Amex Bonvoy Brilliant offer runs through Sept. 30, with a US$650 annual fee

American Express is offering 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points plus a US$250 statement credit to eligible Bonvoy Brilliant applicants through September 30, 2026. Earning the bonus requires US$6,000 in purchases within six months. This is a credit-card promotion, not an airline service change; the card carries a US$650 annual fee.

For US frequent flyers who regularly stay at Marriott hotels, the main ongoing benefit is Platinum Elite status without a spending requirement, plus 25 elite-night credits annually. The card also provides restaurant credits of up to US$25 each month and an annual free-night award worth up to 85,000 points, starting at the first anniversary. Travellers should assess those benefits against their actual hotel use rather than assume they recover the fee.

Airfare booked directly with airlines earns three Bonvoy points per US dollar, making the category relevant to customers of Air Canada, United, Delta and American. Those rewards are Marriott points—not Aeroplan, MileagePlus, SkyMiles or AAdvantage miles, and not Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Priority Pass membership requires enrolment and includes access for two guests, subject to space; it should not be confused with membership in an airline’s lounge programme.

Before applying, check the welcome-bonus restrictions carefully. Previous ownership of Brilliant or its former Starwood luxury-card version can exclude applicants, while certain Chase Marriott and Ritz-Carlton card histories trigger additional restrictions. Also remember that the dining allowance is monthly rather than a single annual credit, and the anniversary hotel award does not arrive when the account opens.