The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express has a $650 annual fee and gives a Free Night Award each anniversary worth up to 85,000 points, automatic Platinum Elite status, 25 Elite Night Credits, a $300 dining credit, and Priority Pass lounge access. It earns 6x at Marriott, 3x on dining and flights, and 2x on everything else. Figures are as of 2026. Confirm the current terms and welcome offer at American Express.
What the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant earns
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $650 |
| Marriott hotels | 6x points |
| Dining and flights booked direct | 3x points |
| Everything else | 2x |
| Anniversary free night | Up to 85,000 points |
| Elite status | Automatic Platinum, 25 Elite Night Credits |
The perks and details
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The headline is a Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points each anniversary, enough for a genuinely nice hotel, plus automatic Platinum Elite status with suite upgrades where available, lounge or breakfast benefits at many brands, and late checkout. You also get 25 Elite Night Credits, a $300 annual dining credit, Priority Pass lounge access, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and no foreign transaction fees. Confirm the current perks at American Express.
The fee math
The fee is $650, which is real money. The 85,000-point free night plus the $300 dining credit plus Platinum status can clear it for a frequent Marriott guest, but only if you use the free night at a high-category property. If you stay Marriott rarely, the cheaper Boundless makes more sense. Confirm the current fee and any welcome offer at American Express. Each Amex card pays its bonus once under the Amex once per lifetime rule.
Compare the Marriott cards
See how the Brilliant compares with the Boundless.
Who it fits and who it does not
It fits a frequent Marriott guest who wants Platinum status and will use the 85,000-point free night at a premium hotel. It fits less if you stay Marriott only occasionally, where the fee outweighs the perks. Confirm current terms at American Express.
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FAQ
What is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant annual fee?
$650. Confirm the current fee and any welcome offer at American Express.
How much is the Brilliant free night worth?
A Free Night Award each anniversary for a stay costing up to 85,000 points, one of the more valuable card free nights. Confirm current terms at American Express.
Does the Brilliant give Platinum status?
Yes, automatic Platinum Elite status plus 25 Elite Night Credits each year. Confirm current benefits at American Express.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
We re-check these guides as issuer rules and award charts change. 2 ways to follow along, no account needed.