{"id":231272,"date":"2026-03-28T16:00:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T16:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/is-the-marriott-bonvoy-brilliant-amex-worth-the-annual-fee-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T16:00:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T16:00:41","slug":"is-the-marriott-bonvoy-brilliant-amex-worth-the-annual-fee-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/is-the-marriott-bonvoy-brilliant-amex-worth-the-annual-fee-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex worth the annual fee? – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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When a credit card’s annual fee runs into the hundreds of dollars, many people raise an eyebrow and question whether its benefits justify that fee.<\/p>\n

That’s certainly the case with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant\u00ae American Express\u00ae Card<\/a><\/span> \u2014 the most premium card in the Marriott credit card family<\/a><\/span>. This card has a set of impressive benefits, but also charges a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n

The truth is, cobranded hotel cards<\/a><\/span> usually aren’t the best for maximizing your spending<\/a><\/span> beyond purchases with a given hotel chain. But when a credit card offers a free night award each year and elite status that can provide suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast, that can easily justify the annual fee for some travelers.<\/p>\n

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card<\/a><\/span> proves that it’s possible to get significant value<\/a><\/span> from at least one premium hotel card. Let’s break down whether the same holds true for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.<\/p>\n

Welcome bonus<\/h2>\n

Let’s start with the welcome offer to see if the card is worth it.<\/p>\n

With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex<\/a><\/span>, you can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.<\/p>\n

TPG’s March 2026 valuations<\/a><\/span> place Marriott points at 0.7 cents apiece, meaning this bonus is worth $1,400.<\/p>\n

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THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some of the best uses of Marriott Bonvoy points include free nights at properties such as The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The West Hollywood Edition and the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Those who enjoy winter sports may love ski-adjacent options<\/a><\/span> at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The St. Regis Deer Valley or The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.<\/p>\n

Remember that American Express has restrictions<\/a><\/span> limiting your ability to collect a new welcome bonus if you’ve had other Marriott products before. Fortunately, a pop-up will let you know if you are not eligible for the bonus when you apply before Amex runs your credit \u2014 and our chart can help clarify things as well<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Related: From Lake Como to the Grand Canyon: 10 Marriott Bonvoy hotels you can book with 200,000 points<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Annual free night award<\/h2>\n

Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 85,000 points. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)<\/p>\n

If you need some inspiration<\/a><\/span>, that could include staying at the luxurious St. Regis New York in the U.S. or The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto<\/a><\/span> in Japan.<\/p>\n

That said, due to Marriott’s dynamic pricing model, you’ll want to do a flexible date search to find nights that cost 85,000 or fewer points.<\/p>\n

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. CHRIS DONG\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The annual free night award has significant value, but it’s also worth pointing out that you can only use this award to stay for a single night. This could be challenging if you plan to stay for two nights or longer.<\/p>\n

You can also top up these awards with up to 25,000 points<\/a><\/span> from your Bonvoy points balance.<\/p>\n

If you maximize this award night and stay at a property costing 85,000 points, you have three less-than-ideal options for subsequent nights:<\/p>\n