Welcome, fellow traveler!
There's nothing quite like the feeling of checking out of a fantastic Marriott hotel, knowing that a fresh batch of valuable Marriott Bonvoy points is headed your way. Those points represent future adventures, free nights, and elite status perks. But then the wait begins... and you find yourself constantly refreshing your account page. So, how long does it really take for your Marriott points to show up?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the typical timeline for earning points, what to do if they don't appear, and even some tips to speed up the process.
Step 1: Understand the Standard Timeline for Your Stay
First things first, let's manage expectations. It's important to know the official timeline so you don't panic too early.
The 72-Hour Window: For most eligible hotel stays, your Marriott Bonvoy points should automatically appear in your account within 72 hours of your checkout. This is the most common timeframe for points to post. If you've just checked out and it's been less than three days, you're likely still within the normal processing period.
The 10-Business-Day Rule: While 72 hours is the standard, Marriott's official policy gives them a little more wiggle room. They state that it can take up to 10 business days for an eligible stay to post to your account. This is a crucial detail, especially if you checked out on a Friday. The weekend and public holidays don't count as "business days," so a stay ending on Friday might not post until the following week.
Pro-tip: Always ensure your correct Marriott Bonvoy member number is linked to your reservation before you check out. This is the single most important step to ensure a smooth and timely point posting process.
Step 2: Know What Makes a Stay "Eligible" to Earn Points
Not all hotel stays are created equal when it comes to earning Marriott Bonvoy points. Before you start looking for missing points, you must confirm that your stay was eligible.
Direct Bookings are Key: You must book your stay directly through Marriott's official channels. This includes the Marriott.com website, the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, or by calling a Marriott reservations line.
Third-Party Bookings are a No-Go: Stays booked through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, or other similar sites are not eligible to earn points or elite night credits. This is one of the most common reasons people find their points are missing.
Eligible Rates: You must book a "Qualifying Rate." While this includes most standard, publicly available rates, certain discounted or special rates (like wholesale or tour operator rates) may not qualify. Group rates are often a gray area, but you can typically earn points if you pay the hotel directly for your room.
Step 3: What to Do If Your Points Are Missing After 10 Business Days
You've waited patiently, 10 business days have passed, and your points are still nowhere to be found. Now it's time to take action!
Sub-heading: Gather Your Information
Before you contact anyone, you'll need to have a few key documents handy. This will make the process much faster.
Your Hotel Bill: A copy of your hotel bill is essential. This document proves that you completed the stay and paid for it. If you don't have it, you can request a copy directly from the hotel or through Marriott's Contact Us form.
Your Reservation Confirmation: Have your reservation confirmation email or number ready.
Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Number: This ensures the points are credited to the correct account.
Sub-heading: The Online Missing Stay Request Form
Marriott has a convenient online form specifically for this purpose. This is the most efficient way to handle a missing stay request.
Log in: Sign in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the website.
Navigate to your account: Find the "Account" section and then "Activity" or "Account Activity."
Find the form: At the bottom of your account activity page, you should see a link for the "Missing Stay Request Form."
Fill it out: Provide all the requested information, including the hotel's name, check-in and check-out dates, and your folio/bill number. You will also need to upload a copy of your hotel bill.
Submit and Wait: After submitting the form, you'll receive a confirmation. Please allow up to 10 business days for your request to be processed and for the points to post.
Step 4: Alternative Earning Methods and Their Timelines
While hotel stays are the most common way to earn points, there are other methods, each with its own timeline.
Sub-heading: Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Earning points through your co-branded Marriott credit card is a fantastic way to boost your balance.
Spending on the Card: Points earned from daily spending on your Marriott credit card will typically show up in your Marriott Bonvoy account within a few days of your credit card statement closing.
Sub-heading: Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
If you've booked a stay through the Homes & Villas platform, the timeline is similar to a hotel stay.
The 72-Hour Rule Applies: Your points should appear in your account within 72 hours after the completion of your stay. If they don't, contact the Homes & Villas team directly.
Sub-heading: Dining and Other Activities
Marriott offers several ways to earn points outside of hotel stays, such as with their "Eat Around Town" dining program or other partnerships.
Partner Timelines Vary: The time it takes for points from these partners to post can vary. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions of each program for the most accurate timeline. Typically, it can range from a few days to several weeks.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to request credit for a stay that was more than one year ago?
A request for missing points must be submitted within one year of the applicable stay or transaction. Unfortunately, you cannot request credit for a stay completed more than 12 months ago.
How to earn points retroactively as a new member?
A new Marriott Bonvoy member is eligible to receive points for qualifying charges and nights for stays completed and paid for within 30 days prior to their enrollment in the program. You must request these points through the missing stay form.
How to claim missing points without a hotel bill?
You cannot submit a missing stay request without a copy of your hotel bill. If you don't have it, you should first contact the hotel directly to request a copy, or use Marriott's online contact form to ask for it.
How to earn points on multiple rooms during one stay?
You can earn points on up to three rooms per stay, provided that you are staying in at least one of the rooms, your Marriott Bonvoy member number is attached to each room, and you are paying for all of the rooms.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service directly?
You can contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service by phone. The number for the U.S. and Canada is +1-800-627-7468. International numbers are available on the Marriott website.
How to check if my reservation is eligible for points?
Your reservation must be made directly with Marriott and at an eligible rate. The best way to be sure is to book through the Marriott.com website or the mobile app, which guarantees eligibility.
How to earn points with a Marriott credit card?
Simply use your co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card for eligible purchases. Points earned from the card will appear in your account within a few days of your monthly billing cycle closing.
How to earn points without staying at a hotel?
Marriott offers many ways to earn points without a hotel stay, including through their credit cards, the Eat Around Town dining program, car rentals with Hertz, and by booking experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities.
How to know if my stay has posted to my account?
You can check your account activity on the Marriott website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your point total will update, and the stay will appear in your recent activity list.
How to get points for a stay at a Homes & Villas property?
For Homes & Villas stays, your points should post within 72 hours of checkout. If they don't, you should contact the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy team directly for assistance.
