Marriott bonvoy credit card airport lounge access

Insider's experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

• If you stay with Marriott frequently, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is worth considering.
• It comes with premium benefits including statement credits, Platinum elite status, and airport lounge access.
• You'll get the most value from the card when you take advantage of its perks, but some require activation.
• Read Insider's guide to the best premium credit cards.

If you're in the market for a premium rewards card and Marriott is your hotel brand of choice, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card may just fit the bill. The card currently comes with an increased welcome bonus and lots of recurring travel benefits to make the $650 annual fee worthwhile. Amex is an Insider partner.

These include up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, Priority Pass airport lounge access**, and a free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points after each card anniversary. Cardholders also get automatic Marriott Platinum elite status and a slew of travel and purchase protections that can save a lot of money.

However, none of those perks are worth anything if you don't take full advantage of them — and some of them require activation. Here are nine things to do when you get a Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card to make sure you're getting maximum value from the card.

Insider's Featured Rewards Credit Cards

• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Citi Premier® Card

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

Earn unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1x points on other purchases.

Limited time offer of 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (offer expires 01/10/2023)

Earn 3x ThankYou® points at restaurants and supermarkets. Earn 3x ThankYou® points at gas stations, air travel, and hotels. Earn 1x ThankYou® points on all other purchases

80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.

60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

1. Complete the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant minimum spending requirement

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Intro offer

150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening

Rewards

Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Intro offer

150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening

Rewards

Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

On American Express's website

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

On American Express's website

Details

Rewards

Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening

Recommended Credit

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable

Pros & Cons

Check mark iconA check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.

Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays

Check mark iconA check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.

You get a free reward night each year after your renewal month

Dash iconA dash. It often indicates an interaction to shrink a section.

High annual fee

Dash iconA dash. It often indicates an interaction to shrink a section.

Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending

Highlights

• Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
• Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
• A Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
• Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $750 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.
• $100 Luxury Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• Cell phone protection: You can be reimbursed for your costs to repair or replace your damaged or Stolen cell phone up to $800, subject to a $50 deductible, for 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your prior month's wireless bill was paid utilizing an Eligible Card Account. Terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

Additional Reading

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with a welcome bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening. To unlock the bonus, you'll have to spend an average of $1,667 per month, which you may be able to achieve by funneling all of your spending on this card.

Aside from daily spending on gas, groceries, and dining, you can also charge things like insurance premiums and utility bills to this card. If you're still short of completing the spending requirement, you might consider prepaying essential bills. For example, you can pre-pay your cell phone bill or six-month car insurance premium to get the spending requirement done. Some people like to buy gift cards that they can use to budget their spending for the next few months. If you can float the money, this is one way to get the spending requirement out of the way fast.

2. Make the Bonvoy Brilliant your go-to dining credit card

This card offers up to $300 per year in dining credits. Here's how it works: You'll receive up to $25 in statement credits to reimburse you for restaurant spending per calendar month. In other words, this card will effectively pay for the first $25 you spend at a restaurant each month.

Because of this, you should keep this card in your wallet to ensure you take advantage of this use-it-or-lose-it credit.

3. Confirm your Marriott elite status

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with automatic Marriott Platinum elite status, which gets you perks like complimentary suite upgrades when available, bonus points on paid stays, and free breakfast at most Marriott hotels. These are valuable benefits, so be sure to check that your status is updated after you've received your card.

4. Activate your Priority Pass Select membership

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with Priority Pass Select membership**, which gets you access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world. This is incredibly useful during long layovers, delays, and those times when you don't want to pay out of pocket for sub-standard airport food. Access to a Priority Pass lounge can make your time at the airport more pleasant. However, this membership isn't automatically granted.

To claim your free membership, log in to your American Express account and click on the "Benefits" tab. Scroll down until you see the Priority Pass Select box and click "enroll."

You'll get a Priority Pass Select card in the mail, but the best way to access this benefit immediately is by downloading the Priority Pass mobile app and logging in with your new credentials. When you're ready to use it, simply show your digital card at the lounge check-in desk and you're all set.

5. Claim your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

Global Entry is incredibly useful for helping you skip the long customs/immigration line on your way home from a trip abroad. TSA PreCheck® is great for speeding through security on domestic flights. You can get enrolled in both of these programs by getting approved for Global Entry. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card will even cover your $100 application fee every four years.

Complete the application online, pay with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, and you should see the credit within eight weeks. Don't let that number scare you off — most people get their credit reimbursed within a couple of days. Since this credit is issued every four years, it's important to take full advantage by claiming it as soon as your card arrives. After all, you're paying a $650 annual fee on the card and should get your money's worth.

6. Read up on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant travel benefits

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with several travel protections that can come in handy. It's important to know what's covered so you can determine whether putting your purchases on this card will get you the best protection possible.

When you use your card to pay for your travel or purchase, you'll receive benefits that include:

• Car rental loss and damage insurance: Secondary coverage against rental car damage due to theft or collision
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: Up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per card per consecutive 12-month period
• Trip delay insurance: Up to $500 for meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items if your covered trip is delayed by six hours or more, up to two times per consecutive 12-month period.
• Baggage insurance plan: Up to $3,000 in coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage
• Travel accident insurance: Up to $500,000 in death and dismemberment insurance
• Purchase protection: Eligible purchases are covered against accidental damage or theft for 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per account. 
• Extended warranty: Up to one additional year added to eligible US manufacturer's warranties of five years or less.
• Premium global assist hotline: Assistance with things like passport replacement, medical referrals, and translation services (third-party costs are the cardholder's responsibility). Amex may provide emergency medical transportation assistance at no cost if it's approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline.

7. Look for deals at Marriott and other merchants on Amex Offers

Aside from all the Marriott-centric benefits, cardholders are also eligible for Amex Offers**. These are limited-time promotions offering bonus points and statement credits on everything from travel to retail and even utility payments — and it's possible to save hundreds a year on purchases you'd make anyway.

You don't even have to wait for your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card to arrive. Once your web account is set up, log in and scroll down to the "Amex Offers" section of your dashboard. There, you'll periodically see new offers you can simply "Add to Card." You may even end up saving on your next Marriott stay thanks to Amex Offers.

8. Use your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant welcome bonus

After you've banked the welcome bonus, it's time to put the points to good use. While they're not going to expire as long as you keep using your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, they could possibly devalue if you sit on them for too long.

Marriott does not have an award chart, which means the price of an award night can vary depending on demand, paid price, time of year, and other factors. Prices range from 5,000 to 120,000 points per night, and you can redeem your points at brands ranging from family-friendly Residence Inns to luxury St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton resorts.

You can also transfer Marriott points to over 40 airline partners, mostly at a 3:1 ratio. You'll receive 1,000 airline miles for every 3,000 points transferred, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points (so 60,000 points becomes 25,000 airline miles). Here's Insider's guide to earning and redeeming Marriott points for all your options.

9. Consider adding an authorized user

Whether you're looking to complete the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card's spending requirement or just stock up on extra points, adding an authorized user is a great way to get this done.

Adding a friend or family member to your card can get you a lot close to your travel goals than using the card for your own daily spending, because you'll earn points on their spending as well. But you'll also be on the hook for paying off their charges, so only add an authorized user you trust.

Bottom line

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card has recently received a refresh that makes the card significantly more valuable to Marriott fans — though its annual fee has also increased.

If you've done the math and are confident you can save significantly more than you'll pay in annual fees (it's easy to do with just a trip or two each year), revisit this checklist after you've opened your card to ensure you're squeezing the most value from your investment. 

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

More...