Attention marriott bonvoy brilliant members: downgrading options revealed
What To Know
- The Bonvoy Boundless card is a mid-tier option with a higher annual fee than the Bold card but fewer perks than the Brilliant card.
- The Bevy card is a no-annual-fee option that offers limited benefits, such as a welcome bonus and a small number of reward points.
- If you downgrade to a card that does not offer elite status, you may lose your Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers an array of elite benefits, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers. However, if your travel habits change or you’re looking to reduce your annual fee, you may wonder, “Can you downgrade Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant?”
Understanding Downgrade Options
While Marriott does not offer a direct downgrade path from the Bonvoy Brilliant card, there are several options available:
1. Downgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
The Bonvoy Bold card offers similar benefits to the Brilliant card, including free nights, elite status, and airport lounge access. However, it has a lower annual fee and fewer perks.
2. Downgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Bonvoy Boundless card is a mid-tier option with a higher annual fee than the Bold card but fewer perks than the Brilliant card. It offers a free night certificate and elite status, but lacks airport lounge access.
3. Downgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
The Bevy card is a no-annual-fee option that offers limited benefits, such as a welcome bonus and a small number of reward points.
Factors to Consider
When considering a downgrade, consider the following factors:
- Annual fee: The annual fee varies among the different card options. Determine which fee level aligns with your budget.
- Benefits: Compare the benefits offered by each card to ensure they meet your current travel needs.
- Rewards: Assess the rewards earning potential of each card and choose the one that best fits your spending habits.
Step-by-Step Downgrade Process
To downgrade your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, follow these steps:
1. Contact American Express customer service.
2. Request to downgrade to one of the eligible cards.
3. Provide your account information and the desired downgrade option.
4. American Express will process your request and send you a new card.
Retain Elite Status
If you downgrade to a card that does not offer elite status, you may lose your Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. However, there are ways to retain your status:
- Qualify through stays: Earn 50 nights in a calendar year to qualify for Platinum Elite status.
- Qualify through spend: Spend $75,000 on your Bonvoy Boundless card in a calendar year to earn Platinum Elite status.
- Match your status: Request a status match from another hotel loyalty program to retain your Platinum Elite status.
Impact on Rewards Points
Downgrading your card will not affect your existing Marriott Bonvoy points balance. However, the earning rate and redemption options may vary depending on the new card you choose.
Alternatives to Downgrading
If downgrading is not an option, consider the following alternatives:
- Cancel the card: If you no longer need the benefits, you can cancel your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
- Freeze the card: Suspend your card temporarily to avoid paying the annual fee while retaining your account and rewards.
- Use your card strategically: Use your Brilliant card for purchases that earn the most rewards and consider supplementing it with a different card for everyday spending.
Next Steps
If you’re considering downgrading your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, carefully evaluate your travel needs, budget, and rewards goals. Follow the step-by-step downgrade process and consider the alternatives to make an informed decision.
What You Need to Know
1. Can I downgrade my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card to any card I want?
No, you can only downgrade to eligible cards within the Marriott Bonvoy family.
2. Will I lose my Marriott Bonvoy points if I downgrade?
No, your points balance will remain intact.
3. How long does it take to process a downgrade request?
Typically, American Express processes downgrade requests within 7-10 business days.
4. Can I downgrade my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card over the phone?
Yes, you can contact American Express customer service to request a downgrade.
5. Will I receive a new card after downgrading?
Yes, you will receive a new card with the benefits of the downgraded card.