Unleash the Power of Sharing: Your Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to Others!
Ever found yourself with a surplus of Marriott Bonvoy points, while a friend or family member is just shy of that dream redemption? Or perhaps you're pooling points for a grand family vacation? Whatever your reason, transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to another member is a fantastic way to unlock incredible travel experiences. And guess what? It's easier than you might think!
Let's dive right in and learn how to make those points work smarter, together. Are you ready to become a Marriott Bonvoy points transfer pro?
Understanding the Basics: Why Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand why you might want to transfer your hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points:
To Top Up a Redemption: This is perhaps the most common reason. If a loved one is just a few thousand points short of booking that perfect hotel stay, a transfer can bridge the gap.
Family Vacations: Planning a large family getaway? Consolidating points from multiple accounts into one can make booking easier and potentially unlock higher-value redemptions.
Gifting Travel: Imagine surprising someone with a fantastic hotel stay by contributing your points. It's a thoughtful and valuable gift!
Optimizing Redemptions: Sometimes, combining points in one account allows you to book a more expensive award night, which might offer better value per point than multiple smaller redemptions.
Crucial Pre-Transfer Checklist: Are You Ready?
Before you initiate any transfer, it's absolutely essential to ensure both the sender's and recipient's accounts meet Marriott's specific criteria. Skipping this step can lead to delays or even failed transfers.
Eligibility Requirements for Both Accounts:
Account Status: Both the sender's and recipient's Marriott Bonvoy accounts must be in good standing. This means no suspicious activity, overdue payments, or any other issues that might flag an account.
Account Age and Activity: This is a key one! Both accounts need to have been open for:
At least 30 days with qualifying activity (e.g., a paid stay, earning points from a Marriott credit card).
Or, at least 90 days without any qualifying activity.
Important Limitations to Keep in Mind:
Transfer Limit (Sender): A single Marriott Bonvoy member can transfer a maximum of 100,000 points per calendar year to other accounts. This limit applies to the total points you send out, regardless of how many different recipients you send them to.
Receipt Limit (Recipient): A single Marriott Bonvoy member can receive a maximum of 500,000 points per calendar year from other accounts. This ensures that one account doesn't become a massive point dumping ground.
Transfer Increments: Points must be transferred in increments of 1,000 points. You cannot transfer, for example, 500 points or 1,550 points. It has to be 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and so on.
No Fees! This is fantastic news! Unlike some other loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy does not charge a fee for transferring points to another member. This makes it a truly valuable benefit.
Step 1: Accessing the Marriott Bonvoy Point Transfer Tool
Alright, let's get started! The first step is to navigate to the correct place on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Engage with me! Have you ever transferred points before, with Marriott or any other loyalty program? Share your experience in the comments below! Knowing this helps me tailor my advice even better for future guides.
Now, to access the transfer tool:
Log In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account: Open your web browser and go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com). Locate the "Sign In" button, usually in the top right corner, and enter your Marriott Bonvoy membership number or email address and password.
Navigate to "How to Use Points/Certificates": Once logged in, you'll need to find the right section. This can sometimes be a bit buried in loyalty program websites. Look for a menu option related to "Marriott Bonvoy Overview," "Member Benefits," or "How to Use Points/Certificates." You might find it under "About Marriott Bonvoy."
Find the "Share Your Points" or "Transfer Points" Link: Within the "How to Use Points/Certificates" section, scroll down. You should see a clear link or button that says "Share Your Points" or "Transfer Points." This will lead you directly to the online Point Transfer Tool. Alternatively, many frequent flyers simply use a direct link to the transfer page, which is often found by searching online for "Marriott Bonvoy transfer points."
Step 2: Initiating the Transfer – Filling Out the Form
Once you're on the Marriott Bonvoy Point Transfer Tool page, you'll see a straightforward form to complete.
Providing Recipient Details:
Recipient's Marriott Bonvoy Membership Number: You'll need the exact Marriott Bonvoy membership number of the person you're transferring points to. Double-check this to avoid sending points to the wrong account!
Recipient's Full Name: Enter the recipient's first and last name exactly as it appears on their Marriott Bonvoy account. Any discrepancy can cause the transfer to fail.
Specifying the Transfer Amount:
Enter Points in Increments of 1,000: As mentioned earlier, remember to enter the number of points you wish to transfer in multiples of 1,000. For example, if you want to transfer 25,000 points, enter "25000." Do not enter commas or other special characters.
Adhere to Annual Limits: The system should ideally flag if you attempt to exceed the 100,000 points per calendar year transfer limit from your account or if the recipient's account would exceed the 500,000 points per calendar year receipt limit. However, it's always best to be aware of these limits beforehand to prevent issues.
Step 3: Reviewing and Confirming Your Transfer
This is a critical step where you verify all the information before the transfer is processed.
Double-Checking Everything:
Recipient's Information: Confirm the recipient's membership number and full name are 100% accurate. A typo here can be a real headache to resolve.
Transfer Amount: Verify that the number of points you're sending is correct and that it meets the 1,000-point increment rule.
Understanding Terms and Conditions: Before proceeding, take a moment to read and understand the terms and conditions related to point transfers. This will reiterate the limits, eligibility, and the fact that transfers are generally final.
Finalizing the Transfer:
Click "Transfer Points" or "Confirm": Once you are confident that all details are correct and you understand the terms, click the "Transfer Points" or "Confirm" button.
Confirmation Message/Email: You should receive an on-screen confirmation message immediately, and often, an email confirmation will be sent to your registered email address as well as the recipient's. Keep these for your records.
Step 4: What to Expect Post-Transfer
The waiting game begins! While Marriott states transfers are generally quick, it's good to know the typical timeframe.
Transfer Timeframe:
Generally Within 24 Hours: Marriott states that transferred points should appear in the recipient's account within 24 hours.
However, some users report nearly instantaneous transfers, while others might experience a slight delay of up to a few business days. Factors like system maintenance or high volume could play a role.
Checking Account Balances: Both you (the sender) and the recipient can log into your respective Marriott Bonvoy accounts to check the updated point balances. The transfer will typically appear as a "Points Sharing" or "Points Transfer" transaction in your activity history.
What if the Points Don't Appear?
Wait 24-48 Hours: Give it at least 24, preferably 48, hours. Sometimes the systems need a little time to sync.
Check Confirmation Emails: Re-check your confirmation emails for any specific notes or instructions.
Contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support: If the points haven't appeared after 48 hours, or if you encounter any error messages during the process, it's time to reach out to Marriott Bonvoy Member Support. Be prepared to provide your membership number, the recipient's membership number, the amount transferred, and the date of the transfer.
Maximizing Your Point Transfers
Now that you know the mechanics, let's look at some strategies to make the most of this valuable feature.
Strategic Point Pooling:
Achieving Higher Redemptions: If a particular award night costs significantly more points than any one person in your group has, pooling points can make it attainable. This is especially useful for luxury properties.
"Buy Four Get One Free" Stays: When redeeming points for a stay of five nights or more, Marriott Bonvoy offers the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit, meaning the lowest point-value night is free. Pooling points can help you reach that 5-night threshold more easily, maximizing your value.
Important Considerations:
Transfers are Final: Once points are transferred, they generally cannot be reversed. So, be absolutely certain of your recipient and the amount before confirming.
Elite Night Credits Do Not Transfer: It's important to note that Elite Night Credits (ENCs) and elite status do not transfer with points. Only the points themselves move between accounts.
Beware of Scams: Only transfer points through the official Marriott Bonvoy website. Never share your login credentials or account information with anyone promising to transfer points for you outside of the official channels. Marriott Bonvoy also explicitly prohibits selling or bartering points.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you navigate Marriott Bonvoy point transfers:
How to transfer Marriott points to a non-member?
You cannot directly transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to a non-member. The recipient must have an active Marriott Bonvoy account in good standing.
How to transfer Marriott points without a fee?
Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer points to other members free of charge when done through their official online transfer tool or by contacting member support.
How to transfer Marriott points if my account is new?
Both the sender's and recipient's accounts must be open for at least 30 days with qualifying activity, or 90 days without qualifying activity, to be eligible for point transfers.
How to transfer Marriott points if the names don't match exactly?
The recipient's full name on their Marriott Bonvoy account must exactly match the name you provide during the transfer process. Discrepancies can lead to transfer failure.
How to transfer Marriott points for a specific reservation?
While you can transfer points to enable someone to book a specific reservation, you cannot directly "transfer" points onto an existing reservation made by another member. The points must first be in the recipient's account, and then they can apply them to their booking.
How to transfer Marriott points if I've reached the annual limit?
If you've already transferred 100,000 points in a calendar year, you will need to wait until the next calendar year to transfer more points. The limit resets on January 1st.
How to transfer Marriott points if the recipient has reached their annual limit?
If the recipient has already received 500,000 points in a calendar year, they cannot receive any more transfers until the next calendar year.
How to transfer Marriott points by phone?
While the online tool is the easiest method, you can also contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support by phone to initiate a point transfer. Be prepared to verify your account details and provide the recipient's information.
How to find the Marriott Bonvoy point transfer tool online?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com, then navigate to "About Marriott Bonvoy" -> "How to Use Points/Certificates" -> "Share Your Points" or "Transfer Points."
How to know if my Marriott points transfer was successful?
You will typically receive an on-screen confirmation message and an email confirmation. You can also log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and check your points activity history for the "Points Sharing" transaction. The recipient's account balance should also reflect the new points.
