Editorial image; product art from the issuer. Offers and eligibility are subject to application terms.The Brilliant is built around Marriott Platinum Elite, an annual award worth up to 85,000 points and dining credits. Frequent Marriott guests who redeem the certificate well have the clearest path to offsetting the $650 fee.
$650 annual fee; confirm the live welcome offer and eligibility before applying.
Highlights
- Historical 200k welcome offer (expired)：The former offer awarded 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after $6,000 in purchases within six months. It ended May 26, 2026; rely on the live Amex application for today's offer.
- Historical-offer value：At our editorial estimate of 0.7 cents per point, 200k Marriott points were worth about $1,400 in travel—not cash.
- Earning rates：6x at participating Marriott hotels; 3x at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines; 2x on other eligible purchases.
- $300 dining credit：Up to $25 monthly at restaurants worldwide, up to $300 per calendar year.
- 25 Elite Night Credits：Receive 25 elite-qualifying nights each calendar year; these are not free nights and personal-card stacking limits apply.
- Marriott Platinum Elite：Complimentary Platinum Elite status, with delivery varying by brand and property.
- Annual 85k award：One Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points after each renewal, subject to Marriott rules and expiration.
- $60,000 Earned Choice Award：After $60,000 in calendar-year eligible purchases, select one Marriott-published benefit, potentially including upgrade awards, a mattress discount or an 85k award.
- $100 property credit：Book a qualifying two-night Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis special rate directly to receive up to $100 toward eligible property charges.
- Priority Pass：Amex's benefit list currently includes Priority Pass enrollment, while the same page's FAQ conflicts on lounge access. Verify the enrollment page and Benefits Guide before relying on it.
- Global Entry / TSA PreCheck：Receive either up to $120 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck once every four years, subject to terms.
- Amex Offers：Add targeted merchant offers in your Amex account; availability and value vary.
- Other：Metal construction, no foreign transaction fees and personalized Refer a Friend offers when available in your Amex account.
Is the annual fee worth it?
Value the 85k certificate at what you would personally pay, then add dining credits you use naturally. Do not count upgrades or property credits you are unlikely to use at face value.
Frequent Marriott guests who would otherwise earn Platinum can get outsized value. Occasional guests will often find the card too expensive.
What to know before applying
- Check the current welcome offer and Amex eligibility message.
- Make sure the monthly dining credit fits your normal spending.
- The annual award arrives after renewal and remains subject to availability and expiration.
- Verify Marriott program terms before booking.
Drawbacks
- High annual fee：The $650 fee requires meaningful use of the certificate, dining credit and status.
- Benefits need attention：Monthly credits, the annual award and hotel-specific perks have timing or booking rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee?
$650.
Does the card include Platinum Elite?
Yes, eligible primary cardmembers receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.
How large is the annual free-night award?
It is worth up to 85,000 points, subject to Marriott rules.
How does the dining credit work?
Eligible restaurant purchases can receive up to $25 in statement credits each month, up to $300 annually.
Summary
Brilliant is a premium Marriott-benefits card rather than an everyday spender. It can be excellent when you use the 85k award, dining credits and Platinum status; otherwise a lower-fee Marriott card is easier to justify.
Confirm the final offer, fees and eligibility before submitting.