Imagine the delight on your loved one's face when they realize their next dream vacation, a luxurious stay, or even just a quick weekend getaway, is within reach – all thanks to your thoughtful gift of Marriott Bonvoy points! Gifting Marriott points is a fantastic way to share the joy of travel and help friends and family unlock incredible experiences. While it might seem a little complex at first, the process is quite straightforward. Let's dive in and make you a Marriott points gifting pro!
The Ultimate Guide to Gifting Marriott Bonvoy Points
So, you're ready to make someone's travel dreams a reality? Fantastic! Follow this detailed, step-by-step guide to seamlessly gift Marriott Bonvoy points.
Step 1: Engage and Prepare – Are You Both Ready for the Gift of Travel?
Before you even log into your account, let's make sure both you and your lucky recipient are set for a smooth transfer. This initial check will save you headaches later!
Are you a Marriott Bonvoy Member? This might seem obvious, but you must have an active Marriott Bonvoy account to gift points. If you don't, it's quick and free to sign up on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Is the recipient a Marriott Bonvoy Member? This is crucial! You can only gift points to another active Marriott Bonvoy member. If your friend or family member isn't a member yet, gently encourage them to sign up. They can do so easily on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Important Note on New Members: There's a waiting period for new members to receive gifted points. The recipient's account must be open for at least 30 days with qualifying activity (like earning or redeeming points) or 90 days without any qualifying activity before they can receive points. Keep this in mind if you're gifting to a brand-new member!
Do you have their correct Marriott Bonvoy Member Number and Full Name? Accuracy is key! You'll need their exact full name as it appears on their Marriott Bonvoy account and their member number. A small typo can cause delays or issues. Double-check this information with them before you start.
Step 2: Access the Gifting Portal – Your Gateway to Generosity
Once you've confirmed both parties are ready, it's time to head to the right place online.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy Account: Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (Marriott.com) and log in using your credentials.
Navigate to the Points Transfer Page: While you might think "gift points," the process is often referred to as "transferring points" between members. Look for sections related to "Earn & Redeem," "My Account," or "Use Points."
Pro Tip: A quick search on the Marriott Bonvoy help page for "transfer points" or "gift points" will often lead you directly to the correct portal, or you can often find a direct link within your account dashboard under "Optimize Your Points" or "Share Your Points."
The direct transfer page is typically managed by Points.com, Marriott's partner for point transactions. Don't be alarmed if you're redirected to a secure, third-party site – this is normal.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer – Making the Magic Happen
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Now that you're in the right place, let's begin the transfer process.
Select "Gift Points" or "Transfer Points": On the Points.com interface or Marriott's dedicated transfer page, you'll typically see an option to "Gift Points" or "Transfer Points." Click on the appropriate button.
Enter Recipient's Details: You will be prompted to enter the recipient's:
First Name (exactly as it appears on their account)
Last Name (exactly as it appears on their account)
Marriott Bonvoy Member Number
Accuracy here is paramount! If the details don't match, the transfer will likely fail.
Specify the Number of Points to Gift:
You can transfer points in increments of 1,000 points.
There's a minimum transfer amount of 1,000 points.
Maximum Transfer Limit: You can transfer a maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year to other accounts. This limit applies to the sender's outbound transfers.
Recipient Receiving Limit: A recipient can receive a maximum of 500,000 points per calendar year from other members.
Step 4: Review and Confirm – The Final Check
This is your last chance to ensure everything is correct before finalizing the transaction.
Review all information: Carefully check the recipient's name, member number, and the exact number of points you intend to transfer.
Understand the Terms & Conditions: There will be terms and conditions associated with the transfer. It's highly recommended to read these. Key points to remember:
No Fees for Member-to-Member Transfers: One of the best aspects of gifting Marriott points directly between members is that there is generally no fee involved. This makes it a very cost-effective way to pool points.
Points are Non-Refundable: Once the points are transferred, the transaction is typically final and non-refundable.
Complete Identity Verification: For security purposes, Marriott will likely ask you to verify your identity. This might involve a text message to your registered phone number or an email to your registered email address with a verification code. Enter this code to proceed.
Confirm the Transfer: Once you've reviewed and verified, click the "Transfer Now" or "Confirm" button.
Step 5: Confirmation and Waiting – The Points Are on Their Way!
You've done it! The points are now on their journey to your recipient's account.
Confirmation Message: You should receive a confirmation message on screen, and often an email confirmation as well.
Delivery Time: Marriott states that transferred points should appear in the recipient's account within 24 hours. In many cases, it's much faster, often almost instant. If your recipient doesn't see the points within a few hours, advise them to try logging out and back into their account.
Inform the Recipient: It's a good idea to let your recipient know that the points have been sent so they can keep an eye out for them and plan their next adventure!
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| How Do You Gift Marriott Points |
Beyond Direct Transfers: Other Ways to "Gift" Marriott Points
While direct member-to-member transfers are the most common way to gift points, here are a couple of other methods to consider:
Purchasing Points as a Gift: You can directly purchase Marriott Bonvoy points as a gift for another member through the "Buy Points" or "Gift Points" storefront on Marriott's website (also powered by Points.com). This is useful if you don't have enough points yourself but want to give the gift of Marriott stays.
Purchase Limits: Members can purchase or receive points as a gift for a combined maximum of 150,000 points per calendar year.
Cost: Points are typically sold in increments of 1,000 points, usually around $12.50 USD per 1,000 points. Keep an eye out for promotional periods where you can buy points at a discounted rate or with a bonus!
Booking an Award Stay for Someone Else: You can use your own Marriott Bonvoy points to book a hotel stay for another person. This is known as a "Gifted Award Redemption Stay."
Process: This process usually requires you to call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support to make the reservation. You cannot typically do this directly online.
Recipient Identification: The recipient will need to show valid ID and provide a credit card for incidental charges at check-in.
Elite Benefits: Neither you nor the recipient will earn points, elite night credit, or receive elite tier benefits on a gifted award stay. The stay is purely a redemption of your points for another person's accommodation.
Limit: You can make up to five (5) Gift Award Reservations in a calendar year.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about gifting Marriott Bonvoy points, with quick answers:
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member?
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member online through the Marriott Bonvoy website's "Transfer Points" or "Gift Points" section (often powered by Points.com), or by calling Marriott Bonvoy Member Support.
How to find the Marriott Bonvoy points transfer page?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com, then look for options like "Earn & Redeem," "My Account," or "Use Points," which often lead to a "Transfer Points" link. You can also search for "transfer points" on the Marriott Bonvoy help site.
How to ensure the recipient's account is eligible to receive points?
The recipient's Marriott Bonvoy account must be open for at least 30 days with qualifying activity, or 90 days without qualifying activity, to be eligible to receive gifted points.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
How to gift Marriott points without fees?
Direct member-to-member transfers of Marriott Bonvoy points generally do not incur any fees.
How to know the minimum and maximum points I can gift?
You must transfer a minimum of 1,000 points, and transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points. You can transfer a maximum of 100,000 points per calendar year to other accounts.
How to deal with a non-member recipient for gifting points?
The non-member must first sign up for a free Marriott Bonvoy account. Remember the waiting period for new accounts to receive points (30 days with activity or 90 days without).
How to track the gifted Marriott points after transfer?
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
You'll receive a confirmation, and the recipient should see the points appear in their account within 24 hours (often much sooner). Advise them to log out and back in if they don't see them immediately.
How to book a hotel stay for someone else using my Marriott points?
To book a "Gifted Award Redemption Stay" for another person, you typically need to call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support. You cannot usually do this online.
How to know if gifted points count towards elite status?
Gifted or purchased points do not count towards qualifying for Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. Elite status is earned through eligible stays and spending.
How to reverse a Marriott Bonvoy points transfer if I made a mistake?
Marriott Bonvoy points transfers are generally non-refundable and final once completed. It's crucial to double-check all details before confirming the transfer. If you made a serious error, immediately contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support, though a reversal is not guaranteed.
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