Your Ultimate Guide to Buying Marriott Bonvoy Points: Unlock Dream Stays Sooner!
Ever dreamt of a luxurious getaway, a spontaneous weekend escape, or simply upgrading your next hotel stay without breaking the bank? If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, or considering becoming one, then buying Marriott Bonvoy points could be your secret weapon! While earning points through stays and credit card spending is fantastic, sometimes you need a quick boost to reach that coveted redemption. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points, ensuring you're empowered to make the most of your travel dreams.
So, are you ready to unlock incredible travel experiences and accelerate your path to free nights? Let's dive in!
 |
| How Can I Buy Marriott Bonvoy Points |
Step 1: Are You Eligible to Buy Points? (Engage!)
Before we even talk about clicking "buy," let's make sure you're eligible! This is the very first and most crucial step.
-
Are you already a Marriott Bonvoy member? If not, you'll need to join the program first. It's completely free and unlocks a world of benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem points. New members can typically purchase points 30 days after enrollment in the Marriott Bonvoy program. So, if you're new, sign up now and mark your calendar!
-
Do you have an active Marriott Bonvoy account? Ensure your account is in good standing and you know your login credentials.
If you answered yes to being a member (or are ready to join!), then fantastic! You're on your way to boosting your points balance.
Step 2: Understanding Where to Buy Marriott Bonvoy Points
There are primarily two ways to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points directly from Marriott:
Sub-heading: Option A: Buying Points Through the Dedicated "Buy Points" Portal
This is the most common and straightforward method. It's ideal if you're simply looking to top up your account without an immediate reservation in mind.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
-
Navigate to the Official Marriott Bonvoy Website: Open your web browser and go to marriott.com.
-
Log In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account: On the top right corner of the page, you'll see "Sign In." Click this and enter your email/member number and password.
-
Find the "Buy Points" Section: Once logged in, navigate to the "Marriott Bonvoy" section. Look for options like "Earn Points," "Redeem Points," or "Manage Points." Within these, you should find a link for "Buy Points" or "Buy/Gift Points." This will typically lead you to a page hosted by Points.com, Marriott's partner for point purchases.
-
Select the Number of Points: On the "Buy Points" page, you'll see various increments of points available for purchase. Marriott typically sells points in increments of 1,000 or 5,000, depending on the total amount you're buying.
-
Tip: Keep an eye out for special promotions! Marriott frequently offers bonuses (e.g., 20%, 30%, or even 40% extra points) on purchased points. These promotions can significantly reduce the effective cost per point, making it a much better deal.
-
-
Review the Cost: The price per point will be clearly displayed. It usually hovers around $0.0125 (1.25 cents) per point, but this can vary, especially with promotions. Make sure you're comfortable with the total cost.
-
Enter Payment Information: Provide your credit card details for the purchase.
-
Confirm and Complete the Transaction: Review all the details carefully – the number of points, the total cost, and your payment information. Once everything looks correct, confirm your purchase.
Sub-heading: Option B: Purchasing Points During a Reservation
This is a convenient option if you're short on points for a specific award stay you're trying to book.
-
Search for Your Desired Award Stay: On marriott.com, search for the hotel and dates you wish to book using points.
-
Select the "Use Points/Awards" Option: When viewing the room rates, ensure you've selected the option to view rates in points or combine points and cash.
-
Proceed to the "Review Reservation Details" Screen: As you go through the booking process, you'll reach a screen where you review your reservation details.
-
Look for the "Purchase Points" Option: If you don't have enough points in your account to cover the full award stay, Marriott will often present an option on this screen to "Purchase Points" to complete the reservation. This option will typically allow you to buy the exact number of points needed for that specific booking.
-
Important Note: Points purchased through the reservation path may not always qualify for ongoing points purchase promotions or discounts. It's worth comparing the price to the dedicated "Buy Points" portal if a promotion is active.
-
-
Complete the Purchase: Follow the prompts to select the number of points and enter your payment information to finalize the purchase and your reservation.
Step 3: Understanding Purchase Limits and Posting Time
It's crucial to be aware of the limitations and timelines associated with buying points.
Sub-heading: Annual Purchase Limits
-
Standard Limit: Marriott Bonvoy members can generally purchase or receive as a gift a combined maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year through the official "Buy Points" or "Gift Points" pages, or through Customer Engagement Centers.
-
Bonus Limit During Reservations: You may be able to purchase an additional 100,000 points annually when booking a hotel stay through the reservation path on marriott.com, essentially allowing for up to 200,000 points per year in total under certain circumstances.
-
During Promotions: Sometimes, during specific promotions, these limits can be temporarily increased (e.g., to 150,000 points + additional for reservations). Always check the terms of the current promotion.
Sub-heading: Point Posting Time
-
Expect a Short Delay: Purchased Marriott Bonvoy points are typically posted to your account within 72 hours after the transaction is complete. While often quicker, it's wise to allow for this timeframe, especially if you're buying points for an immediate redemption.
Step 4: Making the Smart Decision – When Does Buying Points Make Sense?
Buying Marriott Bonvoy points isn't always the best strategy. Here's when it can be a smart move:
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
-
To Top Up for a Specific Redemption: If you're just a few thousand points shy of booking a fantastic award stay, buying the remaining points can be an excellent value, especially if the cash rate for that stay is very high.
-
During a Sale/Promotion: This is arguably the best time to buy points. When Marriott offers a 30% or 40% bonus, the cost per point significantly decreases, potentially making it cheaper to buy points and redeem them for a stay than to pay the cash rate.
-
Example: If points are normally $0.0125 each, a 40% bonus brings the effective cost down to approximately $0.0089 (0.89 cents) per point. If you can redeem those points for a value higher than 0.89 cents, you're getting a good deal!
-
-
High-Value Redemptions: Look for instances where the cash price of a hotel room is exceptionally high, but the points required are relatively low (e.g., during peak season or for luxury properties). In these cases, buying points can yield a much better value.
-
To Extend Point Expiration: While not the primary reason, buying points counts as activity and can reset the 24-month expiration clock on your Marriott Bonvoy points.
Sub-heading: When to Think Twice Before Buying Points
-
Without a Specific Use in Mind: Avoid buying points speculatively. Point devaluations can occur, and you don't want to be stuck with points you can't use effectively.
-
If There's No Promotion: The standard price for Marriott Bonvoy points is generally considered a poor value. Unless you have an immediate, high-value redemption, wait for a sale.
-
If the Cash Price is Low: Always compare the cost of buying the points needed for a stay versus simply paying the cash rate for the room. Sometimes, paying cash is the more economical choice.
Step 5: Post-Purchase Tips and Considerations
Once you've successfully purchased your points, here are a few things to keep in mind:
-
Check Your Account: After the 72-hour window, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account to verify that the purchased points have been credited.
-
Redeem Strategically: Now that you have your boosted points balance, put them to good use! Look for "sweet spots" in the Marriott Bonvoy award chart or take advantage of the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit (where you get the 5th night free on award stays when booking 5 consecutive nights).
-
No Refunds: Remember, once Marriott Bonvoy points have been purchased or gifted, no refunds are permitted. Ensure you're certain about your purchase before finalizing.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of buying Marriott Bonvoy points, you can intelligently enhance your travel opportunities and enjoy those dream stays sooner!
10 Related FAQ Questions: Quick Answers
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy point balance?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy point balance by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your balance will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to find out if there's a Marriott Bonvoy points purchase promotion?
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Marriott Bonvoy typically announces points purchase promotions on its official "Buy Points" page (often through Points.com), via email to members, or through travel blogs and deals websites that track loyalty program promotions. Always check the "Buy Points" page before purchasing.
How to gift Marriott Bonvoy points to another member?
You can gift Marriott Bonvoy points to another member through the same "Buy/Gift Points" portal on the Marriott website. You'll need the recipient's Marriott Bonvoy member number and last name.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points between accounts?
Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer points to other Marriott Bonvoy accounts. Both accounts must be in good standing and open for at least 30 days. There's typically a limit to how many points you can transfer per calendar year (e.g., 100,000 points). This can usually be done by contacting Marriott Bonvoy Member Support.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for a free night?
To use Marriott Bonvoy points for a free night, search for your desired hotel and dates on marriott.com and select the option to "Use Points/Awards" or view "Points" rates. Then proceed with booking your room using your points.
How to know the value of my Marriott Bonvoy points?
The value of Marriott Bonvoy points can vary depending on the redemption. A common valuation used by travel experts is around 0.7-0.9 cents per point. To calculate the value for a specific redemption, divide the cash price of the room by the number of points required for the same room.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
How to avoid my Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?
Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. To prevent expiration, you need to have qualifying activity on your account at least once every 24 months. This includes earning points (e.g., hotel stays, credit card spending, dining programs) or redeeming points (e.g., for free nights).
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without buying them?
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through various methods, including staying at Marriott properties, using co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, participating in the Eat Around Town dining program, booking car rentals with partners like Hertz, and attending qualifying Marriott Bonvoy events.
How to combine two Marriott Bonvoy accounts?
If you have multiple Marriott Bonvoy accounts, you may be able to combine them by contacting Marriott Bonvoy Member Support. They will guide you through the process, which usually involves consolidating points and stay history into a single account.
How to get a refund on purchased Marriott Bonvoy points?
Unfortunately, once Marriott Bonvoy points have been purchased or gifted, no refunds are permitted. It's important to be certain of your purchase before completing the transaction.
 |
