Why I want this Marriott credit card more than ever – even though the annual fee has gone up to $650

Years ago, there was really only one major rewards credit card that cost about $100 more per year – and it was popular. Platinum Card® from American Express. If you want to join a Centurion Lounge – which at the time was a league of its own – you couldn’t leave home without it.

But that was after. Now, many rewards credit cards cost several hundred dollars per year, and a branded Marriott credit card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Cardjust increased the annual fee from an already high $450 per year to $650 per year (see rates and fees).

But this is potentially the crazier part of the $200 increase on a hotel credit card – now I want more of the card.

And no, this is not about some weird and crazy desire to have the most premium credit card in my wallet. That’s because it will save me more money than ever before.

Here’s how to solve that math – and why I really want to get my hands on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant now.

On paper, Marriott requires 50 qualifying hotel nights per year to earn and maintain Platinum status. But there are ways to reduce that real number, such as by taking 15 to 25 nights Get a head start on elite status with a personal Marriott card such as Marriott Bonvoy Unlimited Card – and potentially another 15 elite nights credited by holding a small business card like Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card.

I currently have a couple of Marriott credit cards – but both are small business, so I only get 15 nights a year out of the 50 cards I need. It’s been October and I’m currently only staying 30 of the 50 needed for 2022, getting 15 from one of my cards and the remaining 15 from paid stays. Honestly, I’m not sure how I’m going to close the gap without wasting money (or points) and staying time I don’t really need. But since I can’t pull myself off the status hamster wheel, chances are I’ll try and find a way if I have to.

However, if I can add Bonvoy Brilliant to my arsenal, the work for my Marriott elite status will be done – not just for this year – but every year.

TPG Marriott Platinum status review at $2,475. I’m not sure that’s my own personal valuation based on my travel pattern, but I’d say I get over $1,000 in tangible value when there’s an annual status between the pluses earned upon paid stay, breakfast benefits, lounge access and suite upgrades.

This is the entire article I wrote about why I want to keep Marriott Platinum status the longer the better.

While Marriott Platinum status is admittedly not very important at a random Fairfield Inn, it makes a lot of difference somewhere like St. Regis New York, Signature Collection property in Vail or even Swan Sanctuary at Walt Disney World. And while I don’t have those more upscale Marriott properties all the time, I usually have a couple of years where status makes a big difference in terms of breakfasts, amenities, and suites.

Honestly, because I knew I would get my money back from elite benefits, Platinum status alone was worth $650 without worrying about earning it.

Value to me: $1,000.

My tip for using these types of monthly dining credits is to top up Chick-fil-A . app for $25 per month at the beginning of the month. Then when it’s our turn to get our nugget trays for school parties or we’re just craving some Chick-n-Minis, we should go.

Maybe you can do it with Starbucks too, if that’s your jam. Or just remember to use the card when you go out to eat.

Value to me: $300.

Another perk that makes me really want the refurbished Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card more than ever is the annual awards night now worth 85,000 points (instead of 50,000 points before). Of course, the same is true of the current Marriott program charge more for some properties than beforeso you may need higher value certificate just to set what you want in some cases.

If possible, I would love to get the Marriott 85,000 point certificate. Because you can add up to 15,000 Marriott points to a certificateyou can choose from most Marriott hotels worldwide for up to 100,000 points with certificates and “offers”.

I’m trying to find nights where I can use a certificate at a hotel such as a new one Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad otherwise will go out of my league at $1,500 or more most nights. I’d say it’s more than worth your money if you can cash out for such a thing. (In spite of The Ritz-Carlton is pretty weak when it comes to Marriott Platinum perks.)

Value to me: $400.

I’ll probably bookmark them for one last day (pass the finger) one day back to the Maldives or similar for a big number birthday… or use them in a slightly more practical way for a few nights on a Disney tour with a stay at at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Dolphin or Swan Reserve. There’s really no wrong way to use welcome bonus points.

I recently purchased Marriott points for 0.83 cents each, so I think TPG . Valuation 0.84 cents each is right for the money spent on this one.

Value to me: $1,260.

I will keep the $1,700 card with ongoing actual value that I attribute to benefits other than the welcome bonus. Just don’t have to worry about how I’ll hit Marriott Platinum Status Every Year will be a treatment.

So yeah, it sounds crazy at first, but as soon as I can apply for my next credit card, I would love if I could get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. Yes, fees are higher than ever – a lot. But at least for me, it’s also a better overall deal than ever.

Official app link: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex with 150,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

For Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex prices and fees, click here.