Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Brilliant vs. Bevy vs. Boundless

Businessman with suitcase arriving at hotel reception — (Image credit: Getty Images)

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We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card offer frequent Marriott guests a way to earn more points on hotel stays and everyday spending.

Both cards earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, along with rewards in other spending categories.

New cardholders may also qualify for generous welcome offers, which can add significant value in the first year. Check the current offers and spending requirements before applying, since these can change over time.

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But should you get one of these cards?

Choosing among these Marriott Bonvoy cards largely comes down to how often you stay with Marriott, the benefits you value and how much you're willing to pay in an annual fee.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy cards have higher annual fees but offer additional Marriott benefits that could help offset the cost for frequent travelers. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card has a lower annual fee and may appeal to Marriott loyalists who don't need as many premium perks.

We've broken down the key differences below to help you compare your options.

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Criterion	Bonvoy Brilliant	Bonvoy Bevy	Bonvoy Boundless
Issuer	American Express	American Express	Chase
Annual fee	$650	$250	$95
Highest earning rate	6X	6X	17X

Amex Marriott Bonvoy card bonus offer

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy cards may offer new cardholders a welcome bonus for meeting a minimum spending requirement within a specified period after opening the account.

Welcome offers can include Marriott Bonvoy bonus points, statement credits or a combination of the two. The value and spending requirements can change, so check the current offer and terms before applying.

Before applying, consider whether you can meet the spending requirement through purchases you would make anyway. Overspending or carrying a balance to earn a bonus can quickly outweigh the value of the rewards.

Card overviews

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Rewards: Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X on other eligible purchases.

Dining credit: Get up to $300 per calendar year in statement credits for eligible restaurant purchases, issued as up to $25 per month.

Platinum Elite status: Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which includes benefits such as a 50% points bonus on eligible stays.

Free Night Award: Receive one Free Night Award each year after your Card renewal month, redeemable for a night at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at participating hotels. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Airport lounge access: Enroll in Priority Pass Select for access to participating airport lounges. Terms apply.

No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $650.

Terms apply.

See Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

Rewards: Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4X at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X, and 2X on other eligible purchases.

Bonus points on stays: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott at participating properties. Terms apply.

Gold Elite status: Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which includes a 25% points bonus on eligible stays.

Free Night Award: Earn one Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. The award can be redeemed for a night at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Elite Night Credits: Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. Limitations apply.

Annual fee: $250.

Terms apply.

See Rates & Fees

Who should consider a Marriott Bonvoy credit card?

If you're a frequent traveler and Marriott and Amex loyalist, the welcome offers on either of the cards mentioned above might be worth it.

But before chasing those credit card rewards, you'll want to weigh the benefits of each card against its fees to determine if it will be a valuable addition to your wallet — $650 is a pretty steep fee to offset.

And, of course, if you are using a credit card, use it wisely. Make sure you're not overspending and are paying off your balance each month. Steep interest rates on credit cards can sink you even further into debt if you carry a balance from month to month.

Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.