and other spend.

Category Earn rate Effective value
Dining
Restaurants, cafes, takeout
3x points 2.1% Top category
Grocery
Supermarkets and grocery stores
2x points 1.4%
Gas
Gas stations and fuel
2x points 1.4%
Travel
Flights, hotels, transit
3x points 2.1%
Other
General everyday spend
2x points 1.4%

Madeen values Marriott Bonvoy at about 0.7 cents each. Madeen compares every card using this cash-equivalent estimate while still showing the raw earn rate for context.

Reward rules

What are the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express reward caps and conditions?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express has 2 notable cap or condition rule(s) in Madeen's catalog, including activation windows, spend limits, and category exclusions. Review each bullet below before assuming unlimited earn rates.

  • 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
  • 3X points at restaurants worldwide
Madeen take

Who should get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express fits spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 3x points. Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 3x points. The welcome bonus can help if you can meet the spend requirement. Travel perks may add value beyond the earn rate.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express fits spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 3x points. Madeen ranks its dining effective rate higher than about 80% of the catalog in that category. Compare it against cards you already carry with Madeen — no bank login required.

Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 3x points. The welcome bonus can help if you can meet the spend requirement. Travel perks may add value beyond the earn rate.

Compare it against simpler no-fee cards if you want minimum complexity.

Best for dining-heavy spend when the $650 fee fits your usage; confirm issuer terms before applying.

Pros

  • Strongest Madeen category is dining at about 2.1% effective (3x points).
  • That dining rate ranks higher than about 80% of cards we track in the category.
  • No foreign transaction fee listed.
  • Welcome bonus may add value if you can meet spend requirements.

Cons

  • $650 annual fee requires enough spend in bonus categories to offset.
  • Marriott Bonvoy value depends on how you redeem, not straight cash back.
Welcome bonus

What is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express welcome bonus?

In Madeen's catalog snapshot, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express welcome offer is Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn an additional 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make an additional $2,000 in purchases within.

Offer
100k Marriott Bonvoy (~$700 estimated)
Terms (catalog snapshot)
Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn an additional 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Minimum spend
$6,000
Window
6Months
Fees

Does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express have an annual fee?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express has an annual fee of $650 and a foreign transaction fee of None. Confirm current fees on the issuer page before applying.

Annual fee
$650
Foreign transaction fee
None
Travel perks

What travel perks does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express include?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express includes Trusted traveler credit, Lounge access, Free hotel night, $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit and more in our snapshot. Perks and benefits can change; verify coverage on the issuer site before you rely on them.

  • Trusted traveler credit

    Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.

  • Lounge access

    Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.

  • Free hotel night

    Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hot

Benefits

What benefits come with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express?

Madeen estimated annual value~$37,524
15 of 19 benefits valued
  • Extended Warranty

    $10,000/yr

    When you use your Eligible Card to make a Covered Purchase, you can get up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer's Warranty. Applies to warranties of 5 years or less on Covered Purchases in the United States or its territories or possessions. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $10000 face value (annualized from issuer terms).

  • Purchase Protection

    $10,000/yr

    Sometimes your favorite new purchase gets stolen, accidentally damaged, or lost. But when you use your Eligible Card for Covered Purchases, your Membership can help protect them for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.**Up to $10,000 per occurrence, $50,000 per calendar year.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $10000 face value (annualized from issuer terms). Card-specific overrides recommended where amounts differ.

  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption

    $10,000/yr

    Despite our best efforts, sometimes things happen that are out of our control. If you purchase a round trip entirely with your eligible Card on or after January 1, 2020, and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance can help reimburse your non-refundable expenses purchased with the same eligible Card, up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply.[1][1] Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $10000 face value (annualized from issuer terms). Card-specific overrides recommended where amounts differ.

  • $300 Dining Statement Credit

    $3,600/yr

    Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $300/month × 12 = $3600/yr. Card-specific overrides recommended where amounts differ.

  • Baggage Insurance Plan

    $2,000/yr

    Travel more comfortably knowing you can be covered for lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage when you purchase the Entire Fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) on an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $2000 face value (annualized from issuer terms). Card-specific overrides recommended where amounts differ.

  • Return Protection

    $1,000/yr

    With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $1000 face value (annualized from issuer terms). Card-specific overrides recommended where amounts differ.

  • Trip Delay Insurance

    $500/yr

    Booking the trip is easy. Avoiding delays is next to impossible. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 6 hours, Trip Delay Insurance‡ can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased with your same Eligible Card, up to $500 per trip, maximum 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $500 face value (annualized from issuer terms). Card-specific overrides recommended where amounts differ.

  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit

    $100/yr

    With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, book direct using a special rate for a 2 night minimum stay at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® and get up to $100 in credit for qualifying charges.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $100 face value (annualized from issuer terms).

  • Priority Pass™ Select

    $99/yr

    Relax with unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests at no additional charge per visit once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which offers access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world.

    How we value this

    Lounge access valued at Priority Pass retail proxy ($99/yr).

  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

    $85/yr

    Stay focused on getting where you need to go. Receive either a statement credit available every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit available every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA Pre'® (up to $85) with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA Pre'®.To read the full terms and conditions, visit www.americanexpress.com/expeditedtravel.

    How we value this

    Statement credit face value from issuer terms — $85 face value (annualized from issuer terms).

  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

    $40/yr

    Getting into your Rental Vehicle can be the start of a great vacation. When you use your Eligible Card to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental Company counter, you can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory. Please read important exclusions and restrictions. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Coverage is not available for vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, and New Zealand. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage.

    How we value this

    Expected value of primary rental car coverage vs buying CDW at counter.

  • Free Night Award

    $25/yr

    Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.

    How we value this

    Conservative expected value for insurance/protection benefits based on typical claim likelihood.

Spend bonuses

What annual spend bonuses does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express offer?

  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $750 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

Common questions about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

Where do cardholders spend most with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express?

Madeen's RewardsCC catalog snapshot shows the strongest bonus categories on coffee (3x), fast food (3x), other food and drink (3x) for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express. These are anonymized issuer category signals, not individual cardholder transactions. Route everyday spend through categories that match your habits, then compare effective rates with Madeen at checkout.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card worth it?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® from American Express earns up to 2.1% effective value on dining in Madeen's catalog snapshot. Its annual fee is $650. New applicants may see: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn an additional 50,000 Marriott.

Does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express have an annual fee?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express carries an annual fee of $650 in Madeen's catalog snapshot. Issuer terms can change, so confirm the current fee on the issuer's site before you apply. Madeen does not predict approval or prequalification.

What category earns the most with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express?

Dining is the strongest Madeen category for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express at about 2.1% effective value, based on our catalog snapshot and standard point valuations. Other categories are listed in the effective-rate table on this page.

Does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express charge foreign transaction fees?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express does not charge a foreign transaction fee in Madeen's catalog snapshot, which can make it stronger for purchases outside the U.S. Issuer terms still control international acceptance and other fees.

What is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express welcome bonus?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express welcome offer in our snapshot: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn an additional 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first.

Compare

How does the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express compare to similar cards?

Compare the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express against Hilton Honors American Express Aspire (3.5% on Dining, $550 fee); Hilton Honors American Express Surpass (3% on Dining, $150 fee); Hilton Honors Business (3% on Dining, $195 fee). Madeen ranks effective value by category and annual fee using the same catalog snapshot dated 2026-05-01.

CardTop categoryEffective valueAnnual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
This card
Dining2.1%$650
Dining3.5%$550
Dining3%$150
American Express
Dining3%$195
Dining2.8%$250
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Merchants

Store-specific guides

Madeen publishes merchant guides that rank cards for specific stores and services. Browse guides for dining spend to see which cards win at checkout.

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Madeen compares the cards you already carry for dining, groceries, gas, travel, and everyday purchases — free, no bank login required.

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Reviewed by Madeen editorial review
Catalog snapshot 2026-05-01
Updated 2026-06-25
Data source Madeen catalog analysis

American Express and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Madeen is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of American Express. Madeen is an independent credit-card comparison and education service. Issuer websites control current terms, fees, and eligibility.

Madeen compares cards you add to your wallet using published catalog rules — no bank login required. Issuer pages control current fees, caps, exclusions, and eligibility; Madeen does not issue cards, make approval decisions, or provide financial advice. Apply links are temporarily hidden on madeen.app. Affiliate disclosure

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