topic Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits in Credit Cards

AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

Aim_High — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:19:37 GMT

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card ($650 AF) offers $300 in annual dining credits which are automatically applied in $25 monthly increments. The dining credits reduce the effective annual fee to $350, even before the other great credits and perks like the 85K point free night which by itself is worth well over $350 in most cases. Along with the automatic Platinum Elite status, I often get a complimentary full breakfast in the hotel. On a summer week-long vacation trip, DW and I got about $400 in value from the excellent daily breakfast buffet at a resort property. On another recent stay, we also used the late check-out benefit to stay at the hotel until 3pm, closer to our departing flight time. In my case, I get far more value back from the card than the AF.

@Openwater contacted me recently with questions about the card and specifically how the dining credits were applied. Since this is not my normal go-to card for dining except for the once-a-month credit, I normally just use the card on a single charge of at least $25. DW and I dine out often and I also have dining expenses during business travel, so this method works easily for me. I like to keep it simple in terms of tracking rewards and credits. Openwater wanted to know if the credits could be used in multiple smaller increments instead of a single $25+ charge. I wasn't 100% positive, so I checked the language on the disclosure, which made it sound like multiple purchases would be acceptable.

[Each year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.] Note: credit(s) and purchase(s).

Then, I did a trial run for this month where I specifically charged less than $25 on the first charge and then more than $25 on a subsequent charge. DW and I did the first one at a bakery cafe where we stopped for coffee and snacks for $15.96. Later that day, we had dinner at a BBQ restaurant for $37.93. Sure enough, the $15.96 was fully credited and then the remaining $9.04 was credited from the meal. The credits took about four days after the charges to post, which I think has been pretty typical for me.

I really appreciate this method of credits as opposed to some of the other AMEX credits which are more focused or difficult to manage. I've gotten automatic credits at any restaurant MCCs without issue.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

BigBS — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:32:32 GMT

I also like this card. I use it mostly for single dining credits, but have used it on multiple purchases and it worked exactly as @Aim_High described. The last couple of months I have used it at Subway and pay $.38 for 2 footlong subs ($25.38 total). The Marriott status comes in handy for late checkouts as mentioned.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

Openwater — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:24:56 GMT

Thanks again for this bit of info, you've definitely made my decision a lot more informed.

Thanks,

@Aim_High

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

PullingMeSoftly — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:51:46 GMT

Informative, thanks @Aim_High. I've been considering the Brilliant for a while, as I would like the option of going to Marriott properties with plat status. I've been focused on Hilton, which generally have properties in the locations I go to, but with the recent changes to the card lineup, I'm not so hot on the multiple Aspire strategy anymore. While I only do big trips 2-3 times a year, It would be nice to use the Aspire for one or two, and the Brilliant for another, utilizing the free night certs, status benefits, and credits for each one. Seems like I can break even or come out a little ahead holding both cards even with limited travel. I do like the ease of use of the Brilliant's dining credit as you've described.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

spiritcraft1 — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 21:43:50 GMT

@PullingMeSoftly wrote:
Informative, thanks @Aim_High. I've been considering the Brilliant for a while, as I would like the option of going to Marriott properties with plat status. I've been focused on Hilton, which generally have properties in the locations I go to, but with the recent changes to the card lineup, I'm not so hot on the multiple Aspire strategy anymore. While I only do big trips 2-3 times a year, It would be nice to use the Aspire for one or two, and the Brilliant for another, utilizing the free night certs, status benefits, and credits for each one. Seems like I can break even or come out a little ahead holding both cards even with limited travel. I do like the ease of use of the Brilliant's dining credit as you've described.

I mentioned this in a related thread but we have absolutely cashed in on the 85k award nights. We ended up with $1,000+ per night rooms after spending an hour or two looking. A magical date seems to be the day after T day. I am sure there are others. The Brilliant is a card I would not want to lose in it's current form.

Platinum status is worth quite a bit as well. If you have the Biz and can make it to Titanium, all the better. This year we had less travel and was booking too many Hilton's and had to scramble to remain Titanium Elite. A trick I found was to book a couple 5 night stays for points (4 paid, 5th free). I found two for close-by 5 night getaways for point totals that barely totaled more than a typical one night stay. You have to search with points and flexible dates...

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

AyaMai — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:06:19 GMT

@Aim_High wrote:
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card ($650 AF) offers $300 in annual dining credits which are automatically applied in $25 monthly increments. The dining credits reduce the effective annual fee to $350, even before the other great credits and perks like the 85K point free night which by itself is worth well over $350 in most cases. Along with the automatic Platinum Elite status, I often get a complimentary full breakfast in the hotel. On a summer week-long vacation trip, DW and I got about $400 in value from the excellent daily breakfast buffet at a resort property. On another recent stay, we also used the late check-out benefit to stay at the hotel until 3pm, closer to our departing flight time. In my case, I get far more value back from the card than the AF.

@Openwater contacted me recently with questions about the card and specifically how the dining credits were applied. Since this is not my normal go-to card for dining except for the once-a-month credit, I normally just use the card on a single charge of at least $25. DW and I dine out often and I also have dining expenses during business travel, so this method works easily for me. I like to keep it simple in terms of tracking rewards and credits. Openwater wanted to know if the credits could be used in multiple smaller increments instead of a single $25+ charge. I wasn't 100% positive, so I checked the language on the disclosure, which made it sound like multiple purchases would be acceptable.

[Each year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.] Note: credit(s) and purchase(s).

Then, I did a trial run for this month where I specifically charged less than $25 on the first charge and then more than $25 on a subsequent charge. DW and I did the first one at a bakery cafe where we stopped for coffee and snacks for $15.96. Later that day, we had dinner at a BBQ restaurant for $37.93. Sure enough, the $15.96 was fully credited and then the remaining $9.04 was credited from the meal. The credits took about four days after the charges to post, which I think has been pretty typical for me.

I really appreciate this method of credits as opposed to some of the other AMEX credits which are more focused or difficult to manage. I've gotten automatic credits at any restaurant MCCs without issue.

I tend to use the card once a month eating at my favorite Japanese Sushi restaurant & my minimum bill with tips is $82 for DW & me, sometimes the children and friends join us. Other restaurants I use Amex Gold. Breakfast and late check out are the best perks when it comes to hotel loyality programs.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

MachoHombre — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:56:05 GMT

Good info!

This card is weird ROI for me but it certainly works. Not a fan of the coupon-style dining credits, typically throw the $25 on Starbucks or Chick-Fil-A mobile app for simplicity.

My Brilliant card rarely sees daylight. Sad because it's a pretty card! But because I have a strong negotiated rates with Marriott via a partnership my employer has with Marriott, ..Bonvoy points are of little value as I can book rooms cheaper than what points are worth. Truth is I'm better off putting my Marriott stays on a cash-back travel card. Oh, and while I get good rates at Marriott, my nights *don't* count toward Bonvoy night credits, so I don't get to status tiers organically ....hence why this card is nice as it gets me Platinum Elite status.

While the dining credits are more drama than ideal, they help justify the card. Add the Patinum level perks -they have brought considerable value and goodness. I'm still learning how to best leverage them as they certainly vary by property.

The 85K night has been both fun and frustrating, but I believe I've identified a Ritz Carlton near me where seemingly I can get a room that typically goes for well over $1K a night for aprox 85K points if I'm flexible and pay attention. I'll use this for a fun date-night and feel like a cool kid for a day.

Thanks for the post @Aim_High you always provide valuable info/insight and I know you're a big fan-boy of the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

CreditCuriosity — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 22:58:56 GMT

$650 is two much for me to swallow just like the AF for the platinum card after multiple fee hikes in recent years. I prefer the Ritz route $450/af. 300 that airline credit that can be used well for that such as seat upgrades or airline gc's(not suppose to but easy enough) although gotta call in still easy enough lowering the AF to $150 for a 85k night stay which is certainly worth that as can be a value of over 1k alone there just like the amex 85k credit. Granted only gold status vs. platinum status unless you spend 75k/yr on card. I guess it is what one values if gold is good enough or platinum is better(obviously platinum is better, but worth the af difference? I still very much dislike coupon clipping why not just give the $300 in one month ( I think we know the answer to this) as anyone that has the card can easily spend that eating out in one a day if not a week let alone a month as they are hoping you forget to utilize this credit. Guess each card suits different needs and price points and perks. Does the Amex version have club level upgrades like Ritz as well?

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

MachoHombre — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 02:26:52 GMT

@CreditCuriosity wrote:
$650 is two much for me to swallow just like the AF for the platinum card after multiple fee hikes in recent years. I prefer the Ritz route $450/af. 300 that airline credit that can be used well for that such as seat upgrades or airline gc's(not suppose to but easy enough) although gotta call in still easy enough lowering the AF to $150 for a 85k night stay which is certainly worth that as can be a value of over 1k alone there just like the amex 85k credit. Granted only gold status vs. platinum status unless you spend 75k/yr on card. I guess it is what one values if gold is good enough or platinum is better(obviously platinum is better, but worth the af difference? I still very much dislike coupon clipping why not just give the $300 in one month ( I think we know the answer to this) as anyone that has the card can easily spend that eating out in one a day if not a week let alone a month as they are hoping you forget to utilize this credit. Guess each card suits different needs and price points and perks. Does the Amex version have club level upgrades like Ritz as well?

I cannot even come close to justifying the AMEX Platinum AF -and the coupon cutting drama to make it kinda work would put me over the sanity edge. Even the GOLD I wrestle with. The Bonvoy Brilliant is odd math, but for *me* it works, partly because even when work is picking up the tab on their AMEX corp card (me auth user) ....the Platinum level is a big step up from Gold and I've got considerable goodness out of it for both business and personal use ...and still learning as it varies by property.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

AMJ50 — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:23:01 GMT

I am debating keeping this card another year because of the $650 fee. It was my first premium card and my first foray into the lounges , global entry and free night certificates. I could justify the card at $450 with the $300 food and dining

credits, plus I used the certificate for a $1000+ room at the Ritz St Louis(I know St Louis). But now, I think it's too rich for my blood. I did enjoy platinum status and the lounges, but for me I can't justify the price any longer. I travel a couple times a year and stay in allot of hotels. I do prefer Marriotts footprint, but unfortunately, I am going to downgrade and maybe keep my Hilton Surpass that was also gutted.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

MachoHombre — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 21:32:08 GMT

After having this card a few years and initially wrestling with the Annual Fee and complex ROI to justify it.

Well, I've learned that this is perhaps my favorite card, even though it doesn't get a ton of swipes.

For *ME* the Platinum status has been brilliant value (sorry for the pun). Lounges plus upgrades ..even when traveling for business and charges go to my company card. A few days ago I used my yearly 85K night voucher on a night at the Half Moon Bay Ritz-Carlton. The dining credits are kind of pain, but every month I just throw 25bucks on either my Starbucks or Chick-Fil-A mobile app and all is good.

for me this card has been GREAT. I just gladly raised my hand for another year.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

unsungivy — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:27:57 GMT

Had P2 cancel this card last August. Originally, the AF was waived due to his being active duty military. Marriott is his preferred brand, and he's working on the lifetime status ranks (which means that the higher status the card automatically gives you is worth less to him).

The change from hotel credits to dining credits, coupled with a hike in the AF, made this card no longer worthwhile, other than a source of yearly night credits. P2 also picked up the AmEx Marriott Biz card at the same time as the Brilliant, since you can double dip with night credits from both sources. The Biz card has been the go-to for the actual hotel spend, since they give the same rate of points per stay and it is better in the other categories (including US Shipping, which is gets used for heavily), so actually lives in P2's wallet year-round while the Brilliant only came out ath the beginning of each year for the hotel credit to get used.

After some comparison, it was decided for P2 to get the no AF Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold, with plans to upgrade to the Ritz after a year (assuming that's still an option at the time he becomes eligible).

The Ritz and the Brilliant were neck and neck... until the changes to the Brilliant were made 🤷‍♀️ now it just doesn't pull its weight with the much harder to spend dining credits (P2 has Savor, plus we have the AmEx Uber credits and CSR DoorDash credits... so there's opportunity loss doing any juggling to hit exactly the $25 spend and not lose on pennies over), and the extra yearly nights increase doesn't make up for the hotel credit loss + AF hike. The Ritz is still the $450 AF and the "travel credit" can be spent on an airport lounge membership... which might make ditching the AmEx Platinum a valid option as well (having Centurion Lounge access is hard to pry out of P2's hands, but since he flies almost exclusively American Airlines, picking up the Admiral's lounge without a second AA CC [he has the biz one] might be a workable tactic).

All that being said... I would never recommend Chase's CC customer service over AmEx's. AmEx would send someone out to murder a noisy chicken in the night for you if needed. Chase will just make a note, forward it to the right department (without ever letting you speak to the appropriate rep directly), and then send you a form letter in the mail that doesn't actually address your specifics... and if you call back all that happens is you still can't speak to the correct rep.

Re: AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Dining Credits

Aim_High — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:33:22 GMT

Card rewards and perks are complicated and vary between consumer profiles, especially on these complex higher AF travel cards, so yes we all need to make our own evaluation, @unsungivy. And the overall wallet options for spending-reward balance further complicates the matter when comparing each situation. I just had a couple of questions or comments to throw in based on your details.

@unsungivy wrote:

Marriott is his preferred brand, and he's working on the lifetime status ranks (which means that the higher status the card automatically gives you is worth less to him) ... made this card no longer worthwhile, other than a source of yearly night credits. P2 also picked up the AmEx Marriott Biz card at the same time as the Brilliant, since you can double dip with night credits from both sources.

I'm a little confused. If P2 is working on lifetime status and the automatic Platinum status is worthless, it would imply that P2 already easily qualifies for Platinum based on hotel stays and doesn't need any help with status. But at the same time, you say the night stay credits are valuable? If they are, why would you give up the highest number of stay credits on any Marriott card (25), which can be stacked with the (15) business night credits for (40) beginning each calendar year? Previously, the Chase Ritz Carlton card you mentioned was comparable in most ways to the AMEX MBB, but when AX raised the price to $650, the MBB increased night credits to 25 and RC stayed at 15, the same as Chase Bonvoy Boundless and the newer Chase Bonvoy Bountiful. The high night-stay credit towards higher loyalty status is one feature of this card that is unique.

@unsungivy wrote:

it just doesn't pull its weight with the much harder to spend dining credits (P2 has Savor, plus we have the AmEx Uber credits and CSR DoorDash credits... so there's opportunity loss doing any juggling to hit exactly the $25 spend and not lose on pennies over)

I can see the dining credit being somewhat cumbersome to manage and how it potentially draws dining spend away from more lucrative cards. (In my case, my Chase Sapphire Reserve is my preferred dining card.) However, I see this AMEX credit as much less onerous than most of their restrictive credits such as on the Gold card where the dining credit is only at certain restaurants or the Platinum where the airline fees have to be on a specific previously-declared airline. In my case, the $300 ($25 per month) is minor dining spend since I dine out when traveling and DW and I dine out regularly. I just use it for one charge a month. Easy to open the app to refresh my memory if I've used it since the last statement posted. As for hitting the exact $25 spend, @MachoHombre shared how he takes care of this so it's easy to do. I've heard of other members doing something similar. So spending $25 on the nose is possible.

@MachoHombre wrote:

... Not a fan of the coupon-style dining credits, typically throw the $25 on Starbucks or Chick-Fil-A mobile app for simplicity.

@unsungivy wrote:
The change from hotel credits to dining credits, coupled with a hike in the AF, made this card no longer worthwhile, other than a source of yearly night credits.

Several of our members specifically choose to carry BOTH the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant and the Chase Ritz Carlton since each card earns an annual free night award worth up to 85K points. In the two years since they raised the AF to $650 on AMEX but also increased that free night from 50K points to 85K points, I've redeemed my free night for hotels in the $750 to $1000 per night price-point. So the free night benefit alone can justify the higher AF, even before accounting for any of the other perks and benefits. You just have to make sure you're choosing to redeem that reward for the highest value available since it's "UP TO" 85K points room.

@unsungivy wrote:

... which might make ditching the AmEx Platinum a valid option as well (having Centurion Lounge access is hard to pry out of P2's hands, but since he flies almost exclusively American Airlines, picking up the Admiral's lounge without a second AA CC [he has the biz one] might be a workable tactic).

It does sound like the CITI AAdvantage Executive card might be a better pick for P2 if AA is the primary airline. That card also has a high $550 AF but the new format includes credits up to $360 for Avis, GrubHub, and Lyft.

Interestingly enough, since you prefer AMEX customer service, if you retained the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant you could keep some perks you would lose if you ended up cancelling the Platinum card. Shopping protections like Extended Warranty, Return Protection, and Purchase Protection is a rare trifecta found on both of those premium cards but not together on most other AMEX cards. Of course, your Chase Sapphire Reserve has those as well, but it sounds like you prefer not dealing with Chase. Personally, I've had superior customer service from both AMEX and Chase so I was quite surprised at your experience!