Check your account: Here's why some Marriott members woke up with higher status
Editor's note: This article has been updated with more information.
Some Marriott Bonvoy members are waking up with an extra 10 elite nights in their account — and higher elite status as a result.
Today, Marriott and American Express announced major changes to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. One of the biggest changes is that the card now offers 25 bonus elite nights per year, up from 15 nights in years past.
Additionally, the card includes complimentary Platinum Elite status for as long as you have the card open. This is also posting to cardholder accounts. Without the Bonvoy Brilliant, qualifying for Platinum Elite requires 50 elite nights per year.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card gets a bunch of new benefits
The 10 bonus nights are already posting to cardholder accounts. This requalified TPG executive editor Scott Mayerowitz for Titanium Elite status overnight.
Check your Marriott account if you have a Bonvoy Brilliant card. You should see the extra 10 nights under the "Bonus Nights" section on the "Nights Detail" page.
You might notice that the screenshot above shows 40 elite nights earned from cobranded credit cards. This is because you can stack the nights earned with a business card from Marriott, getting you over halfway to top-tier status without stepping foot in a Marriott hotel.
This new Bonvoy Brilliant benefit makes earning (and keeping) top-tier Marriott elite status a lot easier for cardholders. Plus, automatic Platinum Elite status means you'll get more benefits as soon as you open the card.
Keep an eye on TPG for more details on these cobrand credit card changes, including the full explanation of changes to the Brilliant card.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.Earn 60,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.