In September 2022 we see Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card redeem simple annual Marriott Bonvoy credits to use for monthly food credit. While the annual benefit amount remains the same – up to $300 per year – we think change is generally negative.
Now that the benefits have changed, here’s everything you need to know about using the $25 monthly dining credit available on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex.
What purchases typically trigger Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant dining credits?
Any purchase with the code for a restaurant, cafe or similar will trigger a monthly dining credit in your account. You can use the credit at restaurants in the US and around the world.
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As with other American Express statement credits, these tend to post fast. We tried it and in September 2022 our credits were posted in two days; in October 2022, credits are posted for four days. As you can see, purchases that enable dining credit are still eligible to earn 3 points per dollar at the restaurant.
It’s also important to note that a credit up to $300 applies only once per account. All card members in your account will share $300 in dining credits. That means any authorized users on your cardholder account will not receive their own dining credit.
How long do I have to use my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant dining credit?
The good news is that your up to $300 dining credit will be available as soon as you open the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex. These credits are available for the lifetime of your account.
The bad news is that the credits require monthly usage. Instead of treating yourself to a fabulous $200 dinner on your birthday, the dining credit on your Bonvoy Brilliant card is only available for up to $25 per month. If you maximize your monthly credits to the full $25 per month, you’ll get up to $300 in credits per year.
Note that credits are not carried over. That means if you forget to use your $25 in available credits this month, the credits will disappear. You cannot use the $50 dining credit next month to make up. These credits are essentially “use it or lose it” every month.
The card’s terms and conditions state that it can take 8 to 12 weeks for credit to appear on your statement, but it’s much quicker in our experience.
Related reading: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Review
Which Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant dining credits are not covered?
Unfortunately, the terms and conditions indicate that the credit does not apply to purchases of “gift cards or merchandise, or purchases at non-restaurant points of sale, including nightclubs, shops, and restaurants. convenience store, grocery store or supermarket.”
In addition, the terms and conditions warn that you cannot receive credits if your purchase without the code is a restaurant purchase. This can happen at a restaurant located inside another location, such as inside a stadium or inside a casino.
From these terms, you may not receive monthly credits on Bonvoy Brilliant Amex if you shop at locations that don’t have the restaurant code on your credit card statement. The same applies if you buy merchandise rather than a meal.
Key point
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers dining credits of up to $300 per year to your account. Credits are available up to $25 per month for qualifying restaurant purchases.
This is just one of them many changes to Bonvoy Brilliant card effective September 2022. Other changes include additional elite night credits, enhanced Platinum Elite status, free night rewards now worth up to 85,000 points, and a new, higher annual fee of $650 (see below). rates and fees).
However, it’s up to you to determine if the annual $300 Marriott credit card replacement is enough to get you to cancel your card, or if the new dining credits are worth it for you. or not. This is why TPG Summer Hull Content Director really wants to get this card ASAP.
Official app link: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski, Ryan Wilcox, Madison Blancaflor and Nick Ewen.
For Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card prices and fees, click here.
