The Bonvoy Brilliant Just Crushed My Hopes and Dreams (Thanks, Amex Pop-Up Jail)

Описание: In this episode of Card Smarter Not Harder, I break down how the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant just crushed my hopes and dreams — not because the card isn’t incredible… but because Amex pop-up jail means I can’t get the welcome offer.

And when you’re planning a true dream redemption — yes, Bora Bora — missing out on a massive welcome bonus isn’t just annoying… it completely changes the math.

Here’s the real dilemma:

I want this card specifically to help complete a luxury Bora Bora redemption, and the benefits line up almost perfectly — elite status, strong ongoing perks, and that free night certificate that can plug the final gap in an otherwise impossible award stay.

But applying right now is a ticking time bomb.

If I apply while I’m stuck in pop-up jail, I:
• lock myself out of the welcome offer
• start the clock on the annual fee
• and potentially waste the most valuable part of the card’s first year

At the same time… waiting too long means I lose the chance to have a full year with the card before the free night certificate posts, which is critical if I want that certificate in hand in time to finish the Bora Bora booking.

So the question becomes:
Do you apply now and eat the missed bonus?
Or do you gamble on escaping pop-up jail and risk blowing up your entire redemption timeline?

This video walks through:
• why this card is so important for my Bora Bora plan
• how missing the welcome offer makes the strategy way spicier than people admit
• and how timing the free night certificate can make or break a luxury redemption