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Compensation does not affect rankings.Full disclosure

Offer verified September 14, 2026Source: American Express official terms

American Express · Amex

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Annual Fee

$650

up to $300/yr in credits if you use them

Sign-Up Bonus

$1,300

Current offer shown; issuer determines eligibility.

Spend $6,000 in 6mo

Terms apply.

Base Rate

2x

on everything

Best For

Marriott Loyalists

Sign-Up Bonus

Bonus: 150,000 points

Details: Limited time (approvals through 2026-09-30): 150,000 points + $250 statement credit after $6,000 spend in 6 months. Corroborated FM/NerdWallet/EotF 2026-08-25; re-audit after 9/30 for reversion.

Requirement: Spend $6,000 in 6 months

Estimated value: $1,300Terms apply. Current offer shown; issuer determines eligibility.

Reward Categories

Marriott

Marriott Bonvoy hotels

6x
Dining

Restaurants worldwide

3x
Flights

Flights booked directly with airlines

3x
Everything else2x

Key Benefits

Credits — if you use them

$300 Dining Credit(~$300/yr)

Up to $25/month at restaurants — enroll in Amex benefits

Perks (not counted in our math)

Free Night Award (up to 85k)

Automatically issued each year after card renewal

Platinum Elite Status

Automatic — includes lounge access, breakfast, room upgrades

Priority Pass (unlimited)

Register at prioritypass.com with your card

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

Up to $120 for Global Entry (every 4 yrs) OR up to $85 for TSA PreCheck; shown at its ~$30/yr annualized value

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • + $300 dining credit offsets most of the premium
  • + Free night worth up to 85k points (~$400+)
  • + Automatic Platinum Elite status with suite upgrades
  • + Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access
  • + 6x at Marriott — best earn rate on the card

Cons

  • - $650 annual fee is high
  • - Marriott points worth only ~0.8¢
  • - Need to use credits to justify cost
  • - Amex not accepted everywhere

Transfer Partners

Points transfer to 5 airline and hotel partners — often where the highest redemption values live.

UnitedDeltaAmericanAlaskaSouthwest
Apply on issuer site — Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Recommended credit score: 720+

Advertising disclosure: we may earn a commission if you apply through this link. This does not affect your ranking. Full disclosure

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Written by Tim · Data verified against issuer terms · Last checked Sep 14, 2026 · Methodology v2026.09.1

Card information is collected independently and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. See our disclosure for details.