*HUGE UPDATE!* Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex ($650 Annual Fee!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2022
- The ALL NEW Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express has launched with a ton of new benefits (incl. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status) and a Free Night Award up to 85K points! Click “Show More” to see Ad Disclosure, links, and additional information below.
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🔗 PRESS RELEASE - Marriott Bonvoy® Introduces New Cobrand Credit Cards From American Express® And Chase Designed For People Who Live to Travel And Want To Earn Points Faster:
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🔗 AMEX NEWS - American Express and Marriott Bonvoy Launch New Bevy Card and Enhance Luxury Brilliant Card: about.americanexpress.com/new...
🔗 FORBES ARTICLE - Marriott Bonvoy Introduces Two New Cards: The Bevy And The Bountiful: www.forbes.com/advisor/credit...
🔗 BUSINESS INSIDER ARTICLE - Marriott has unveiled the new Bonvoy Bevy and Bountiful credit cards, and the Bonvoy Brilliant just got an extensive makeover: www.businessinsider.com/perso...
As of September 22, 2022, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card has gotten a BIG overhaul of benefits (and a higher annual fee to go along with them).
Here are the main benefits of the card, taken from the press release (link above):
- 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on all other eligible purchases
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status (New)
- One Free Night Award each year after Card renewal month that 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. (New)
- Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 back per month) for dining purchases at restaurants worldwide (New)
- 25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year (New)
- Up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve or St. Regis brands when you book direct using a special rate for a 2+ night stay
- New Annual Earned Choice Award: Each calendar year (starting January 2023), after making $60K in purchases, Card Members can select an Earned Choice Award benefit
- Priority Pass Select Membership (enrollment required)
Application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (which comes with access to TSA PreCheck)
What about the Ritz Carlton Credit Card? Here’s what the press release says:
- Card members who have The Ritz-Carlton Rewards™ Card from Chase, which is no longer available to new applicants, will receive the new 85K Anniversary Free Night Award. There is no change to The Ritz-Carlton Rewards™ Card annual fee.
Disclosure: This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Mark Reese is not a financial advisor.
#creditcards #marriottbonvoy #americanexpress - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
What are your thoughts about the new "Marriott Bonvoy Black Card?" 😁💳
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Saw the card online at three and kept thinking where's the video Mark Reese. lol. I will definitely get the card. It makes sense because its free for military but, if I was a civilian I would still get it for the $300 food credit and the 85,000 certificate is worth about 400 maybe more since I like to go to New York once a year. Also, lounge access is nice. I think this card makes sense for people who like a luxury travel. Marriott is the only hotel that I never had any issues with.
@@CJ-sj8nf - Enjoy the card when you decide to get it! 💯
I like the refresh w/85 but monthly spend on food is now 1 other item of things to do.....rather have 300 use for hotel incidentals
@@jeffchung6832 - I hear ya on that!
Wow lots of stuff going on with this update! I love the look of the card!
Agreed on both fronts! 💯
Totally agree, Daniel. I ordered my replacement card with the new design today. 😊
Thank you for the update and the advice you gave in response to my comments on your Platinum card video. It’s been a long time coming. I’m glad Marriott made the changes.
No problem! 👍
Thanks for the quick video! I’m pleased by the updates to both the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant and the Chase Ritz-Carlton cards.
Same here! 🏆
My brilliant card just renewed in July and I was able to use the old $300 Marriott statement credit in August. Now I’m getting $25/month for food for the rest of 2022, a win-win for me! Thanks for the video.
Likely you’ll have to wait until your card renews to get the $25/month dining credit if you were able to max out the $300 hotel credit before the refresh. In my case, I have $81 leftover from that $300 credit so hopefully I’ll get the rest pro-rated on the dining side until my card renews next year.
Saweeeet! 💯
@@KevinGonzalez-vz7rz Nope. You really do just get both if you renewed before August. I max'd out the $300 and I just saw the $25 credit come up for September. I'd have kept this card for the upgrades anyway, but the double-fisting was a nice surprise.
How i felt when amex plat went to 700 after my renewal. Nice stuff
I had a feeling this was coming having heard all the rumors. Not worried about missing out on the big bonus (I got only 75k) but I still got in “under the wire” for $450 for the first year and already took full advantage of most of the Marriott $300 hotel benefit on a recent trip to Seattle. These upgrades are an absolute winner and far outweigh the increased cost.
Great that you got in at the $450 rate for the first year! 💯
Mark thanks for the update. Good to see Ritz card holders are getting a little benefit. The 25 reward night seem to be a good deal. From what I have read in the small print you cant have a personal Marriott card and apply for a new one and get the bonus points. Have you heard of a new Marriott business card coming out?
No new business card coming out that I'm aware of. The existing business card from Amex got a few updates back in July 2022. Just posted another video about the Bevy & Bountiful, which includes the updates to the Business Card towards the end 👍
Nice review of the Brilliant upgrades Mark! Very exciting time to have this card, and even more exciting to not have this card yet for the opportunity to get this elevated sign up bonus offer! Definitely prefer the look of this new card, but personally, I like Bevy or Brilliant!
I think the names are pretty cool and I like the new look.
Great that you're eligible for the welcome offer! 💯
@@PointsInbound Totally agree with you! New look is ❤🔥
Very detail analysis... Thankx!
You're welcome!
I love the new card design and the benefit changes are really nice as well.
I'm right there with ya! 👊
As always, brilliant review!!!
Thank you! Cheers!
The more I think about the Brilliant, the more I am justifying the new annual fee and the new black design is pretty cool. I really wish they kept the property credit but oh well.
Haha I understand the mental battle!
Hey Mark, once again, explained in detail so even a credit card dummy, like me, can understand it.......outstanding!!!!...... wish you would add chapter time stamps tho...
Glad it helped, Philbert! 💯
Thanks for the info + video on the new CC + including info on the Ritz Carlton CC! I'll take the 85K FNC & other benefits for the current AF. 😎
You're welcome! 🏆
Received my replacement Brilliant card in the mail today. The design is cool, but note that it isn't quite the jet black image shown online (at least on my monitor). Instead, it's a dark grey - still nice looking, but doesn't have the impact of the black shown online. Not that any of that matters! lol.
Thanks for letting me know, Anthony!
Yea, I noticed this all slowly go live the other night. Was pretty cool. Is it easy to request them to send you the card w/new design? I only stay at Marriott so I will most likely keep this. I am a foodie, so don't mind having to use this once a month in lieu of my Amex Gold for dining for the $25 credit.
Extremely easy.
1. Log into Amex account
2. Select Bonvoy Brilliant Card
3. Click on Account Services
4. Choose Replace a Card
5. Follow the prompts
Love this card. I got this card in April and already got the $300 credit. Using the new $25 credit which is easy for me. This card is staying in my wallet long term.
Awesome! 💯
very informative as usual.
Thanks Robert!
awesome news and your signature phrase is back ......lol. 😁
Great news for sure! 💯
I have the old style card but I love the new look… my 450 renewed was in March and I use my 300 hotel credit in July… I hit my life time platinum elite last year so so whether I stay to 50 nights or I don’t stay the 50 nights I still have my platinum elite status👍👍👍😊
Legit! Congrats on reaching Lifetime Platinum! 🏆
A little on the fence because of the annual fee increase. I’m pretty much prepaying for my free night, etc. But I do love staying at Marriot hotels so I’ll give this one a spin for a new year. Thanks for covering the update!
I can't do it man... I know Marriotts are everywhere, but it's nice to have the freedom to stay at ANY hotel and be well rewarded for it. I love all purpose travel cards over the brand specific ones.
@@retiredtidepodeater3339 you can always get a no annual fee one to have a few benefits
Good way to do it. Enjoy the trial run!
Dear Amex a $300 dining credit would look good on the Platinum too! I seen the article about this on the points guy today. I just knew it would be your next video😂.
I'd like to see that, too! 👍
Love the new changes but I will admit I am a bit fearful of watering down of plat benefits in the future especially with everyone able to easily get it now, just like how Hilton diamond is lose to worthless imo
We'll see what happens after a couple years. Could be a big influx of new cardholders (and therefore Platinum Elites) for Year 1. But once the welcome bonus has been used up and that 2nd round of $650 annual fee hits, there could be some cancellations ✌️
Love these changes for my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. Also, worth the extra $200 fee for me.
Same here! 🏆
This is a huge and great refresh imo!
Agreed with ya on that! 💯
I made a purchase at a restaurant on 9/23. I received the dining credit on 9/26
Awesome! 💯
Great job bro, I was hoping it was going to be a new product so I could downgrade the present Brillance and apply for this new one,,,,I know, I know, fantasy land....lol
It was a nice daydream nonetheless haha!
Always a top notch video! This was a good review but seems like the Hilton equivalent credit card is still more valuable for me so I'll stick with them for now. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it!
Do you get Award night credits per the Platinum Status? Also, I believe I can combine my Brilliants 25 elite nights with my Bonvoy’s Business cards 15 night elite nights - correct?
1. See 7:13 in the video to answer the 1st question.
2. Yes, you can combine.
Glad I have my annual fee coming up next month to enjoy the new Benefit without extra cost. Also wondering if current cardholders are gonna get a new card with the new design by default? Or if I need to ask them?
Awesome! You'll need to request a replacement.
Would love to see a vlog on comparing rental car insurance coverage for the top cards: Hilton Aspire, sapphire reserve, Marriott Boundless, AmEx platinum. How are their coverage’s different??
Meant Marriott Brilliant not Boundless.
Thanks for the suggestion, Charles!
I think I will be canceling the card when the new $650 fee is due. I’ve had platinum status with M for some time and it’s a joke. Upgrades are never available and even the 4:00 check out is rarely available. The card already came with an annual free room (up to 50k pts) now it’s (up to 85k) each year. Big deal M also raised all the point requirements for its hotels too.
If it doesn't make sense for you, then it's smart to let it go 👍 Remember you can also downgrade it to the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card with a $95 annual fee. Still comes with 15 Elite Night Credits and a Free Night Award w/ a 35K-points value.
I hope you can do a Marriott Brilliant card vs Hilton Aspire card comparison video.
I'll consider it!
wow. wish i had a ritz carlton card. however, can you typically get a ritz carlton (or even a JW Marriott) night for 85,000 points, and if so, do you get lounge access at the ritz too, with this card? that would be awesome if it could work!
Yes, there are Ritz & JW properties available at the 85K level. Automatic lounge access on any stay is not a benefit of this card. It comes with 7 Club Level Upgrades that can be applied for lounge access when booking an eligible rate.
Pretty awesome to see some cards getting updates! Marriott is really pushing for some market share right now it seems. I just wish Chase would make the CSR more competitive 😢 Let’s hope they get inspired!! Great video Mark!
Agreed! 👊
I'll stick with the Ritz at 450 but I'd traded the 85k cert for Platt. 85k night rooms are too expensive to justify spending cash on a second night especially with no free breakfast
Yep - VERY good observation. That 85K certificate is great, but people really need to think about "what happens" on Night 2 and beyond 😁
LOVE LOVE LOVE this update Mark. As always Big Thank you. Regardless of fee increase, I know I can justify it.
Question regarding choice benefit. So you don't get that benefit just by being the holder of this card I get it. But It says stay 50 qualifying nights and you get this benefit. What if you have this card and business card? Don't we get 40 night of credit to start? Does that mean I only need 10 more nights to receive this benefit???? This can't be this easy. Right? Help!
1. You can earn up to 40 Elite Night Credits (ENCs) via credit cards (25 max via personal, 15 max via business).
2. There are 2 'Choice Benefits' that are completely separate. The one requiring 50 nights is not related to the credit card, that's just a part of the Bonvoy program itself. Yes, if you earn 40 ENCs via credit cards, then you'll only need 10 more nights to qualify for a choice benefit. There are 5 choices for this benefit.
3. The other Choice Benefit is unique to the credit card itself. That one requires spending $60K on purchases on the card; there is no night requirement beyond that. There are 3 choices for this benefit.
@@MarkReese oh wow. That totally makes sense. I just barely looked it up after you told me. Thank you always!
The new amex marriot cards are so meh. You don't get a free night with a 250 amex but you do with a 99 chase! wth amex! Brilliant gets 1x less on dining and the 125 AF business gets a free night!! These benefits are all over the place and doesn't reflect the Annual Fee cost
Yeah I'm not a big fan of the $250 mid-tier cards 😕
When everyone is super, nobody is. Platinum is the new Gold. The play here is to get your 25 nights and your 15 nights from your personal+biz Marriott cards and work towards Titanium. You'll get United Silver and other perks like a free night. I haven't seen much recognition on Titanium over Platinum to be honest so even that may not be worth it.
Regardless, Ritz is now the best Marriott card and perhaps the best high annual fee keeper card in all of the credit card spectrum. CSR level benefits, 85k night, $300 airline credit and $450 AF????
I doubt 'everyone' is willing to pay a $650 annual fee year after year ✌️
Great video! I applied for the card and got approved. How do I get the Platinum Elite on my Marriott Bonvoy account? I don't see a way to link the two together. Thank you.
Congrats! If you put your Marriott Bonvoy # on the application, there's nothing you need to do. It will be done automatically.
Hi Mark! Great video as always. Which cc would you prefer- chase ritz carlton or amex bonvoy brilliant? Perhaps you can do a video comparison. 😝
I strongly prefer the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, but that's just me ✌️ I may do an updated comparison video.
@@MarkReese looking forward to that updated analysis 👍
Mark, do you know if authorized users on the new Bonvoy Brilliant card will also get Platinum elite status?
They do not ✌️
Interesting, this seems to compete directly with the AMEX Plat.
Surprised they did this.
I see what you mean, especially with the benefits like Priority Pass, insurance coverages, Global Entry / TSA Pre credit, and no FTFs. However, all of the other benefits are Marriott-specific, and there are quite a few of them. I personally see this product as being very different than the Amex Platinum Card.
Mann I would love to get this card ..with this bonus offer and benefits I wouldn't mind the $650 but recently got the Visa Bonvoy ... can't wait until they get ride of this damn 24months rule ☹
So many rules in this game 😬
Mark Reese do u miss the Hilton Aspire card yet? The benefits are too sweet for a $450 card and I wouldn't be surprised if they raised the AF. Why did you leave Hilton and which do you like better? I think a video on this Hilton VS Marriott from a hotel and credit card rewards with your perspective would be interesting. I travel a lot and it always comes down to staying at a Hilton or Marriott family hotel. I can pick one family and have always been on Team Hilton thanks much to the Aspire
I don't miss the Aspire at all...don't even think about it.
Here's a link to a video about why I canceled 2 of them: th-cam.com/video/jc7DyZ7MwYE/w-d-xo.html
I would love to see your mad math skills in a breakdown of booking thru Amex fine hotels and resorts program vs Marriott card since now both have the $100 credit
Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Mark, I currently have the chase bonvoy and Amex business bonvoy. I got a total of 30 ENC. I’m wondering if I get the bonvoy brilliant, would I get the additional 10 ENC in difference? 15+15 vs 15+25? Thanks in advance!
Likely so...I received the extra 10 retroactively, though I already had the card open 👍 Make sure you're aware of the application rules before applying. You can read them in the 'Offer & Benefit Terms' link.
Kinda crazy to me they didn’t change the multiplyers with inflation and things in the past couple years. Since i would like to achieve lifetime platinum status might get this in addition to the ritz carlton to enjoy two luxury nights every year. Seems great value with plenty of perks
It would've been nice to see better multipliers 👍 Be aware that the elite night credits from the Brilliant + Ritz cannot be combined.
@@MarkReese Hello mark. You mean they cannot be combined for one huge night correct. Can I still use these both over 2 free nights side by side?
@@parkour267 - I'm referring to the Elite Night Credits (ENCs), not Free Night Awards (FNAs). You mentioned in the original comment that you'd like to achieve Lifetime Platinum. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card issues 15 ENCs; the Bonvoy Brilliant issues 25 ENCs. If you have both, then you'll earn 25 ENCs total, not 40.
@@MarkReese Ok interesting to know. luckily I'm almost at the 600 night mark. just short a number of years haha. and recently stopped travelling full time so need a way to maintain.
Do you know if the platinum status earned through this card for the year counts toward lifetime platinum?
Asking Marriott now...
Sounds like a great upgrade to the card.
Absolutely 🏆
Hi Mark. Out of curiosity, which card are you using when booking hotel at Marriott now that the business card will give 7% when using the card in booking??? Or are you still using the Marriott personal cc when booking? Thanks again.
I use the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ~ 90% of the time for paid Marriott bookings. So far, the last few paid stays I've done had other promo rates that were better than the 7% Biz Rate. If the 7% Biz Rate ends up being the lowest for a future booking, then I'll use my Bonvoy Business Card (required per the terms to be eligible).
Another exception is if an Amex card has an Amex Offer, perhaps something like "Get $60 Back after spending $300+ at Marriott hotels." In that case, I'd use whichever Amex card has that offer.
That said, all current Marriott cards w/ an annual fee earn 6X, so it doesn't really matter which one you use.
@@MarkReese thank you so much for the information. Really appreciate it. I was planning to get the Hilton aspire but due to inc of annual fee i think i will stick with Marriott. Thanks again.
Before the video ended I was gonna ask if the Ritz was still worth it. I think upping the certificate offer and keeping the annual fee is great. Although I wish it’s give us the plat status
Yep I hear ya on that 👍
@@MarkReese If the Ritz had platinum status, cardholders wouldn't have FOMO seeing what the Brilliant offers.
A video comparison of the Brilliant, Ritz Carlton, and Hilton Aspire is in order!
@@MarkReese do you think they’ll add the plat status to the card. Or will it be stuck solely on the Amex card?
@@timmi6821 - I doubt they will.
I might add the brilliant with the ritz to get lifetime plat eventually. And to have 2 85000 certificates makes it more worth getting such a high end hotel for a 2 night stay every year. after the credits i spend 500 for 1190 value hotel weekend. Seems worth it in addition to all other perks. Likely i will top it off as well
Marky boy,…My prayers were answered!!! 😇. This means I have been a good boy. Got my Platinum status and my 85k annual free night.
Enjoy! 🏆
I don’t know about this card. It’s the Aspire of the Marriott cards. I saw the new Bevy online. It’s like the gold, 4x on groceries and dining. Even has the same $250 AF. Except it has a combined cap on those 2 categories of just $15k. I’m at nearly that much spend for those 2 on my gold, and we’re not even in the fourth quarter yet.
Video on the Bevy + Bountiful going live tomorrow!
The high spending requirement for the first free night on the Bevy and Bountiful makes them uncompetitive. Marriot points are not worth anywhere near what Amex points are worth, so 4x on Marriot, is probably comparable to about 2.5x on Amex. So, the Gold card is a much better deal for the $250 annual fee.
@@nichtsistkostenlos6565 - Agreed 👍
Ugh. The new Bevy card has different welcome bonus eligibility requirements than the Brilliant. 😔
I got the Bold last year and intentionally missed the intro bonus so that I could get the welcome bonus on both the Brilliant and the Bonvoy Business and then upgrade the Bold to the Ritz.
I assumed I would also be able to get the welcome bonus on the new Bevy too as well before upgrading the Bold to the Ritz. But unlike the Brilliant and Business, the 30 day have/had rule on the Bevy is not only for the Ritz card - it applies to all of the Chase Marriott cards.
That's a good strategy, but I think keeping both Ritz and Brilliant is too much. Aspire is much better card than Brilliant, but the fee may increase soon as well. Now Brilliant looks tempting over Ritz, but I'm not sure if $200 more will fly for me.
It's a crazy world of rules & requirements!
@@yurig2530 Yes originally I was only going to keep the Ritz long term. But now I might actually keep both because two 85K night certain per year sounds like potentially major value, especially if you top up both of those nights with 15k points each - you can spend a weekend at some of Marriott’s best properties.
@@Channing_Gosling Yes, but it will cost you $500. Now compare it to Hilton's cards.
Do you think the RC card will get a buff in the near future? Apart from the 85K certificate... I just feel those cards need to go head to head
I don't ✌️ Doesn't make business sense to invest much into a discontinued card.
Hey Mark! Thanks for the video. If I already have the Marriott Boundless which gives 15 qualifying nights, can I get the brilliant and qualify for the additional 25 nights? Essentially starting the year with 40 nights on my way to titanium/ambassador status?
Hi Mozer - no. You can only earn a maximum of 15-25 ENCs on the personal side (based on the card you have) and a maximum of 15 ENCs on the business side. This cannot be done with 2 personal cards.
@@MarkReese thanks for the reply! Very helpful info, now I’ve got to consider if I drop the boundless down to the bold and get the brilliant instead.
Does authorized user get platinum status as well?
Nope ✌️
Is it true the Ritz Carlton also got some changes?
Yes, 1 change. Mentioned in the video.
Will one be able to status match the Marriott platinum status with other cards?
Only if a limited-time promotion becomes available with other competing hotel companies. Right now...no.
Any word on if the new Brilliant card is still metal? I like the way it looks better.
Looks like it, but cannot guarantee it yet.
will the 50k certificates received earlier this year be upgraded to 85 ?
I don't think so, though I'm not entirely sure ✌
They are probably gonna slowly revamp (Make cards more expensive) for the next couple years. I wouldn't be surprised if they made the gold more expensive in 2023
Amex has already been surveying people for the Business Gold Card, which includes a fee increase from $295 to $395 😬
@@MarkReese yikes 😬
What’s the business card equivalent to this card?
Doesn't exist ✌
Is that new Card going to bemetal like the old one?
Looks like it, but I can't guarantee it yet.
Ugh. I want this card so bad, but not eligible for the rewards points, so I have to pass until I’m eligible 🤬
The countdown begins 😁⏰
Do you get 6x or 3x at marriott restaurants? I'm guessing 6x. Thanks!
Depends on how the restaurant is set up, there isn't a way to know before charging.
If it codes as a 'restaurant' and you swipe your card, you'll earn 3X.
If it codes as a 'Marriott' purchase, you'll earn 6X.
For that reason, I always charge restaurant purchases to my room. That way it gets added to the room total and virtually guarantees a 6X earning at checkout. Plus, you'll earn base points, too. Nice double dip and way better than paying with your card directly for each meal.
Do you think I’ll be able to change my platinum to this card?
Nope ✌️
I definitely was stalking the apps and websites. I ordered the new design. I definitely wanted the new look. Ritz-Carlton having a 85k FNC but the same AF is the best keeper card. Also, the prior Brilliant SUB was 75k after $3k spend. I know this because that’s the SUB I got. 😑
Haha I was also stalking the website yesterday evening 😄💳
Wondering what’s the weight of the card, whether it will match the platinum card? Since it’s a similar tier annual fee
Not sure. I don't have the new version.
@@MarkReese Please do an unboxing video!
Anyone use the food credit overseas?
I haven't ✌
Honestly it’s a nerf when compared to the legacy Brilliant card. With the old $200 credit, the effective annual fee was $250. But since the AMEX Platinum annual fee bump from $550 to $695 showed they could get away with murder, this happened.
It’s also a slap in the face for folks working on lifetime status. The lounges will get even more crowded and will probably negatively impact breakfast.
Looks like Hyatt is the only one where you can’t pay for top tier or mid tier status. At least Globalist is useful in waiving those pesky resort, destination, facility fees.
Man the Marriott brand just continues to go down the drain. Was shocked some Courtyards in the SoCal area was charging a daily parking fee between $10-15/night for plentiful open air parking. 😂
Edit: I’ll take the buff to the Ritz though. 😅
We all have our perspectives, and yours is valid! I'm also chasing lifetime Platinum Elite Status, though I see this card as an awesome tool to accelerate that.
@@MarkReese The more I think about it, the more I mourn the legacy Brilliant card.
They really designed a brand new credit card and could have launched it as so at the $650 AF level. But instead they opted to gut the old Brilliant card because it simply was too good. This is reminiscent of Citi nerfing the OG Prestige which to date was the best premium travel card I’ve ever seen. AMEX and Marriott were probably making little to no money or perhaps even losing some.
Do Amex and Chase allow a person to hold the Brilliant and Ritz cards at the same time?
I think so, but can't guarantee it. Here's a link to the eligibility rules: th-cam.com/video/pzGmeB3S7Kg/w-d-xo.html
Looks like you might be able to get a lower-tier Chase Bonvoy card, then get the Amex Brilliant, then upgrade the Chase card.
@@MarkReese Thanks!
What will happen if I have both the new brilliant and the ritz card? Brilliant is a better card, but the Ritz looks so cool I can't just get rid of it lol.
It's not a problem to have both. Just make sure you comply with the rules to make that happen.
I'm sure you're gonna cover it, Mark, but man, along with this change came the Bevy and Bountiful cards, and they look like hot garbage. This is great, though, definitely considering picking up the Brilliant even with the higher annual fee because I can easily get the value year over year.
New video about the additional 2 new cards (plus changes to the Business version) is now live! 🎬
is the new card metal?
When I requested a replacement online, it said it was metal 👍 However, I haven't received it yet to confirm.
Bird in the back ground
Haha I was wondering who'd comment on that first! You win! 😁👊
While I like the perks of the new card, the recent trend that Marriott is going down is quite concerning. As an Ambassador Elite member since program inception, all of these extended benefits that you get at each tier are becoming less worthwhile. Let me give you an example: 1.) As a Ambassador member you used to have a dedicated Ambassador, that would make the effort to personally get to know you, make special arrangements for you, etc, now it’s a “team” ie whose available, there’s no personalization effort anymore you just now feel like a number. 2.) the suite night awards used to actually mean something, like you were upgraded to an actual suite based off of your choosing, now (at least in my experience over the last 2 years) when you use the reward it’s more like a room upgrade that you would’ve gotten based off of your status, and they still take the awards. Smh.
The expansion of benefits for this card will make some key benefits ie like lounge access and late checkout more accessible, ie more crowded, most likely less offerings, and I believe this will also continue to dilute the benefits and personalization to their most loyal patrons. (Delta Lounge with Reserve Card anyone?)
Also an 85k free night award equates to a Ritz/JW/W stay now, which is a great deal but based off of past trends, this probably means that they will change their point valuations in the near future 😞
Thanks for sharing your perspective as a Marriott Ambassador Elite, Matt!
Yes The blacker the better 😂 I love the new design sleek , clean & professional bright colors are goofy looking like something for teenagers Yukk.
I like it, too 👊
So is this card worth $200 more now over Ritz?
There's not an objective answer. It will vary from one person to another.
@@MarkReese I was planning to get Ritz, but now I don't know whether to get Ritz or Brilliant. You basically pay $200 for Platinum status, and it's a PITA to get those $300 back via restaurants or other means.
@@yurig2530 - Make a pro & con list. Go with the one that gives you more of what you want.
Love Amex but they have to many fees on their cards
That's one of their biggest revenue drivers ✌️
@@MarkReese Yep
Is the new card plastic or metal?
It better be a damn metal card for a $650 annual fee.
@@nichtsistkostenlos6565 Agreed 🙂 I asked for a replacement. Let's see if it's metal.
Not sure until I get it in my hands (or see data points from others) 😁✌️
Now you may be bonvoyed for $650 instead of $450
😂
👍🏻
👊
Lol they just love to keep raising the AF’s on these cards for minimal updates. You just got BONVOYED!
Auto Platinum Elite is no minimal update 😁✌️
@@MarkReese now everyone will have platinum lol.. meaning status devalued = minimal update
@@JB-pk1jx - Do you think 'everyone' will be pay a $650 annual fee?
@@MarkReese only a fool would! Lol
This isnt a card u will see everyday. Alot of people will still have to earn platinum status the normal way
Thx Mark but the Ritz Carlton card is still better tho new Marriott card is cool looking just like Ritz card. $300 food credit is nice but room credit was better. Pass.
We've all got out perspectives, and yours is valid 😃👍
The changes on this card are great! Also nice that the RC card now gets a 85k point night for the same annual fee!
Agreed on both!
I can’t believe it, I can finally stay at a Ritz-Carlton hotel with my Ritz-Carlton Rewards card’s free night award 🎉
Hurray! 😁
Chase Ritz Carlton is waaayyyy better! They just raised the free annual night to 85,000pts and the annual fee still at $450
If the goal is simply a free night certificate for the lowest possible cost, then yes, the Ritz card is better.
@@MarkReese Not only that… it still offers $300 travel credit, Priority Pass and Gold Status
I think this new card is better. 300 on dining and platinum status is super nice. Gold gets u nothing but a bottle of water😅
Hate the new card “design” 🤮
😬
I thought the new m swoosh design was a sperm
Nope.
Any card with an AF of over $95 is a no-go for me lol. I'll stick with my Synovus 5X on ALL travel AND a 3% category of my choice every quarter for only $50. 🤣🤣
any card with $450+ are mainly targeted for heavy travelers. by the way, your username is awesome! :D
@@samh7982 I totally appreciate I may not be the targeted market but I've just never been a fan of these "coupon" like cards where you're essentially prepaying for certain services. More so, As prevalent as Marriotts are, I think it's much more beneficial and practical to have a card that isn't linked to one specific chain so you can cash in and redeem with ALL types of travel, irrespective of the brand. I think the Chase Saffire Preferred ($95) & Synovus Travel Rewards ($50) cards are king when it comes overall value and benefits.
Even if I was a multimillionaire, I can't see paying that type of annual fee... It's a principal thing I guess lol. To each their own tho. I do love the design tho... It better be metal!! 🤣
5X on all travel + a 3X choice category is awesome! 💯
@@retiredtidepodeater3339 What are Synovus points worth? 5x on general travel sounds great, but how hard is it to get the value out of the points?
@@nichtsistkostenlos6565 I'll 100% confirm after I receive my card in the mail in a few days, but from all of the research I've done on MyFico and from the Synovus representatives, 5X is actually worth 5X - Each 1X is worth 0.01¢ and not some fraction. When you use your points to redeem directly through the portal, your 5X turns into 6.25X as redemption goes up 20%.
Almost too good to be true.... I think the kicker will be how good... Or bad... The portal is for booking and redeeming.
The Brilliant felt worthless before today.
Glad to see it got a real glow up! 🙌
One can even say it's actually Brilliant now 😏
(It looks Metal. 👀 I hope it's a metal card now🙏)
I went for the Marriott business a while back because it had the better value for every day spend. Now I'm seriously eyeing the Brilliant & Aspire cards 🤔
I can't wait for multiple comparison videos!
Brilliant VS. Ritz Carlton
Brilliant VS. Business
Brilliant VS. Aspire
What a time to be alive! 🙌😤🙌
I might get the Brilliant\Aspire cards when I have big trips planned then simply not renew them 2nd year while keeping the business variants as a keeper cards for the long haul.
Bonvoy(ed) trifecta? Brilliant + Ritz + Business?
It's an awesome improvement for sure! 💯