Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways · Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card now offers an elevated welcome bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 in the first six months. The card has a $600 annual fee, but provides benefits like Platinum Elite status, a free night award up to 85,000 points, and various statement credits.
“It's the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card. And the new elevated offer is 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and a $250 statement credit back after you spend $6,000 in the first six months of card membership.”
“Now, of course, it comes with a pretty big annual fee. It's $600. But you do get six points per dollar at participating Marriott hotels and three points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.”
“The best thing is that you get Platinum elite status. It is not top-top tier, but it is higher than gold. So you will likely get more upgrades and then some of the other benefits that come with Platinum status.”
“You also get a free night award up to 85,000 points. That's that's a pretty good amount.”