Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: rewards, fees and who it fits
What it earns
Annual fee: $650
| Earn | Where to use it |
|---|---|
| 6X | Eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotelsParticipating properties; qualifying hotel purchases. |
| 3X | Restaurants worldwideQualifying restaurant purchases only. |
| 3X | FlightsBook directly with airlines. |
| 2X | Everything elseNo category cap listed; eligible purchases only. |
Standard purchase rates, checked Sep 13, 2026. Issuer terms (opens in a new tab). Limited-time bonuses are separate.
TL;DR
- For Marriott regulars who will use premium benefits.
- $650 is a lot if you only stay a few nights.
- Bonvoy points are hotel points, not flexible Amex points.
New here? How to read these guides
Start with the earning table and TL;DR. Then check who the card fits, a spending example and how to redeem. Compare the live offer before applying.
- Cash back
- A percentage back on eligible spending. 3% on $100 = $3.
- Points / miles
- 2X means 2 points per $1 spent. It does not automatically mean 2% back. Each program has different redemption values.
- Welcome bonus / SUB
- Extra rewards for meeting an offer's spending requirement by its deadline. SUB means sign-up bonus.
- Churning
- Opening cards for welcome bonuses. Start with one card you can manage, not a pile of applications. Fees, interest and overspending can erase the upside.
- Transfer
- Moving rewards to an airline or hotel program. Often a one-way move.
The first rule: pay your statement balance in full. Interest can wipe out the rewards.
Who this card is for
Compare this if Platinum Elite status fits your hotel routine. If you just want to try Marriott, start with the lower-fee options.
What that earns in real life
Illustration: $500 in eligible Marriott charges at 6X plus $200 restaurants at 3X earns 3,600 card points. Hotel-program earnings, if eligible, are separate.
How to use the rewards
Check the points price for your exact property and dates. Compare taxes, resort fees and cancellation terms with the cash rate rather than trusting a generic point valuation.
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Before you apply
Read the annual free-night rules and split dining-credit terms before counting their value. Marriott bonus eligibility can depend on other Chase and Amex Marriott cards you have held.
Only spend what you can pay off in full. A welcome bonus is not worth interest or purchases you didn’t need.
Pay your statement balance in full. Interest can cost more than the rewards you earn.
Quick questions
Does Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex earn cash back or points?
It earns Marriott Bonvoy points. The multiplier counts points or miles earned per dollar, not a cash-back percentage.
What is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex annual fee?
$650. Compare the ongoing cost with benefits you will actually use, not the advertised total.
Sources & what to double-check
Published Sep 13, 2026. Reviewed Sep 13, 2026. Offers can change.
- Current application offer, fees and welcome-bonus eligibility.
- Category definitions, exclusions and credit enrollment requirements.