How Long Does It Take Marriott Points to Post? A Comprehensive Guide to Tracking Your Bonvoy Rewards
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever wondered when those hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points will finally hit your account after a fantastic stay or a savvy credit card purchase? It's a common question, and getting those points posted promptly is key to planning your next adventure. While the process is generally straightforward, there can be a few nuances. Let's dive deep into understanding the Marriott Bonvoy points posting timeline and how you can ensure your rewards appear as expected!
Step 1: Let's Start with You! Where are Your Marriott Points Coming From?
Before we delve into timelines, it's crucial to consider the source of your Marriott Bonvoy points. This often dictates the expected posting period. Are they from a recent hotel stay, a co-branded credit card, or perhaps a special promotion?
Hotel Stays: This is arguably the most common way to earn points.
Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Cards: Spending on these cards can rack up points quickly.
Dining and Other On-Property Spending (without a stay): Some Marriott properties allow you to earn points on dining, spa treatments, or golf even if you're not an overnight guest.
Marriott Bonvoy Events: Planning meetings or events at Marriott properties can yield significant points.
Transfers from Partners: Converting points from other loyalty programs (like airline miles) to Marriott Bonvoy.
Purchasing Points: Directly buying Marriott Bonvoy points.
Understanding the origin will help you set the right expectations for when those points will materialize.
Step 2: The Standard Timeline for Hotel Stays
For most Marriott Bonvoy members, points from eligible hotel stays are the primary concern. Here's what you need to know:
Sub-heading: The 72-Hour Rule (Often)
Marriott generally states that points from a completed stay will automatically appear in your Marriott Bonvoy® Account within 72 hours following the completion of your stay. This is the ideal scenario and often happens, especially for properties where you've correctly provided your Marriott Bonvoy member number at check-in or during booking.
Sub-heading: Up to 10 Business Days: The Extended Standard
While 72 hours is the goal, it's important to be aware that it can take up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to post to your Marriott Bonvoy® Account. This extended timeframe accounts for processing, especially if there are any discrepancies or if the property's system is a bit slower in transmitting data. Don't panic if you don't see them exactly at the 72-hour mark. Give it the full 10 business days before taking further action.
Sub-heading: What Defines a "Completed Stay"?
A "completed stay" means you have officially checked out of the hotel. Points typically won't post while you are still an active guest at the property.
Step 3: Points from Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
If you're earning points through a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card (like those from Chase or American Express), the posting timeline is typically tied to your billing cycle.
Points usually appear on your Marriott Bonvoy account after your credit card statement closes and your payment is processed. This means you'll generally see these points post once a month, shortly after your statement date.
The exact timing can vary slightly depending on your bank and their processing times.
Step 4: Other Point Earning Activities
For other ways to earn points, the timelines can differ:
Sub-heading: Dining and On-Property Spending (without a stay)
If you've earned points for dining or other services at a Marriott property without an overnight stay, these points might post within a few days, similar to hotel stays, but it's less consistently documented. Keep an eye on your activity statement.
Sub-heading: Marriott Bonvoy Events
Points from Marriott Bonvoy Events generally take a bit longer to post, given the complexity of the booking and payment. Allow several weeks for these points to appear. It's always a good idea to confirm the expected posting timeline with the hotel's event coordinator.
Sub-heading: Transfers from Partner Programs
Transferring points from airline programs or other loyalty programs to Marriott Bonvoy can vary widely. Some transfers are almost instant, while others can take several business days, or even up to a week or more. Always check the specific transfer terms of the partner program.
Sub-heading: Purchasing Points
When you directly purchase Marriott Bonvoy points, they usually post to your account almost immediately or within a few hours.
Step 5: What to Do if Your Points Haven't Posted (The Missing Stay Request)
You've waited the standard 10 business days, or the expected time frame for your specific earning activity, and your points are still missing. Don't worry, this happens sometimes! Here's your step-by-step guide to resolving a missing points issue:
Sub-heading: A. Gather Your Information
Before contacting Marriott, have the following details readily available:
Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number: Essential for them to locate your account.
Hotel Name and Location: The specific property where the stay occurred.
Check-in and Check-out Dates: The exact dates of your stay.
Confirmation Number: This is crucial for them to find your reservation.
Folio/Receipt: A copy of your hotel bill is the most important piece of evidence. It shows your name, dates of stay, charges, and ideally, your Bonvoy number.
Sub-heading: B. Submit a Missing Stay Request Online
This is generally the easiest and most efficient way to get your missing points credited.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy Account: Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com) and sign in.
Navigate to "Missing Stay Request": Look for a section related to your account or points activity. Marriott's website typically has a dedicated "Missing Stay Request" form or a similar option under "Help" or "Customer Service."
Fill Out the Form: Carefully enter all the information you gathered in Step 5.A.
Upload Your Folio/Receipt: Most online forms allow you to attach a scanned copy or clear photo of your hotel receipt. This is vital!
Submit the Request: Once all details are entered and your receipt is attached, submit the form.
Sub-heading: C. What to Expect After Submitting a Request
After submitting a missing stay request, allow up to 10 business days for your Missing Stay to be processed and credited to your Account.
You might receive an email confirmation that your request has been received.
You can often track the status of your request within your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Sub-heading: D. If the Online Form Doesn't Work or You Need Further Assistance
If it's been more than 10 business days since you submitted your missing stay request and the points still haven't appeared, or if you encounter issues with the online form, it's time to contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support directly.
Phone: This is often the quickest way to get personalized assistance. You can find the relevant phone number for your region on the Marriott Bonvoy website under "Contact Us."
Live Chat: Some regions and times of day offer a live chat option on the Marriott website, which can be convenient.
Social Media: While not an official channel for direct support, sometimes reaching out via Marriott Bonvoy's official social media accounts can prompt a response or guidance on where to go.
Step 6: Tips for Ensuring Prompt Point Posting
A little proactive effort can go a long way in ensuring your points post smoothly:
Sub-heading: Always Provide Your Bonvoy Number
Crucial! Make sure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is always associated with your reservation, whether you book online, through the app, or over the phone. Double-check this at check-in.
Even if you book through a third-party site, sometimes you can add your Bonvoy number to the reservation directly with the hotel prior to arrival. However, keep in mind that stays booked through third-party sites generally do not earn points or elite night credits, even if your number is on the reservation. Always book directly with Marriott for eligible earnings.
Sub-heading: Review Your Folio at Check-Out
Before leaving the hotel, take a moment to review your bill carefully. Ensure all charges are correct and that your Marriott Bonvoy number is printed on it. This will be your proof if points go missing.
Sub-heading: Check Your Account Activity Regularly
Make it a habit to log into your Marriott Bonvoy account every few weeks to review your activity. This allows you to catch any missing points sooner rather than later. The Marriott Bonvoy mobile app also provides easy access to your points balance and activity.
Sub-heading: Keep Records
While not strictly necessary if you follow the other steps, keeping digital or physical copies of your hotel receipts for a few months after your stay is a good practice, especially for high-value stays.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Marriott Bonvoy points, with quick answers:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your point balance is prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to find my Marriott Bonvoy account activity?
Quick Answer: After logging in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, look for an "Activity" or "Account Activity" section. On the website, it's usually found by clicking on your name in the top-right corner. On the app, tap "Account" and then "Account Activity."
How to ensure my Marriott Bonvoy number is on my reservation?
Quick Answer: When booking directly on marriott.com or the app, ensure you are logged into your Bonvoy account. If booking by phone, explicitly provide your member number. At check-in, confirm with the front desk that your Bonvoy number is attached to your reservation.
How to request credit for a past Marriott stay?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigate to the "Missing Stay Request" form (usually found under "Help" or "Contact Us"), fill in the details of your stay, and upload your hotel folio/receipt.
How to expedite Marriott Bonvoy points posting?
Quick Answer: Unfortunately, there's no official way to expedite the standard posting time. Ensuring your Bonvoy number is correctly on the reservation and booking directly with Marriott are the best ways to ensure timely posting.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for missing points?
Quick Answer: After waiting the standard posting time (10 business days for stays) and attempting the online missing stay request, contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support by phone (numbers available on marriott.com under "Contact Us") or via their live chat feature if available.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points faster?
Quick Answer: Stay frequently at Marriott properties, use a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card for all eligible purchases, take advantage of bonus point promotions, and consider hosting events at Marriott hotels.
How to prevent Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?
Quick Answer: Your Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. To keep them active, you must have a "qualifying activity" (earn or redeem points) at least once every 24 months. This can include a paid stay, using your co-branded credit card, transferring points, or redeeming points.
How to combine Marriott Bonvoy accounts?
Quick Answer: Marriott Bonvoy generally does not allow members to combine multiple individual accounts into one. However, you can transfer points to another member (with certain limitations) if you have linked accounts. Contact Marriott Bonvoy support for specific guidelines on point transfers.
How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, search for hotels as usual, and select the "Use Points / Awards" option. The system will show you available hotels and room types for point redemption.
