Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points can take anywhere from instantaneously to up to a week or more, depending on the type of transfer you're making. Transfers to another Marriott Bonvoy member's account are typically the quickest, often happening within 24 hours. Transfers to airline partners, however, can take significantly longer and the time varies by airline.
Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Marriott Bonvoy Point Transfers
First, let's figure out what kind of transfer you're trying to make. Are you trying to share points with a family member so they can book a hotel stay, or are you trying to convert your hard-earned points into airline miles for a free flight? The process and, most importantly, the timeline, will be completely different.
Transferring Points to Another Marriott Bonvoy Member
This is often the quickest and most straightforward type of transfer. It's great for pooling points with a partner or family member to book a more expensive award stay. The recipient should expect to see the points in their account within 24 hours.
Transferring Points to an Airline Partner
This is a more complex process and the transfer time can vary dramatically. Marriott Bonvoy has a large number of airline partners, and each one has its own processing time. Some transfers might be completed in a couple of days, while others can take up to a week, or even longer in some cases. It's crucial to check the specific airline's average transfer time before you initiate the transfer.
Step 2: The Step-by-Step Guide for Each Transfer Type
Now that you know the difference, let's walk through the steps for each type of transfer.
For Transfers to Another Member
This is a great option if you need to top up a family member's account for a free night.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account: Go to the Marriott website and sign in.
Navigate to the "Share Points" page: Look for the section under "Redeem" or "My Account" that allows you to share or transfer points.
Enter the recipient's information: You'll need their full name and Marriott Bonvoy membership number.
Specify the number of points: Enter the amount you want to transfer. Transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points. You can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year from your account and receive up to 500,000 points per calendar year from others.
Confirm the transfer: Double-check all the details before confirming the transfer. Transfers are non-reversible once completed. The points should arrive in the recipient's account within 24 hours.
For Transfers to an Airline Partner
This process is a bit more involved, so pay close attention to the details.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account: As with the other transfer, start by signing in.
Go to the "Transfer Points to Miles" section: This is typically found under the "Redeem" menu.
Select your desired airline partner: Marriott has dozens of partners. Choose the airline you want to transfer to.
Link your frequent flyer account: If you haven't already, you'll need to enter your frequent flyer account number for that specific airline. Make sure the name on your Marriott Bonvoy account and your frequent flyer account match exactly to avoid delays.
Choose the number of points to transfer: The standard transfer ratio for most airlines is 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 airline mile. However, for every 60,000 Bonvoy points you transfer, you'll get a 5,000-mile bonus, making the effective ratio 60,000 points to 25,000 miles. Transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points.
Confirm and wait: Review all the details, especially the transfer ratio and your account number, then confirm the request. This is where patience is key. The transfer time will vary, so don't book a flight until the miles have appeared in your airline account.
Important Considerations and FAQs
How to Check My Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer Status?
Unfortunately, Marriott doesn't have a specific online tool to track the status of a points transfer once you've initiated it. Your best bet is to check your Marriott Bonvoy account activity to see if the points have been deducted. If the points are gone from your account, the transfer is in progress. The next step is to log into your airline partner account and check for the miles. If the points have been deducted from Marriott and a week has passed with no miles, you may need to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service.
How to Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to Another Member?
You can transfer points to another member directly through the Marriott website. You need to provide the recipient's full name and their Marriott Bonvoy account number. The minimum transfer is 1,000 points, and you can transfer a maximum of 100,000 points out of your account per calendar year.
How to Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to an Airline?
Log in to your Marriott account, go to the "Transfer Points" section, and select the airline partner. Enter your frequent flyer number and the amount of points you want to transfer. Be aware of the transfer ratio, which for most partners is 3:1.
How to Speed up a Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer?
There's no guaranteed way to speed up a transfer. The best thing you can do is ensure all your information is correct and that the names on both accounts match exactly. Submitting the request on a weekday can sometimes be faster than on a weekend.
How to Transfer Points to United Airlines?
Transferring to United Airlines works the same as other partners. The transfer ratio is 3 Bonvoy points to 1 United Mile. Expect the transfer to take anywhere from 1 to 2 days, but it can sometimes be longer.
How to Transfer Points to Delta Airlines?
To transfer to Delta SkyMiles, follow the standard procedure. The transfer ratio is 3:1. Transfers to Delta often take around 1 day.
How to Transfer Points to British Airways?
Transfers to British Airways Avios also follow the 3:1 ratio. The average transfer time is typically 1-2 business days.
How to Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to My Spouse?
You can transfer points to your spouse's account using the online tool. You'll need their name and Bonvoy number. Both accounts must be in good standing, and the transfer limits (100k out, 500k in per year) apply.
How to Transfer Marriott Points from a Credit Card?
If you're transferring points from a credit card like an American Express card, the process is slightly different. You'll initiate the transfer from the credit card company's rewards portal. The transfer time can be up to 48 hours, but sometimes longer.
How to Transfer Points to an Inactive Account?
Do not transfer points to an inactive account. If you do, the points may be canceled. The recipient's account must have been open for at least 90 days, or 30 days with some qualifying activity, for a successful transfer.
