So, you've been racking up Marriott Bonvoy points and are wondering how long they'll stick around. It's a great question, and one that many travelers face. The short answer is that your Marriott Bonvoy points will expire if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months. This means you need to have a qualifying earning or redeeming activity on your account at least once every two years to keep your points from disappearing. But don't worry, keeping your points alive is a lot easier than you might think! Let's dive into the details.
Step 1: Understand the Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration Policy
First things first, it's crucial to understand the core rule. Marriott's policy is pretty clear: if you don't have any qualifying activity in your account for a period of 24 consecutive months, all of your accumulated points will be forfeited. The clock resets every time you have a qualifying activity. This means a single action, whether it's earning or redeeming, will give you another two years before you have to worry about expiration again.
What Doesn't Count as a Qualifying Activity?
It's just as important to know what doesn't count toward extending your points' life. While some loyalty programs might be different, with Marriott, certain actions won't reset that 24-month clock. These include:
Gifting or transferring points to another member.
Receiving points as a gift or transfer.
Earning points through some social media promotions.
Step 2: Check Your Marriott Bonvoy Account for the Expiration Date
Don't wait for an email to tell you your points are about to expire. You can easily check the expiration date yourself! It's a simple process that gives you a clear deadline.
How to Check Online:
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official website.
Click on your name in the top-right corner.
From the dropdown menu, select "Activity."
You'll see your points balance and, most importantly, the expiration date listed right above your recent activity log.
How to Check on the Mobile App:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app and log in.
Navigate to the "Account" section.
Your expiration date should be visible next to your current points balance.
Step 3: Proactive Ways to Keep Your Points from Expiring
The key is to perform a qualifying activity well before the two-year deadline. There are many easy ways to do this, so you don't have to scramble to book a last-minute trip.
Sub-heading: The Easiest Ways to Keep Points Active
These are some of the most popular and straightforward methods:
Book a hotel stay: The most obvious way! Simply booking and completing a paid stay at any Marriott property will automatically reset your expiration clock for another 24 months.
Use a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card: If you have a credit card that earns Marriott points, any purchase you make with it will count as a qualifying activity once the points post to your account. This is perhaps the easiest way to ensure your points never expire.
Buy Marriott Bonvoy points: If you're short on time and don't have a co-branded card, buying even the minimum amount of points will reset the clock. You can purchase points directly through Marriott's website.
Redeem your points: Redeeming your points, even for a small reward, is a qualifying activity. This could be a stay, a gift card, or a unique experience through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
Transfer points to an airline partner: Marriott allows you to transfer your points to a number of airline loyalty programs. This conversion is considered a qualifying activity and will extend the life of your points.
Sub-heading: Other Smart Ways to Maintain Activity
There are also some less obvious but equally effective methods:
Dine out with Marriott Eat Around Town: This program lets you link your credit cards and earn Bonvoy points when you dine at participating restaurants. Even a small meal can reset your expiration date.
Link your Marriott and Uber accounts: You can link your Bonvoy account to your Uber account and earn points on qualifying rides and Uber Eats orders. This is a great way to earn points from everyday spending.
Book a meeting or event: If you have a business meeting or social event to plan, booking it at a participating Marriott property can earn you a significant number of points and reset your expiration date.
10 FAQ Questions & Quick Answers
How to check when my Marriott points expire?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account online and go to the "Activity" page. The expiration date is clearly displayed at the top.
How to keep Marriott points from expiring with a credit card?
Simply use a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card for any purchase. The points earned from the transaction will post to your account and reset the expiration clock.
How to buy points to keep them from expiring?
You can buy Marriott Bonvoy points directly from the Marriott website. Purchasing even the minimum amount will extend your points' expiration for another 24 months.
How to extend my points without staying at a hotel?
There are many ways, including using a co-branded credit card, dining with Marriott Eat Around Town, or transferring points to an airline partner.
How to donate points to avoid expiration?
Donating your points to a charity through the Marriott Bonvoy program is a qualifying activity that will extend your points' validity.
How to know which activities count toward extending my points?
Earning points through paid hotel stays, using a co-branded credit card, purchasing points, or redeeming points for a reward all count.
How to prevent points from expiring if I have a Lifetime Elite Status?
Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Elite members (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) are not subject to the points expiration policy. Their points do not expire.
How to reset the 24-month expiration clock?
Any qualifying activity—earning or redeeming points—will automatically reset the clock for another 24 months from the date of that activity.
How to use a linked Uber account to extend my points?
Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts, and your qualifying Uber rides and Uber Eats orders will earn you points and reset the expiration date.
How to reinstate forfeited Marriott points?
Once your points have expired and been forfeited due to inactivity, they cannot be reinstated. The best strategy is to be proactive and prevent them from expiring in the first place.
