This Changes EVERYTHING - Amex Bonvoy Brilliant

#amex #bonvoy #creditcards
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The American Express Bonvoy Brilliant might have just changed the game...get the card and you get Marriott Platinum status. With Platinum, you'll automatically be eligible for suite upgrades based on availability. Without having to spend a SINGLE night in a hotel.
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tags: amex, amex bonvoy, marriot bonvoy, bonvoy brilliant, amex bonvoy brilliant, american express, american express bonvoy, bonvoy platinum, marriott status, johnsfinancetip

[@AskSamPugh]

Great video!!!! I’m a fan of Marriott and love getting the free upgrades. I’m still debating on this card with my business Bonvoy card but once my ambassador level goes out this may be a play because it’s paying for itself with the free night. Also just holding the card can keep you eligible for lifetime status for platinum.

[@lmichaelgreen]

Good review but as a Marriott Brilliant cardholder I have four items to add. 1. $300 dining credit. I also though this would be an issue but it is actually great! It applies to just about any food service location.. Starbucks runs, Friday evening pizza, fast food stop for the kids or healthy smoothies. And it’s simple .. use the card and within a day or two you’ll get a rebate until you’ve fully used your $25 monthly allotment. 2. Free breakfast at many of the full service properties for the cardholder and a guest. My family and I were in Seoul SK for the holidays and we stayed at the Plaza Hotel, an Autograph collection property. Breakfast at this property is about $60 daily per person so this is a nice benefit. Marriott has all sorts of inconsistencies regarding which offer elite members complimentary breakfast but a simple Google search can clear this up. 3. For three years I was Titanium and the recognition has often been great at both US and International properties. For the last few years, Marriott has offer a “double night” earning promotion from late January - early April. If you stack this card w/ the business version you’ll be 35 nights from Titanium. If you can do 18 nights or some significant number of nights during the early part of the year, this will make acquiring Titanium even easier. 4. Last holding Platinum status via this card applies to your lifetime elite status. I am three years away from gaining platinum status for life so I plan to retain this card until I reach that point.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

If you pledge your loyalty to Marriott, this card is extremely solid. However if you’re looking for a more general luxury travel card, this wouldn’t be the one I recommend. Great breakdown though John!

[@Jes1919]

ASspire is the best one for the luxury. I like to be loyal to a hotel chain and for traveling, a more versatile card such as chase preferred or venture x with transfer partners. There are cool airline sun as emirates I would like to go on one day.

[@johnsfinancetips]

For sure, great call out Spencer and thanks for the comment!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@Jes1919 That's a great summary of these cards. If you're loyal to Hilton, the Aspire card is a no brainer!!

[@tobyreal6647]

Ok any updates on Bonus eligibility if you already have a bonvoy card and received a bonus before!?

[@GnarlsGnarlington]

@@Jes1919 Which Aspire card?

[@MillisConstruction]

Dedicated Marriott fan here, got this card no Problem 😁 I have the chase Bonvoy as well. The one before the one they have now. I like it better than the “upgrade”

[@johnsfinancetips]

If we're talking about "back in the day" haha I dearly miss the SPG program and cards. now that was unparalleled value! Admittedly I find myself gravitating to Hyatt lately

[@jaevonhaywood]

I looked it up and it does seem nice in regards to being a hotel branded platinum. Hopefully this can pair with well Chase UR.

[@jimmyjames6492]

I prefer the old $300 Marriott credit over the new dining credit as well. Thanks for the info + video!

[@johnsfinancetips]

I'm with you! The $300 was so much easier to use!

[@philbertshevitz3113]

@@johnsfinancetips , like your videos, but I disagree, all you have to do is eat out once a month, and you get the 25 dollar credit per month.. very easy to use. you Mentioned food delivery, it doesn't have to be delivery ...

[@aeroAdvocate]

Especially when the Annual Fee was $450 and not $650. I'm already Lifetime Platinum (Titanium at the moment) so this new status perk is useless to me.

[@onlyonesky9611]

Marriott upgraded me once in 8 years as a gold member (before merged- now the tier is getting more "cast" levels- awful). It also refused to give me sign on bonus because I have another Bonvoy card. Worst- they charge much more points after merged with Sheraton for the same hotel.

[@PointsInbound]

Befor they revamped the card, it was not too great. Now with diamond status and improved free night cert, it is a much better card even with the higher annual fee. On the Marriott side, I really like Sheratons and Le Meridians.

[@johnsfinancetips]

It does make it more valueable but makes me wonder if this devalues status. Though in Asia i think this won't impact much

[@KevinYang]

If you stay at Marriott a lot, this card is pretty amazing and can break even or pay for itself! If not, then a card like the Hilton Aspire is up there as well!

[@johnsfinancetips]

Couldn't have said it better myself, thanks for the comment Kevin!

[@KevinYang]

@@johnsfinancetips Keep on killing it John!

[@jordenfoster]

I think the Hilton Card is a no brainer. You get a free night at virtually any property. I usually just pick a Waldorf Astoria in a high demand destination and usually get a $1,000+ room for free. That makes all the other perks on the card net positive.

[@CesarJoel]

I think the Marriott Business card is a great card and the best Marriott card. Hilton Aspire is the GOAT of hotel cards. Thanks for the info 👍

[@onlyonesky9611]

Hilton's diamond status is non benefits - lounge is not open and 12.5 per day for food only.

[@CesarJoel]

@@onlyonesky9611 incorrect, you can get up to $50 food and beverage credit depending the location and the card has great benefits and protections to offset the annual fee.

[@luckybarron]

Great Video! Thank you! Could you create an updated one, with the new changes. We are Marriott loyalist with both the business and Brilliant. Looking for the best way to get Titanium. Thank you John!

[@AM-nm1oe]

I've gotten incredible suite upgrades in Asia and Mexico with bonvoy platinum

[@DerikAasansLevelUpTravel]

I get upgraded 1st with silver on regional. Always a better seat…

[@johnsfinancetips]

What is your favorite hotel chain?

[@donaldrobertson5747]

If you are in hotels alot (like over 30 nights a year) then this would likely be a winner for you. Otherwise the math doesn't work out versus other top hotel cards i.e. Aspire. 300 food credit which while not nearly as good as hotel credit is still solid. The free night is nice and could be maxed out to get close to AF, but likely 200 or so. The travel credits are covered by every other high tier card so most people getting this are already covered (could get player 2/children signed up though). The points multiplier is just meh. Overall unless a Marriott fan with chance of getting Titanium and United match the Aspire is better for the money.

[@johnsfinancetips]

Thanks for the breakdown and very valid points!! I'll have to line up a deep dive of the Aspire!

[@jeisha5588]

Lol that intro!!! ***Status**!! Lol 😆

[@face2much]

Does status last for 12 months from when you achieve it or just until the end of the calendar year? I'll hit titanium this month but if it's over on 12/31 it'd be a super let down.

[@brandondawson4044]

Do you know the credit score you need for this card or any of the other Marriott CC

[@JW-cx8tg]

Also the reason why I left Marriott and went to Hyatt and starting over. Being platinum is hard enough to get suite upgrades but now going to be flooded with people with cards without even staying the 50 required days will make platinum useless.

[@Thatsh1tsdingo]

Probably the most relevant comment. This “perk” is horrible and I exclusively stay at Hyatt now despite achieving the lifetime platinum status for Marriott. Platinum is the new silver at Marriott. You will NOT be getting suite upgrades. Best they can do is a high floor room.

[@bperez8656]

To say that gold status with Marriott means nothing is so detrimental to the hotel employees and how they actually treat guests. Sooooo spoiled. Gold status gets 2pm checkout almost guaranteed That’s so spoiled! It’s such a huge strain on the operations team and yet they honor it per company policy. No one here seems to understand how valuable and flexible that is. You also get upgrades to larger rooms upon request if you’re not spoiled and don’t demand the biggest suite on earth. A lot of people pay for those suites that you want for free! In NYC, where rooms are tiny this is a god send! Just a larger room puts your mind at ease. Hotels are in the business to make money, not give shit away for free. Their livelihoods literally depend on it. Everyone in this comments section is a spoiled brat that just wants free shit.

[@onlyonesky9611]

same here, Hyatt is 10 times better in total!

[@happyron]

To calculate if it's worth it, I think you need to add in the free night award (which you don't get until the first anniversary ). So after the first year it's 650 - 300 food credit = $350 a year for a free night and diamond status. Worth it to me if I wanna stay one night in a fancy room DOH! The biggest mistake yet I've made is I got the Bevy instead of this, with all the features it would have cost about the same. I asked them for an upgrade but say I can't do it after a year (and then I'm worried I'd have to have that card for a year before I would get the free room certificate and it probably wouldn't be worth the first year than without the free room). DOH! Fortunately, my GOLD status got me a room upgrade with fancy lounge access for a trip in LA to a place where I've going once a year on and off for years. So far working out for me

[@johnsfinancetips]

that's awesome you were able to get upgraded with Gold! And in the US too! Huge props!!

[@TheAuditorMoment]

@@johnsfinancetips snagged a partial ocean view room in US as well with only silver status as well as 12 pm check out

[@johnsfinancetips]

@@TheAuditorMoment With silver!? That's incredible!! Congrats on that!

[@happyron]

@@johnsfinancetips yeah it's all under the idea of "doesn't hurt to ask" Ironically everyone else at the conference was impressed by my "big time" upgrade, didn't have the heart to say "well it's just cause I have a card that makes me money anyways".

[@michaeldowning7094]

Marriott Platinum status needs to be added to the Platinum card.

[@coolquelbmusic9794]

If you stay at a Marriott 75-100 times a year is this the best card or is venture still your top pick? Also how do you know if your particular Marriott is eligible

[@nathanacreman632]

when you compare this card to its direct competitor, the Hilton Aspire, it's very lukewarm. Yes you can make a small profit if you hold it and maximize its perk benefits, but the Aspire nets you a HUGE profit if you use it correctly and has a smaller annual fee.

[@johnsfinancetips]

Great points Nathan! I'll have to dive into th Aspire soon then!

[@lewis20002000]

Excellent job John, but unless I am going to get some help with the af of this card, I am not going to keep it past the next af due date.

[@johnsfinancetips]

Yea the annual fee hike is steep! Thank for you the comment!

[@charleswheat3251]

Do the brilliant authorize user card to get TSA pre-check

[@Thatsh1tsdingo]

This card is the WORST thing Marriott could’ve done to it’s actual loyal members. Now everyone is platinum. Lounges were already packed. Suite upgrades? I don’t even get suite upgrades as TITANIUM. Good luck with platinum. Dream on. I’ve completely switched to Hyatt, which actually values its members. Marriott is the new holiday inn. Btw I had this card since two years ago. Thinking about canceling it.

[@bperez8656]

You can’t earn lifetime platinum unless you actually stay 600 nights aka 50 nights a year so These people that rarely travel aren’t actually getting in your way.

[@Varekai0723]

Platinums still get treated amazingly in Asia and Europe. Hell, even Golds do as well.

[@Thatsh1tsdingo]

@@Varekai0723 Not in China. Partnership with Alibaba allows everyone to be a platinum after only 10 nights. This offer is continuously available. Thailand is pretty good. Decent in Japan. Not sure about Korea, Vietnam, or other parts.

[@Thatsh1tsdingo]

@@bperez8656 it’s the people that rarely travel but get all these status promotions from double nights to credit cards like this that get in my way. That and Marriott properties pretty much has free reign on their upgrade policies. No real incentive to adhere to Marriott loyalty program and no oversight on adherence.

[@Varekai0723]

@@Thatsh1tsdingo Just like in the video, I can personally vouch that treatment is incredible in Indonesia!

[@waldron007]

Whilst Marriott has some great properties, I still think the Amex Hilton Aspire card is a much better value card. Top status with more credits for a lower cost.

[@SledgeIncTeam]

Much better card

[@mintico]

Not for long. Its AF will soon be revise to $650

[@Raymond23rdOBC]

apply for apec card after you get global entry

[@pramodsripada2380]

Great video. Qq - Can you product change from Boundless to Ritz when you already have Bonvoy brilliant?

[@johnsfinancetips]

That's a great questions that I'm afraid I don't have the answer to. But if I were have a hunch I don't see why not since it's just a product change and you aren't looking for a new SUB.

[@floridalife2800]

They have a solid sign up bonus 150k plus 50k after spending 6 nights at Marriott. Is it a good card to get and then downgrade / cancel? Thoughts how to do it right? I would prob only get it for one year but want to know my options. Thanks John!

[@pbx7257]

Im that guy that puts my pinky up and goes “oh ho ho” at check in.

[@karen99999]

John i am confused that if i get a platinum membership with this card and 25 credit nights, then 25 nights with platinum membership cannot be a titanium membership? will i have to stay 50 nights for a titanium one?

[@alejandrobarreto3090]

Do authorize users get the same benefits?

[@blynn999]

You sold me😅 I have the chase reserve and I’m trying to broaden my cc portfolio. I travel a lot and I think this could help

[@johnlam5616]

Hello, I’m a business owner and plan to get both brilliant and business BonVoy card BUT using mainly the business and getting the brilliant for the platinum status. What are your thoughts?

[@Alfredltm]

Can you review on Aspire?

[@definitelynotobama6851]

Gotta love baggage insurance when your flight partner is United

[@millionairewine3408]

No one mentioned the free breakfast with the platinum status. Nice perk but still not as good as the Hilton Aspire. I’m about to get my second Aspire. I will keep the brilliant for one more year.

[@johnsfinancetips]

Great call out! Free breakfast especially at W's are amazing!

[@Jes1919]

Aspire still the goat

[@johnsfinancetips]

Good alternative to get Diamond for sure, I personally don't have status with Hilton and find it hard to pull out value. But thanks for the comment, I might do a deep dive on the Aspire as well!

[@reneb.9593]

@@johnsfinancetips love your reviews on cards and haven’t been able to find anything good on this one so this is a video I’m definitely looking out for then!

[@CesarJoel]

Agree 💯, Aspire is GOD tier and the GOAT by far 💪

[@DerikAasansLevelUpTravel]

@@CesarJoel 100% GOAT Hotel Credit Card. Diamond is petty watered down, but the standard benefits at Hilton are pretty great. Suite upgrades in the US are hard to come by.

[@CesarJoel]

@@DerikAasansLevelUpTravel I've had many upgrades at Double Trees , Conrad's and resorts in US. Even without upgrades the Aspire is overpowered and no other card comes close.

[@MichaelBrown-pg5dy]

That’s so cute, you think Bonvoy Platinum is going to get you an upgrade? Had it for years, other than earning more points it does very little

[@johnsfinancetips]

Nice - how far are you from lifetime? I've got another 3 years to go. Most of my travel ends up in Asia too so any status goes pretty far

[@schopra8117]

Have heard no room upgrades for st regis male

[@noahwilliams8918]

I think we all know why the baggage insurance is so good. Marriott knows who the airline they're partnering with all too well. United Breaks Guitars!

[@johnsfinancetips]

Yikes!!

[@andrewpetersen1259]

Hi John.. not sure if you can help me or not.. I'm a new bonvoy brilliant card holder. I've called both Marriot and AMEX regarding this and have not gotten an answer, as well as read 2.1.e & 2.1.f of the loyalty program terms and conditions.. simply put - Will I receive points & membership tier benefits (room upgrades) if I book a government rate? Thank you, I enjoy your videos.

[@jun.oshima]

Yes

[@modedan8575]

Does the status count towards lifetime status?

[@RedDiomedes]

Did this card lose the 25 a month restaurant credit? It’s not listed anymore

[@edwinjiman]

John, what’s your take on the rules between having chase and Amex Bonvoy cards? I have a chase Bonvoy Brilliant, would it be possible to qual for the AMEX card?

[@johnsfinancetips]

I'm not sure there is a Chase Bonvoy Brilliant - that's strictly an Amex Card. I personally would go for the Amex because of the night credits on the Brilliant is 25 vs 15 on the Chase side. Hope that helps!

[@edwinjiman]

@@johnsfinancetips sorry. I was not referring to the correct cards. I was asking about rules for applying for an Amex Brilliant if I already have a Bonvoy Boundless.

[@aaronshang5762]

How is the Hilton Aspire card compare to this. Will there be a video about the Aspire card？

[@onlyonesky9611]

Hilton's diamond status worth next to nothing, 12.50 a day for closed lounges.

[@Brutus871]

Unfortunately not available in Europe 😢

[@ineiwit2856]

I had gold status for Hilton in India. They baked me a cake. haha.

[@onlyonesky9611]

Gold status in US worth nothing.

[@muffemod]

The $650 annual fee is waived for active duty military personnel.

[@bperez8656]

To say that gold status with Marriott means nothing is so detrimental to the hotel employees and how they actually treat guests. Sooooo spoiled. Gold status gets 2pm checkout almost guaranteed That’s so spoiled! It’s such a huge strain on the operations team and yet they honor it per company policy. No one here seems to understand how valuable and flexible that is. You also get upgrades to larger rooms upon request if you’re not spoiled and don’t demand the biggest suite on earth. A lot of people pay for those suites that you want for free! In NYC, where rooms are tiny this is a god send! Just a larger room puts your mind at ease. Hotels are in the business to make money, not give shit away for free. Their livelihoods literally depend on it. Everyone in this comments section is a spoiled brat that just wants free shit.

[@josejimenez2121]

Question about status. If I reach gold status today does that mean I have gold status until the end of the year? Or until a year from when I reach it?

[@mskwon815]

feb 2024

[@johnsfinancetips]

it's always the year you earn it + the following year and into Feb of the 3rd year

[@louiswilliams4657]

Bonboy and Skymiles not o bad for me !

[@RCJH2022]

Marriott Totally devaluing Platinum status with this. 😞

[@johnsfinancetips]

Sadly that's my hunch here as well :(

[@rontom3405]

I think the 300 credit for food and annual stay is worth for sure

[@lewis20002000]

How, it's a use-or-lose credit, it will take management to make sure you get the full value out of it, I very much douth most people will remember to get the full $300 credit. The $300 was great for my annual Marriott vacations, it came right off the bill.

[@johnsfinancetips]

For sure, if you plan to commit to utilizing the food credit it's great. But the previous credit of $300 at a property was much easier to use imo. Are you thinking about getting the card?

[@lewis20002000]

@@johnsfinancetips I already have the card and I will keep it as long as I get a retention break comes af time. $550 would of been more inline for this card, but with $650 I want Titanium status and my singular $300 travel credit back. I am actually going for my 3rh Ritz Carlton with it's easier to use airline fee credit.

[@bperez8656]

A lot of people saying aspire card is superior but who cares if the Hilton brands don’t stand up to the 30 marriott brands

[@DCGEMINI202]

I have diamond with my aspire Platinum with my brilliant and Explorist with my hyatt card and never been upgraded😅 I would say the hyatt or the aspire is the best. Still love my brilliant though

[@SledgeIncTeam]

You have to ask before you get there and when you get to the property. I've been upgraded 99% of the time at Hilton and the few times I've stayed at Marriott, Ive been upgraded. It doesn't hurt to say it's your birthday, anniversary, spouse bday, etc... 🤣

[@DCGEMINI202]

@@SledgeIncTeam i usually ask hilton thru the app before my stay and when i arrive. Im always with my gf and tell them its our anniversary and never had luck. Hyatt seems like they don’t believe in upgrades, i haven’t tried marriott yet since getting platinum but as gold i never had luck either

[@SledgeIncTeam]

@@DCGEMINI202 that's awful! I just got Diamond Hilton status and have yet to try but when I was Gold I had no issues and I also ask via the app... The Ritz Carlton even gave me an executive suite earlier this year when I book a standard room... If you haven't seen my what's in my wallet video, it's on there... But I wish you luck in the future

[@DCGEMINI202]

@@SledgeIncTeam I’ll check it out. I usually only get upgrades when i book thru the FH&R program with my platinum. But never when booking directly. Sucks for me😂

[@SledgeIncTeam]

@@DCGEMINI202 FHR is a guaranteed upgrade 😃

[@drewd8874]

Great video! Can you share my amex brilliant referral for me?

[@ariix1585]

I personally think that the plat is more valuable tbh

[@johnsfinancetips]

Depending on your use, but for most I wouldn't look at the Plat if you are not able to commit to extracting value from all the credits.

[@SledgeIncTeam]

I'm not. loyal to any brand with anything and I stay at Marriott Properties but the Hilton Aspire card is still the king of Hotel cards

[@johnsfinancetips]

Thanks for the comment, wow so much comments on the Hilton. I'll have to line that up. I personally don't stay at any Hilton's having been an SPG convert. Thanks for the heads up though!

[@bperez8656]

@@johnsfinancetips SPG DAY ONES STAND UP 🫡✊🏻

[@maritestaylor8458]

Awesome 😎😎😎😎

[@ashantedula5696]

$650 annual fee????? No thankhou

[@dannym7924]

Anyone use the dining credit overseas?

[@johnsfinancetips]

I think the Amex Gold dining credit should work overseas as well!

[@mrsoccergod5001]

Seems pretty much like an amex platinum card

[@gilbertnicholas1582]

For $650 you really can't keep this card for more than 1 year

[@chriseverydailyshow4164]

21x points?

[@ttrruaminpn5755]

Not sure if this card benefit justify $650 fee.

[@johnsfinancetips]

It’s hefty that’s for sure. Do you have a go to hotel program?

[@michaelmikhail2854]

It's not worth $650

[@aeromotive2]

this is an expensive card any way you slice it. If you're a loyal Marriott person then OK

[@johnsfinancetips]

Agreed the previous card at $450 - $300 (stay credit) was better value imo. Do you have the card?

[@aeromotive2]

@@johnsfinancetips No but Im weighing.. travelling to asia, which I do, it actually makes sense - eg some of the M-lounges there are quite nice, as you prolly know. I have the Amex Plat so I have some status and other travel perks. Guess I just gotta travel more for it to make sense!

[@DerikAasansLevelUpTravel]

And Now Platinum Status is watered down like Hilton Diamond.

[@neemafarhang1116]

can someone do a TL;DR LOL

[@helmutliess698]

First after the 2nd

[@johnsfinancetips]

3rd!!

[@NeoWahNah]

2nd!

[@johnsfinancetips]

What up!

[@NeoWahNah]

@@johnsfinancetips Great content John! Keep it coming!

[@bperez8656]

People who ask for upgrades are spoiled

[@Heroslaga]

First

[@johnsfinancetips]

Let's go!

[@jameshorton3692]

This card is generally accepted as trash compared to other options. Is Amex paying you? Or are you purposely putting out trash content for engagement? It’s fine for the bonus, but after that it’s pointless.

[@tidy]

Unfortunately that only applies to the US and not Canada!