Do you dream of that luxurious overwater bungalow in the Maldives, or perhaps a chic city escape in Paris, but your Marriott Bonvoy point balance is looking a little light? Well, my fellow traveler, you've landed in the right place! We're about to demystify the process of buying Marriott Bonvoy points, breaking down the costs, benefits, and when it actually makes sense. So, let's dive in!
The Art of Acquiring Marriott Bonvoy Points: More Than Just Stays!
Marriott Bonvoy, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs, offers a plethora of ways to earn points – from staying at their vast portfolio of hotels to using co-branded credit cards and even dining out. But what if you need a specific number of points now for that dream redemption, and you don't have time to accumulate them naturally? That's where buying points comes in. It's not always the most economical option, but under the right circumstances, it can be a travel hacker's secret weapon.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Buy? Assessing Your Need for Marriott Bonvoy Points
Before you even think about whipping out your credit card, let's get real. Why do you want to buy points? This is the single most important question to ask yourself. Buying points should generally be a strategic move, not a casual one.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your "Why"
To Top Up for a Specific Redemption: This is arguably the most common and often best reason to buy points. Imagine you're just a few thousand points shy of booking that incredible hotel stay, and paying cash for those missing points is cheaper than paying the full cash rate for the room. This is a prime scenario for buying.
To Take Advantage of a Points Sale: Marriott Bonvoy frequently offers promotions where you can buy points with a bonus (e.g., 30%, 40%, or even 50% extra points). If the effective cost per point with the bonus is significantly lower than their standard rate, and you have a solid redemption in mind, this could be a good opportunity.
For an Aspirant Redemption Where Cash Rates are Sky-High: Sometimes, particularly for high-end or aspirational properties, the cash price is exorbitantly high, making the points redemption a far better value, even if you have to buy some of the points. Always compare the cash cost versus the points cost before pulling the trigger.
To Extend Point Expiration: Marriott Bonvoy points generally expire after 24 months of inactivity. A small points purchase can reset this clock, though there are other ways to keep your points active (e.g., a qualifying stay, earning points with a Marriott co-branded credit card, transferring points, etc.).
If your "why" falls into one of these categories, then proceed to the next step. If you're just buying them "just in case," you might want to rethink, as the standard cost of buying points isn't usually a great deal.
Step 2: Understanding the Standard Cost of Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy points have a set standard price when purchased directly through their platform (powered by Points.com).
Sub-heading: The Baseline Price
The standard rate for purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points is $12.50 USD for every 1,000 points.
Let's break that down:
1,000 points = $12.50
5,000 points = $62.50
10,000 points = $125.00
50,000 points = $625.00
100,000 points = $1,250.00
This means that each individual point costs 1.25 cents ($0.0125) under normal circumstances.
Sub-heading: What is a Point Really Worth?
Travel experts typically value Marriott Bonvoy points at around 0.7 to 0.9 cents per point. This "valuation" is an average of how much value you can typically get when redeeming points for hotel stays.
If you're paying 1.25 cents per point to buy them, and their average value is lower, it means you're generally paying more than they are worth unless you have a specific, high-value redemption in mind. This is why buying points at their standard rate is rarely recommended for general accumulation.
Step 3: Unlocking Savings - The Power of Promotions and Bonuses
This is where buying Marriott Bonvoy points can become significantly more attractive. Marriott frequently runs promotions where they offer bonus points when you purchase a certain amount.
Sub-heading: Spotting the Deals
These promotions can vary, but common offers include:
30% bonus
40% bonus
50% bonus (less common, but highly valuable)
Sub-heading: Calculating the Effective Cost Per Point During a Sale
Let's assume a 40% bonus offer, a common and decent promotion:
If you buy 10,000 points, you pay $125.00.
With a 40% bonus, you'd receive an additional 4,000 points (40% of 10,000).
Total points received: 10,000 + 4,000 = 14,000 points.
Effective cost per point: $125.00 / 14,000 points = ~0.89 cents per point ($0.0089).
As you can see, this effective cost of 0.89 cents per point is much closer to, or even slightly below, the typical valuation of a Marriott Bonvoy point. This is when buying points can make financial sense, especially if it helps you secure a redemption that would otherwise cost you more cash.
Sub-heading: Current Promotion Alert (as of July 2025):
Currently, there might be promotions offering up to a 40% bonus when purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points, with a minimum purchase of 2,000 points to qualify for the bonus.
The annual purchase limit has been increased to 150,000 points per calendar year (before bonus points are added). So, with a 40% bonus, you could theoretically purchase 150,000 points and receive an additional 60,000 points, totaling 210,000 points.
The cost for 150,000 points at the standard rate of $12.50/1,000 points would be $1,875. This means you'd get 210,000 points for $1,875, bringing your effective cost per point down to approximately 0.89 cents per point.
Remember, these promotions are for a limited time, so always check the official Marriott Bonvoy "Buy Points" page for the most current offers and terms.
Step 4: Navigating the Purchase Process - A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to make the leap? Here's how to actually buy those points.
Sub-heading: Accessing the Buy Points Portal
Visit the Official Marriott Bonvoy Website: Go to Marriott.com.
Log In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account: You'll need to be a member and logged in to proceed. If you're a new member, you typically need to wait 30 days from account opening before you can purchase points.
Navigate to the "Buy Points" Section: You can usually find this under "Marriott Bonvoy" -> "Use Points and Awards" -> "Buy Points" or search directly for "buy Marriott Bonvoy points" on their website. The purchase portal is managed by Points.com on behalf of Marriott.
Sub-heading: The Purchase Interface
Once on the "Buy Points" page, you'll see an interface where you can select the number of points you wish to purchase.
Select Your Desired Points Quantity: You'll typically find pre-set increments (e.g., 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 points, etc.). Pay attention to any minimum purchase requirements to trigger a bonus during promotions.
Observe the Total Cost and Bonus (if applicable): The system will automatically show you the total cost in USD and the number of bonus points you'll receive if a promotion is active.
Review the Terms and Conditions: This is crucial! Always read the fine print regarding the current promotion, any purchase limits, and processing times.
Enter Payment Information: Provide your credit card details.
Confirm Your Purchase: Double-check all details before finalizing the transaction.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations During Purchase
Payment Method: While you can use any credit card, consider using a card that offers a good return on everyday purchases or a Marriott co-branded credit card. However, note that buying points with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card generally earns points as an everyday purchase, not at an accelerated hotel earning rate.
Processing Time: Purchased points are typically processed and deposited into your Marriott Bonvoy account within 72 hours after the transaction is complete. Plan accordingly if you have an urgent redemption in mind.
No Refunds: Once Marriott Bonvoy points have been purchased, no refunds are permitted. Make sure you're committed to the purchase.
Step 5: Understanding the Limits on Buying Points
There are annual caps on how many points you can purchase.
Sub-heading: Annual Purchase Limits
Generally, members can purchase or receive as a gift a combined maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year.
However, for 2025, this cap has been temporarily boosted to 150,000 points. This increased limit allows you to take even greater advantage of bonus point promotions.
These limits are before any bonus points are added. So, if you purchase 150,000 points during a 40% bonus promotion, you would end up with 210,000 points in your account, but only 150,000 of those count towards your annual purchase limit.
Step 6: The Ultimate Decision - Is Buying Points Right for You?
So, after all this information, how do you decide if buying points is a smart move?
Sub-heading: When to Say "Yes!"
You've done the Math: You've calculated the effective cost per point (especially during a bonus promotion) and compared it to the cash cost of your desired redemption. If buying points leads to a lower overall cost for your stay, it's a clear win.
To Bridge a Gap: You're just a few thousand points short of a valuable redemption (e.g., a Free Night Award or a specific category hotel).
High-Value Redemptions: You're targeting a premium Marriott property where the cash rates are exceptionally high, making the points redemption a phenomenal deal, even with purchased points.
Strategic Top-Up: You need to extend the expiration of your existing points balance and a small purchase is a convenient way to do so.
Sub-heading: When to Say "No!"
No Immediate Redemption in Mind: Accumulating points without a plan, especially by buying them at a higher cost than their typical value, isn't a good strategy.
Standard Rate Purchase: If there's no bonus promotion, the 1.25 cents per point cost is often too high to justify buying, as you'll likely overpay.
Alternative Earning Methods are Available: Can you earn the points through a credit card sign-up bonus, everyday spending, or an upcoming stay instead? These are often more lucrative ways to acquire points.
Lower-Tier Redemptions: For cheaper hotel stays, the cash price might be lower than the effective cost of buying enough points for the redemption.
Always remember to compare the cash price of your desired stay with the cost of purchasing the points needed. This is the golden rule of determining if buying points is a good value.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the effective cost per point when buying Marriott Bonvoy points with a bonus?
To calculate the effective cost per point, take the total cost you pay in USD and divide it by the total number of points you receive (original points purchased + bonus points). For example, if you pay $125 for 10,000 points and get a 4,000-point bonus (total 14,000 points), the effective cost is $125 / 14,000 = ~$0.0089 per point (0.89 cents).
How to find out about current Marriott Bonvoy points purchase promotions?
The best way to find current promotions is to visit the official "Buy Points" page on the Marriott Bonvoy website (
How to ensure my purchased Marriott Bonvoy points don't expire?
Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. A qualifying activity, such as purchasing points, earning points from a stay, redeeming points, or using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, will reset the 24-month clock for your entire point balance.
How to tell if buying Marriott Bonvoy points for a specific redemption is a good value?
Compare the cash cost of your desired hotel stay with the cost of purchasing the necessary points. If the cash rate is, for instance, $300, and you need 20,000 points, and those 20,000 points would cost you $178 (with a 40% bonus), then buying points is a good value in this scenario.
How to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points as a gift for someone else?
You can gift Marriott Bonvoy points through the same Points.com portal. Simply select the "Gift Points" option, enter the recipient's Marriott Bonvoy account number and last name, and proceed with the purchase. The same pricing and bonus structures apply.
How to know the annual limit on buying Marriott Bonvoy points?
The standard annual limit for purchasing and gifting points combined is 100,000 points per calendar year. However, this limit can be temporarily increased during promotional periods, such as the current 150,000 point limit for 2025. Always check the terms on the official "Buy Points" page for the most up-to-date limit.
How to get the most value out of purchased Marriott Bonvoy points?
The most value is typically found in redeeming points for high-category hotel stays, especially those with high cash rates. Also, look for "PointSavers" awards or take advantage of the "fifth night free" benefit when booking award stays, as these can further increase your redemption value.
How to avoid buying Marriott Bonvoy points at a bad rate?
Always avoid buying points at the standard rate of 1.25 cents per point unless it's for a very small top-up to secure an immediate, high-value redemption. Wait for a promotion with a significant bonus (e.g., 30% or more) to ensure a better effective cost per point.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without buying them?
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through hotel stays, using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards for everyday spending and sign-up bonuses, transferring points from partners like American Express Membership Rewards (in some regions), participating in Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences, and even through dining programs like Eat Around Town.
How to use purchased Marriott Bonvoy points once they are in my account?
Once the points are credited to your account (usually within 72 hours), you can use them just like any other Marriott Bonvoy points. Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, search for hotels, and select the "Use Points/Certificates" option when booking your stay.
