Getting a handle on how to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is a great way to make your travels more rewarding. Whether you're a casual traveler or a road warrior, understanding the program's mechanics can help you unlock free stays, room upgrades, and other valuable perks. Let's dive in and break down the entire process, step by step!
Step 1: Sign Up for Marriott Bonvoy (If You Haven't Already!)
First things first, you need to be a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. It's completely free to join and is the essential starting point for earning points. The program is the umbrella for over 30 brands and thousands of hotels worldwide, from the luxury St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton to the more practical Courtyard and Residence Inn.
Why this matters: Without a Bonvoy account, you're leaving money on the table! You won't earn any points or elite night credits on your stays, which are crucial for unlocking higher status levels and their associated benefits.
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| How Does Marriott Award Points |
Step 2: Understand the Base Earning Rate
The most fundamental way to earn points is by staying at a Marriott property. This is where the magic starts.
The Standard Earning Rate
At most Marriott brands, you'll earn 10 points per US dollar spent on qualifying charges. These charges typically include your room rate and other incidentals that you can charge to your room, such as dining, spa services, and golf.
Example: If you spend $200 on a hotel room and $50 on a meal charged to your room, you'll earn a total of 250 base points (250 x 10 = 2,500 points).
The Exceptions to the Rule
It's important to note that a few brands have a lower base earning rate. These are generally extended-stay brands where the cost per night is typically lower. For example, at brands like Element, Protea Hotels, Residence Inn, and TownePlace Suites, you'll earn 5 points per US dollar spent.
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Key takeaway: To ensure you're earning points, always book directly with Marriott, either through their website, app, or by calling them. Bookings made through third-party sites like Expedia or Orbitz usually won't earn you any points or elite night credits.
Step 3: Boost Your Points with Elite Status
This is where things get really interesting! The more you stay with Marriott, the higher your elite status becomes, and the more bonus points you'll earn on every stay.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Tiers
Marriott's elite status is based on the number of "elite night credits" you earn in a calendar year. As you climb the ladder, your points-earning potential grows significantly.
Member: 0-9 nights (Base earning rate only)
Silver Elite: 10+ nights ➡️ Earn 10% bonus points on your base earnings.
Gold Elite: 25+ nights ➡️ Earn 25% bonus points on your base earnings.
Platinum Elite: 50+ nights ➡️ Earn 50% bonus points on your base earnings. This is where you start to get some seriously valuable perks, like lounge access and potential suite upgrades.
Titanium Elite: 75+ nights ➡️ Earn 75% bonus points on your base earnings.
Ambassador Elite: 100+ nights and $23,000 in qualifying spending ➡️ Earn 75% bonus points and get a dedicated concierge service.
Pro Tip: Look for promotions! Marriott frequently runs promotions that offer double points or double elite night credits, which can help you earn status and points much faster.
Step 4: Supercharge Your Earnings with a Co-Branded Credit Card
For many people, a co-branded Marriott credit card is the fastest and easiest way to earn a huge number of points. These cards offer substantial welcome bonuses and accelerated earning rates on everyday purchases.
How Credit Cards Accelerate Your Points
Welcome Bonuses: Most Marriott credit cards offer a large one-time bonus after you meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. This can instantly give you enough points for several free nights.
Accelerated Earning: You'll earn more points per dollar spent on the card, both at Marriott properties and on specific everyday spending categories like dining, gas stations, or groceries. For example, a card might offer 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Automatic Elite Status: Many of these cards come with automatic elite status (often Silver or Gold Elite), which instantly gives you a points bonus on your stays and other perks. Some cards even offer a path to higher status through a spending threshold.
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Step 5: Explore Other Ways to Earn Points Beyond Stays
Marriott Bonvoy has a wide network of partners, allowing you to earn points without ever stepping into a hotel.
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Non-Stay Earning Opportunities
Marriott Bonvoy Events: Host an event or meeting at a Marriott property and earn points on your eligible expenses.
Dining Programs: Link your credit card to the Eat Around Town program to earn points when you dine at participating restaurants.
Travel Partners: Earn points when you rent a car with Hertz or book a cruise through Cruise with Points.
Uber Partnership: Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts to earn points on qualifying rides and Uber Eats orders.
Refer a Friend: Refer a new member to the Bonvoy program, and you can both earn bonus points after their first stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Earn Points on a Hotel Stay?
To earn points, you must be a Marriott Bonvoy member and book your stay directly through Marriott's official channels (website, app, or phone). You'll earn a base rate of 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying charges, plus a bonus based on your elite status.
How to Get Elite Status Faster?
You can earn elite status faster by holding a co-branded Marriott credit card, which often provides automatic status and a number of elite night credits each year. Taking advantage of Marriott's double elite night promotions is also an excellent strategy.
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How to Find Participating Hotels for Earning Points?
Almost all of Marriott's 30+ brands participate in the Bonvoy program. You can find the full list of participating hotels and brands on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
How to Use a Marriott Credit Card to Earn Points?
Simply use your co-branded Marriott credit card for all your purchases. You'll earn bonus points for spending at Marriott properties and on other select categories, as well as a base rate on all other purchases.
How to Earn Points Without Staying at a Hotel?
You can earn points through a variety of partners, including booking events, dining at participating restaurants through the Eat Around Town program, linking your account to Uber, or renting a car with Hertz.
How to Transfer Points from Another Program to Marriott?
Marriott Bonvoy has a partnership with several other programs, including American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, allowing you to transfer your points to your Bonvoy account.
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How to Earn Bonus Points on an Eligible Stay?
You can earn bonus points by achieving a higher elite status tier, as each tier provides a percentage bonus on your base earnings. Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions from Marriott that offer extra points.
How to Earn Points by Referring a Friend?
Marriott has a referral program where you can refer up to five friends per year. When your friend stays at a Marriott hotel for the first time, you both can earn bonus points.
How to Maximize Points on Business Travel?
For business travel, ensure your company's booking policy allows you to book directly with Marriott. You can also use a Marriott co-branded business credit card to earn bonus points on your business expenses.
How to Check My Marriott Bonvoy Points Balance?
You can easily check your points balance by logging into your account on the Marriott Bonvoy website or mobile app. The balance is displayed prominently on your account dashboard.
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