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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available.
The Marriott-SPG merger has had its fair share of ups and downs (ok, maybe more than its fair share of downs), but if you haven't already there's still time to take advantage of one of the best limited time deals to come out of the merger. Until April 24th, new applicants to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. I value Marriott points at .8 cents each, making this bonus worth a very respectable $800.
The Bonvoy Brilliant is the most premium card in the Marriott lineup, and comes with a $450 annual fee. In exchange for that sticker price you get a $300 annual Marriott credit, valid on room rates as well as onsite charges like food and drink or spa treatments. This credit is worth face value to me, and it drops your out of pocket cost to $150 a year, not much more than you'll find on other Bonvoy credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.
As you'd expect from a premium credit card, the Bonvoy Brilliant comes with a host of luxury travel perks. First of all, you'll get a free night certificate each year on your account anniversary worth up to 50,000 points. This can easily net you $400 or more in value, and is good for a free night at many luxury Ritz Carlton and St. Regis hotels around the world. You'll also enjoy complimentary Marriott Gold elite status, and the ability to earn Platinum status by spending $75,000 a year. Even after you earn your welcome bonus, the Bonvoy Brilliant is a great choice to continue putting your spending on. The card earns 6x points on Marriott purchases, 3x at US restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x everywhere else.
Unfortunately when Chase and Amex refreshed the Marriott card lineup post merger, the two issuers worked together to limit eligibility for new welcome bonuses. You won't be eligible for this offer if:
- You previously had the SPG Luxury Amex
- You have or have had the Ritz Carlton Rewards card in the last 30 days
- You've gotten the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ from Chase, the Marriott Rewards®Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier from Chase, the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Business from Chase or the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 90 days
- You've received a new Card Member bonus or upgrade offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ from Chase, Marriott Rewards®Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier from Chase, the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Plus Business from Chase or the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 24 months.
Given the fact that all Marriott cards were recently renamed to match the Bonvoy branding and some products were discontinued, you should double and triple check that you're eligible for the Bonvoy Brilliant before you go ahead and apply.
While we don't know what bonus the Bonvoy Brilliant card will offer going forward, we know that there is an end date on this 100,000 point offer. If you've been considering the Bonvoy Brilliant for its incredibly valuable annual free night, Marriott elite status or solid earning rates, or if you've been consider the Bonvoy Business card, make sure to apply before April 24th to lock in this limited time offer.
Forbes has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. Forbes and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
