Best ways to use Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex points
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex earns Marriott Bonvoy points. Here's how to use them well — transfer partners, sweet spots, and when it's worth holding the card.
Card snapshot
Issuer
American Express
Program
Marriott Bonvoy
Annual fee
$650
Earning rates
- 6× on Marriott purchases
- 3× on dining and flights booked directly
- 2× on everything else
Top benefits
- Annual free night certificate (up to 85K points — usually worth $600+)
- Marriott Platinum status
- $300 annual dining credit ($25/month)
- Priority Pass access
- Global Entry/TSA credit
Best ways to use the points
- Free night cert at Marriott/St. Regis/Ritz properties
- Platinum status = lounge access at full-service Marriotts, suite upgrades
- Dining credit ($25/mo) is easy to max
Drawbacks
- $650 annual fee
- Marriott points have devalued steadily over the last 3 years
Our verdict
For Marriott loyalists who'd hit Platinum on spend anyway, the Brilliant makes sense. The free night cert at 85K opens doors to some spectacular properties.
Find award availability before you transfer
Points transfers are almost always non-reversible. Use AwardLocker to confirm saver space first, then move your Marriott Bonvoy points only when you're ready to book.
Check availability →