Is downgrading the Bonvoy Brilliant to the $95 AF Bonvoy card still possible?
Apr 19, 2020, 1:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 621
Is downgrading the Bonvoy Brilliant to the $95 AF Bonvoy card still possible?
I have a 100k upgrade offer on my $95 AF Bonvoy card and I know the latter is no longer available for new applications, but is it still available as a downgrade option for the Brilliant? I wouldn't want to keep paying the $450 AF indefinitely just for the certificate so whether I'd be able to downgrade back to what I currently have after a year is a consideration for me.
Apr 20, 2020, 7:12 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Delta Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Gold)
Posts: 12
From my experience, it is.
I recently called to see if I could get a retention offer on my AmEx Bonvoy Brilliant, but they did not have any offers for me.
They did offer a downgrade to the card with the $95 annual fee, but I kept the Bonvoy Brilliant.
Edit: I also upgraded last year (March 2019) from the $95 SPG card to the Bonvoy Brilliant for an upgrade offer similar to yours.
I recently called to see if I could get a retention offer on my AmEx Bonvoy Brilliant, but they did not have any offers for me.
They did offer a downgrade to the card with the $95 annual fee, but I kept the Bonvoy Brilliant.
Edit: I also upgraded last year (March 2019) from the $95 SPG card to the Bonvoy Brilliant for an upgrade offer similar to yours.
Last edited by TheIronWill; Apr 20, 2020 at 7:17 am
Apr 20, 2020, 6:18 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Delta Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Gold)
Posts: 12
However, the card is no longer open for applications and I don't know if it's an downgrade option for only those who have had it.
Here is that card's history:
- $95 AF SPG card for 2 years with free first year
- $450 AF Marriott Brilliant card upgrade for 1 year
- Talked with the agent and decided to keep the Marriott Brilliant card as it offers a stronger free night redemption (50,000 points instead of the 35,000 points with the $95 AF card)
Apr 21, 2020, 10:06 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,391
Not too sure. I believe the agent was referencing the $95 AF Marriott Bonvoy Card from American Express. (My SPG card was going to become that before my upgrade)
However, the card is no longer open for applications and I don't know if it's an downgrade option for only those who have had it.
However, the card is no longer open for applications and I don't know if it's an downgrade option for only those who have had it.
Apr 26, 2020, 2:15 pm
#7
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Location: Miami, Mpls & London
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May 5, 2021, 11:15 pm
#10
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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May 6, 2021, 1:33 am
#11
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Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
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It seems clear one had to previously have had the Marriott Bonv°y AmEx $95 version (or its SPG predecessor) to be eligible for the downgrade.
The question is whether they are still doing this.
Considering that the rationale is to prevent AmEx from poaching mid-level (Chase) cardholders, and preventing a back-door evasion of the agreed-upon price-level segmentation among the banks, my guess would be "Yes."
Chase will be actively on the lookout for shenanigans, so AmEx will likely insist that only former cardholders are eligible for the downgrade to the former product.
The question is whether they are still doing this.
Considering that the rationale is to prevent AmEx from poaching mid-level (Chase) cardholders, and preventing a back-door evasion of the agreed-upon price-level segmentation among the banks, my guess would be "Yes."
Chase will be actively on the lookout for shenanigans, so AmEx will likely insist that only former cardholders are eligible for the downgrade to the former product.
May 6, 2021, 1:46 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,901
It seems clear one had to previously have had the Marriott Bonv°y AmEx $95 version (or its SPG predecessor) to be eligible for the downgrade.
The question is whether they are still doing this.
Considering that the rationale is to prevent AmEx from poaching mid-level (Chase) cardholders, and preventing a back-door evasion of the agreed-upon price-level segmentation among the banks, my guess would be "Yes."
Chase will be actively on the lookout for shenanigans, so AmEx will likely insist that only former cardholders are eligible for the downgrade to the former product.
The question is whether they are still doing this.
Considering that the rationale is to prevent AmEx from poaching mid-level (Chase) cardholders, and preventing a back-door evasion of the agreed-upon price-level segmentation among the banks, my guess would be "Yes."
Chase will be actively on the lookout for shenanigans, so AmEx will likely insist that only former cardholders are eligible for the downgrade to the former product.
Oct 8, 2021, 1:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: AMS
Programs: FB Platinum (STE+), BA Gold (OWE), A3 Silver (*S), Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 20
I confirmed via chat that I will be able to DG to the $95 card (I previously held that card). Waiting for one Amex Offer to credit and will execute the downgrade then. Will report back when successful!
Oct 8, 2021, 2:50 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA LTP, UA, DL, HH, Marriott/SPG
Posts: 585
I downgraded mine back down to the $95 version about 3 months ago, shortly after the $450 fee posted. Interestingly enough, a few weeks ago, I did get the annual 50K cert (I thought I’d be getting the 35K one)
Oct 9, 2021, 1:35 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: UA 1P 1MM, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 628
I downgraded earlier this year right after the fee posted. Amex wasn’t willing to offer any retention bonus or fee credit. I like the card and easy to justify the AF fee with normal travel patterns so will probably upgrade back to the card next year.
Had the SPG card that was upgraded to Brilliant.
Had the SPG card that was upgraded to Brilliant.