Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Amt Alters Following Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Update
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is undergoing a transformation, with a focus on diversifying the ways cardholders can redeem credits. One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit benefit.
Changes to the Statement Credit Benefit
Effective around August 2025, the $300 annual statement credit on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card has changed. The $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit benefit was discontinued and replaced by a new benefit offering up to $300 in statement credits per year, but now specifically as $25 per month in restaurant credits. This change will be implemented on September 22, 2022.
New Benefits and Perks
Despite this change, the card still offers strong Marriott Bonvoy-centric benefits. Cardholders can still earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, receive a free annual night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, and enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. Additionally, cardholders will continue to receive 25 elite night credits each year towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Other perks remain, such as Priority Pass lounge access, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application/renewal fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees. The card also offers a Priority PassTM Select lounge membership upon enrollment.
Impact on the Value Proposition
The change shifts the card’s value proposition from a large, flexible Marriott credit to smaller monthly restaurant credits. This may affect how cardholders use the card and perceive its value, especially if they aim for Marriott-focused rewards and benefits. However, Marriott Bonvoy is hoping that by spreading out the statement credits, you may forget to use some during the course of a year, encouraging more frequent use of the card at restaurants.
If used every month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, the new benefit could result in more value for the annual fee of $650. On the other hand, some users view this change as a negative shift because the original $300 credit was easier to use directly toward Marriott purchases, encouraging spending at Marriott properties.
In conclusion, the refreshed Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers a new approach to statement credits, potentially altering the way cardholders use the card and perceive its value. Whether this change is beneficial or not depends on individual spending habits and preferences.
- The transformation of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card now includes a focus on using the $300 annual statement credit benefit for dining expenses at restaurants worldwide, shifting from the previous Marriott-focused benefits.
- The implementation of monthly $25 restaurant credits as part of the statement credit benefit on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card signals a move away from a large, flexible Marriott credit, potentially impacting the way cardholders perceive its value in terms of finance and business.
