Marriott Bonvoy Cards Just Got Sweeter: Big Points Plus Statement Credits

If you've been eyeing a Marriott Bonvoy card, now might be the time to act. American Express has rolled out refreshed welcome offers on two popular Marriott cards, and they're packing both bonus points and statement credits. The catch? You'll need to hit a certain spend threshold within six months, and the offers expire at the end of September 2026. Let's break down what's on the table and whether it's worth your while.

What’s New with These Offers?

The headline numbers are impressive: the Brilliant card is dangling 150,000 points plus a $250 statement credit after you spend $6,000 in the first six months. The Bevy card offers 125,000 points plus a $150 credit after $5,000 in the same timeframe. Both offers run through September 30, 2026.

Compared to previous versions, the minimum spend has dropped by about 25%—that's a meaningful change. You're still getting the same points, but you don't have to stretch as far to earn them. Plus, the statement credits help offset those hefty annual fees, at least for the first year.

If you're a frequent Marriott guest, these offers could be a solid way to pad your points balance. But before you jump in, let's talk about whether these cards make sense for your travel style.

Brilliant: The Premium Option That Packs a Punch

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with a $650 annual fee, so it's not for the faint of heart. But it throws in a lot of value: an annual free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, a $25 monthly dining credit (that's $300 a year), and 25 elite night credits that count toward status. You also get Marriott Platinum Elite status, which brings perks like room upgrades and late checkout—though the free breakfast benefit can be a bit of a puzzle to actually use.

For travelers who stay at Marriott properties regularly, the Brilliant can pay for itself. The dining credit alone covers nearly half the annual fee, and the free night certificate can easily be worth $300 or more if you use it at a high-end property. Plus, the 150,000-point bonus is nothing to sneeze at—that's enough for several nights at mid-tier hotels.

One thing to note: the 25 elite night credits stack with those from the Marriott Bonvoy Business card, so if you have both, you're already halfway to Platinum status before you even check in.

Bevy: A Mid-Tier Card with a Confusing Value Prop

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card has a $250 annual fee, which is a lot for a card that doesn't include a free night certificate. You do get 15 elite night credits and Gold Elite status, but that's not a huge step up from the free Silver status you get with other cards.

The earning rates are decent—6x on Marriott purchases, 4x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 per year), and 2x on everything else. But the lack of an anniversary free night is a big miss, especially when cheaper Marriott cards like the Bold or Boundless offer one.

That said, the current welcome offer softens the blow. The $150 statement credit and 125,000 points after $5,000 in spend is a solid haul, especially if you're just looking to build a points balance without committing to a premium card. But if you're trying to decide between the two, the Brilliant's perks make the higher annual fee feel more justified.

Before You Apply: Know the Eligibility Rules

Amex has a few quirks when it comes to welcome offers. First, there's the 'once in a lifetime' rule—if you've had a specific card before, you likely won't get the bonus again. Amex might 'forget' after 5-7 years, but don't count on it.

There are also 'family' rules that can block you from getting a bonus on one card if you've had a related card. For Marriott specifically, the rules are a bit labyrinthine. For example, if you've had the Bevy, you might not be eligible for the Brilliant bonus, and vice versa. Amex considers them the same product family, so you'd need to wait 90 days between applications.

The good news? Amex is generally transparent about eligibility. During the application process, they'll often warn you if you're not eligible for the bonus. And they're also known for being 'safe to apply'—they typically don't do a hard pull if they're going to deny you, especially if you already have an Amex card.

If you're unsure about your status, it's worth checking the full eligibility chart on Marriott's site or calling Amex. The last thing you want is to be denied the bonus after hitting the spend requirement.

Bottom Line

• The Brilliant card's welcome offer is strong, especially with the lower spend requirement and statement credit.
• The Bevy card's value is questionable due to the lack of a free night certificate, but the offer might be worth it for the points.
• Always check eligibility rules before applying—Amex's family and lifetime rules can trip you up.
• These offers expire on 9/30/26, so don't wait too long if you're interested.

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