Are you ready to unlock a world of travel possibilities and earn incredible rewards? Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to earn Marriott Bonvoy points! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, this comprehensive post will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you maximize your points and get closer to your next unforgettable vacation.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy points is more than just a way to get free nights—it's a gateway to exclusive experiences, incredible perks, and a community of passionate travelers. So, let's dive in and start building your points balance!
Step 1: Join the Marriott Bonvoy Program (It's Free!)
First things first, you need to become a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Don't worry, it's completely free and only takes a few minutes. Think of this as your passport to points.
How to do it: Simply visit the official Marriott Bonvoy website and click "Join Now." You'll be asked for some basic information like your name, email, and a password. That's it! You're in.
Why this is so important: By joining, you immediately become eligible to earn points on all your qualifying stays and other activities. You'll also get access to member-only rates, free Wi-Fi, and mobile check-in. It's the foundation of everything we're about to discuss.
Step 2: Earn Points with Every Stay
This is the most obvious and often the most rewarding way to accumulate points. Your hotel stays at any of Marriott's 30+ brands worldwide are your primary points-earning engine.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Earning Rate
The standard earning rate is 10 points for every $1 USD spent on qualifying charges. "Qualifying charges" typically include your room rate and other incidentals like dining, spa services, golf, and in-room movies, as long as they are charged to your room.
Exceptions to the Rule: Be aware that a few brands have a different earning structure.
5 points per $1 USD: This applies to longer-stay brands like Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Element by Westin, as well as Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
2.5 points per $1 USD: You'll find this at Marriott Executive Apartments.
Step 3: Accelerate Your Earnings with Elite Status
Once you've joined the program, your goal should be to achieve elite status. The more you stay, the higher your status, and the faster you'll earn points. Think of it as a loyalty multiplier.
Sub-heading: The Elite Status Tiers and Their Bonuses
Your status is determined by the number of nights you stay in a calendar year. As you climb the ladder, your points bonus increases significantly.
Silver Elite: 10 nights a year. You'll get a 10% points bonus on all eligible spending.
Gold Elite: 25 nights a year. The bonus jumps to a generous 25%.
Platinum Elite: 50 nights a year. You'll receive a 50% bonus and start getting access to incredible benefits like lounge access and enhanced room upgrades.
Titanium Elite & Ambassador Elite: 75 and 100 nights a year, respectively. These top-tier statuses come with a powerful 75% points bonus, along with a host of other fantastic perks.
Step 4: Maximize Points with a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
This is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful tools for earning Marriott Bonvoy points. By using a co-branded credit card, you can earn points on every single purchase you make—not just at Marriott properties.
Sub-heading: How Credit Cards Turbocharge Your Earning
Welcome Bonuses: Most Marriott credit cards offer a massive welcome bonus after you meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. This is often enough for a free night or two right off the bat!
Bonus Categories: These cards typically offer boosted earning rates on specific categories. For example, you might earn 6x points per dollar on Marriott purchases, and then 2x or 3x points on everyday spending at grocery stores, restaurants, or on gas.
Elite Night Credits: A huge perk of these cards is that they often grant you automatic elite status or a certain number of elite night credits each year, making it easier to reach a higher status tier and unlock those lucrative points bonuses.
Step 5: Explore Alternative Ways to Earn Points
Your points-earning potential isn't limited to hotel stays and credit cards. Marriott has a vast network of partners and opportunities to rack up points in your daily life.
Sub-heading: Points Beyond the Hotel Room
Dining and Spa Services: You can often earn points even without an overnight stay. Simply visit a participating Marriott hotel restaurant or spa and present your Bonvoy member number when you pay.
Marriott Bonvoy Events: If you're planning a meeting, wedding, or any other event, you can earn points on the money you spend. You'll typically earn 2 points per $1 USD, with potential for even more points as an elite member.
Travel Partners: Link your Marriott Bonvoy account with partners like Uber, Hertz, or various airline programs to earn points on your rides, car rentals, and even flights.
Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities: Book local experiences and tours through the Marriott Bonvoy platform to earn points on your adventures.
Promotions: Keep an eye on the "Promotions" section in your Marriott Bonvoy account. Marriott frequently runs special offers that can double or triple the points you earn on a qualifying stay.
10 FAQ Questions That Start with 'How to'
1. How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on dining without a stay? You can earn points at many participating Marriott hotel restaurants and bars even if you're not a guest. Just be sure to tell your server you are a Bonvoy member and provide your member number.
2. How to link my Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts? Simply visit the Marriott Bonvoy website or app, navigate to the "Earn on the Go" section, and follow the instructions to link your accounts. You'll then earn points on qualifying Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
3. How to earn points by hosting a meeting or event? Book your event through the Marriott Bonvoy Events program. You will typically earn 2 points per $1 USD on eligible charges, up to a certain maximum, and elite members can earn even more.
4. How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points with a credit card? Apply for a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card. You'll earn points on every purchase, with a higher multiplier on spending at Marriott properties and in specific bonus categories.
5. How to earn points on car rentals? You can earn points with Marriott's partner, Hertz. Provide your Marriott Bonvoy membership number when booking a rental car with Hertz to earn points on your rental.
6. How to get bonus points for being an elite member? Your points bonus is automatically applied to your eligible spending. For example, as a Platinum Elite member, you will automatically receive a 50% points bonus on top of the standard 10 points per dollar.
7. How to find out about current promotions to earn more points? Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the website or app and check the "Promotions" or "Offers" section. You can register for various bonus-earning opportunities here.
8. How to earn points by referring a friend? Marriott Bonvoy has a "Refer a Friend" program where you can earn bonus points when someone you refer signs up and completes a qualifying stay. There are limits on how many referrals you can make per year.
9. How to earn points on a cruise? You can earn points by booking a cruise through the "Cruise with Points" program. You typically earn 3 points per dollar spent, with additional points available for Marriott co-branded credit cardholders.
10. How to earn points from flights with airline partners? You can link your Marriott Bonvoy account with certain airline loyalty programs, such as Emirates Skywards, to earn points on eligible flights. Check the "Earn with Airline Partners" section on the Marriott website for details.
