The Great Points Mystery: How Long Does It Really Take for Marriott Bonvoy Points to Appear?
Ah, the sweet anticipation! You've just completed a fantastic stay at a Marriott property, enjoyed incredible service, and now your mind immediately drifts to one thing: those sweet, sweet Marriott Bonvoy points. You can almost taste that next free night, that upgrade, or maybe even that aspirational Marriott Bonvoy Moment. But then, a question lingers: how long until they actually show up in my account?
If you've ever found yourself refreshing your Marriott Bonvoy account page like it's the stock market, you're not alone! The exact timing for points to appear can feel a bit like a mystery, but don't worry, we're here to unravel it for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about when to expect your hard-earned points, what might cause delays, and what to do if they don't show up.
Step 1: Let's Talk Expectations: The "Normal" Posting Time
So, you've checked out, you're on your way home, and you're eager to see your points tally increase. What's the typical timeframe Marriott provides?
The Official Stance: Marriott generally states that points for eligible stays will automatically appear in your Marriott Bonvoy® Account within 72 hours following the completion of your Stay. This is the ideal scenario and what you should primarily expect.
The Reality Check: While 72 hours is the official guideline for automatic posting, it's also commonly stated that it can take up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to post to your Marriott Bonvoy® Account. This "up to 10 business days" is a crucial detail to remember before you start panicking. Business days mean weekends and holidays often don't count towards this timeframe. So, if you check out on a Friday, don't expect them by Monday morning!
Engaging User Question: Have you ever had your Marriott Bonvoy points post super quickly, or have you experienced a longer wait? Share your recent experience in the comments below – it helps everyone understand the variability!
Step 2: Understanding the "Why": Factors Influencing Point Posting
While most stays will adhere to the general timelines, several factors can influence how quickly your Marriott Bonvoy points hit your account. Knowing these can save you a lot of unnecessary worry.
Sub-heading: Direct Bookings vs. Third-Party Sites
Direct Bookings are Key: This is arguably the most important factor. To ensure your points post smoothly and promptly, always, always book your Marriott stays directly through official Marriott channels:
Marriott.com: The official website.
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: Convenient and often offers app-exclusive deals.
Marriott Reservations Line: Calling in your reservation directly.
Directly with the Hotel: Booking directly with the hotel property itself.
The Pitfalls of Third-Party: If you booked through a third-party Online Travel Agency (OTA) like Expedia, Priceline, Booking.com, or similar, your stay is generally not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. This is a common point of confusion and frustration for many members. The hotel has no direct control over how these bookings are handled within the Marriott Bonvoy system.
Sub-heading: Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number
Accuracy is Paramount: Did you ensure your correct Marriott Bonvoy Member Number was associated with your reservation at the time of booking or at least during check-in? A missing or incorrect member number is a primary reason for delayed or missing points.
Linking Credit Cards: If you have a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card, points earned from everyday spending on the card will usually post after your credit card billing cycle closes. These points appear separately from hotel stay points.
Sub-heading: Type of Stay and Charges
Eligible Charges: Points are generally earned on the room rate and eligible incidental charges, such as food and beverages charged to your room. Make sure the charges you're expecting points for are indeed qualifying.
Group Rates and Vouchers: Stays booked at group rates where the member doesn't directly pay the hotel, or stays where vouchers or third-party awards were redeemed, may not be eligible for points.
Promotional Offers: If you're expecting bonus points from a specific promotion, these often post separately and can take a little longer than your base points. Sometimes, promotional points may appear several weeks after the base points for the stay.
Sub-heading: System Processing and Volume
Backend Operations: Like any large loyalty program, Marriott's system needs time to process millions of transactions. High travel seasons or system updates can sometimes lead to slight delays.
International Stays: While generally not a significant factor, in rare cases, international property systems might take an extra day or two to integrate with the central Bonvoy system compared to domestic ones.
Step 3: Proactive Steps While You Wait
You've checked out, and the 72-hour mark has passed, but no points. What can you do before contacting Marriott?
Sub-heading: Check Your Confirmation and Folio
Confirm Member Number: Dig out your reservation confirmation. Does it clearly show your Marriott Bonvoy member number linked to the booking? If you checked in digitally or via the app, confirm your number was there.
Review Your Hotel Folio (Receipt): When you checked out, you likely received a detailed folio of your charges. Look for any mention of your Marriott Bonvoy account or points earning. Sometimes, a physical folio might confirm your eligibility even if the online system is lagging.
Sub-heading: Monitor Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Online/App
Regularly Check Activity: Don't just look at your main points balance. Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com or through the mobile app. Navigate to the "Activity" section. This detailed list will show all your recent earnings and redemptions.
On Marriott.com: After signing in, click on your name in the top-right corner, then select "Activity."
On the Mobile App: Tap 'Account' at the bottom of the screen, then 'Account Activity.'
Look for Pending Activity: Sometimes, a stay might show as "pending" or "processing" before the points are fully credited. This is a good sign that the system is working on it.
Step 4: When to Take Action: Requesting Missing Points
Okay, it's been more than 10 business days since your check-out, and your points still haven't appeared, or they seem incorrect. Now it's time to take action!
Sub-heading: The Online Missing Stay Request Form
Your First Line of Defense: Marriott provides a convenient online form specifically for requesting credit for missing stays. This is generally the fastest and most efficient way to resolve the issue.
Where to Find It: Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com. Search for "Missing Stay Request" in the help section or look for links related to "Request Credit for a Missing Stay."
Information You'll Need: Be prepared with the following details from your stay:
Hotel Name and Location
Check-in and Check-out Dates
Confirmation Number
Room Rate
A copy of your Folio (Hotel Receipt): This is crucial evidence. Make sure you have a digital copy (PDF or image) to upload. It clearly shows your charges and that your name was on the reservation.
Sub-heading: Contacting Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service
When to Call: If the online form isn't working for you, or if you prefer speaking to someone, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service directly.
Have Your Details Ready: Before you call, have all the information from your stay (as listed above) readily available. This will significantly speed up the process.
Be Patient: Depending on call volumes, you might experience hold times. Be polite and clear when explaining your situation.
Sub-heading: What to Expect After Requesting Credit
Processing Time: After submitting a missing stay request, allow up to 10 business days for your request to be processed and the points credited to your account.
Follow-Up: If it's been more than 10 business days since your request and you still haven't seen the points, follow up with Marriott Bonvoy customer service, referencing your case or request number.
Step 5: Beyond Stays: Other Ways Points Appear
While hotel stays are the primary way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, remember there are other avenues, and their posting times can vary.
Sub-heading: Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Points
Statement Cycle: Points earned through spending on your co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card (e.g., Chase, American Express) are typically posted to your Bonvoy account after your monthly credit card billing statement closes. This usually happens within a few days of your statement date.
Welcome Bonuses and Spending Bonuses: Large welcome bonuses or spending bonuses often have different posting timelines, sometimes taking 6-8 weeks after meeting the qualifying spend. Always check the terms and conditions of your credit card offer.
Sub-heading: Marriott Bonvoy Events
Event Planning: If you earn points by planning meetings or events through Marriott Bonvoy Events, these points can take longer to process, sometimes several weeks, as they involve more complex reconciliation with the hotel.
Sub-heading: Partner Activities
Travel Partners (e.g., Uber): Points earned through partnerships like linking your Uber account with Marriott Bonvoy generally post within a few days of the qualifying activity (e.g., a ride or food delivery).
Dining Programs (e.g., Eat Around Town): Points from dining programs typically appear within a few business days or weeks, depending on the program's specific terms.
Point Purchases: If you purchase Marriott Bonvoy points directly, they usually appear in your account within a few hours to 24-48 hours.
Conclusion: Patience, Documentation, and Persistence are Your Friends
In summary, while Marriott Bonvoy aims for a quick 72-hour posting time for hotel stays, it's wise to expect up to 10 business days. Be proactive by ensuring your member number is on your reservation and by saving your hotel folio. If points go missing, utilize the online missing stay request form first. With a little patience and proper documentation, you'll soon be enjoying the rewards of your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Marriott Bonvoy point posting, with quick answers:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance? Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com or the mobile app. Your balance is usually prominently displayed on the main dashboard, or you can find it under the "Account" or "Activity" section.
How to find my Marriott Bonvoy account activity? On Marriott.com, sign in and click your name in the top-right corner, then select "Activity." In the mobile app, tap "Account" at the bottom, then "Account Activity."
How to request credit for a missing Marriott Bonvoy stay? Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com and search for the "Missing Stay Request" form. Fill out the required details and upload your hotel folio.
How to ensure my Marriott Bonvoy points post correctly? Always book directly through Marriott channels (Marriott.com, app, phone, or hotel direct) and ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is added to your reservation at the time of booking or check-in.
How to get points for a stay booked through a third-party website? Generally, stays booked through third-party sites (like Expedia or Priceline) are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits.
How to get credit for a past stay if I just joined Marriott Bonvoy? You may be eligible to receive points for qualifying charges and nights for stays incurred and paid for within 30 days prior to your enrollment in the Marriott Bonvoy program, provided you request the credit.
How to speed up the posting of my Marriott Bonvoy points? Unfortunately, there's no direct way to "speed up" the automated posting process. Ensuring accurate booking details and patience within the 10-business-day window are your best bets.
How to confirm if a hotel stay is eligible for Marriott Bonvoy points? Most Marriott-branded hotels participate. Ensure you book directly with Marriott. Some extended-stay brands (like Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites) and Marriott Executive Apartments may have slightly different earning rates. Check the Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions for specifics.
How to get points from my Marriott Bonvoy credit card to appear? Points earned through your co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card will typically appear in your Marriott Bonvoy account a few days after your monthly credit card billing statement closes.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service about missing points? If it's been more than 10 business days since your stay and your online missing stay request hasn't yielded results, you can find the customer service phone numbers on the Marriott Bonvoy website under the "Contact Us" section.
