Have you ever found yourself eyeing that dream Marriott stay, only to realize you're just a few thousand points shy of a free night? Or perhaps a fantastic Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience popped up, but your point balance isn't quite there? Fret not! Many Marriott Bonvoy members face this delightful dilemma, and the good news is, you can often bridge that gap by purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to purchase Marriott points, step-by-step, to unlock those incredible travel experiences.
How to Purchase Marriott Points: Your Step-by-Step Guide to More Stays
Purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points can be a strategic move, especially when there are promotions, or you need to top off your account for a specific redemption. Let's dive into the process!
Step 1: Are You Eligible to Purchase Points?
Before you even think about entering your credit card details, it's crucial to confirm your eligibility.
Existing Members: If you're an existing Marriott Bonvoy member, you're generally eligible to purchase points.
New Members: Just joined the Marriott Bonvoy program? You'll need to wait thirty (30) days after enrollment before you can purchase points. This is a crucial waiting period, so plan accordingly if you're a new member with immediate point needs.
Step 2: Navigate to the Marriott Bonvoy Buy Points Page
There are two primary ways to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points: directly through the "Buy Points" storefront or during the reservation process.
Sub-heading 2.1: Purchasing Through the Dedicated "Buy Points" Storefront
This is the most common method for proactively adding points to your account.
Visit the Marriott Bonvoy Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com).
Log In to Your Account: Locate the "Sign In" or "Join" option, usually in the top right corner, and log in with your Marriott Bonvoy member number or email and password.
Find the "Buy Points" Section:
Once logged in, look for a link related to "Buy Points," "Gift Points," or "Marriott Bonvoy Shop." This is often found under the "Marriott Bonvoy" or "Member Benefits" section. You might also find it by searching the site directly.
Pro Tip: A quick search on the Marriott website for "Buy Points" will usually lead you directly to the correct page.
Access the Buy Points Portal: You'll likely be redirected to a secure portal (often powered by Points.com, Marriott's trusted partner for point purchases).
Sub-heading 2.2: Purchasing Points During the Reservation Process (Top-Up)
This method is incredibly convenient when you're booking an award stay and realize you don't have quite enough points.
Start a Reservation: Begin booking an award reservation as you normally would on marriott.com.
Proceed to the Payment Screen: As you go through the booking process, when you reach the "Complete Your Booking" or payment screen, Marriott will automatically check your point balance against the required points for the stay.
Option to Purchase Points: If your balance is insufficient, you'll see an option to "Purchase Points" to cover the deficit. Click on this option.
Important Note: While convenient, purchasing points during a reservation might not always qualify for any ongoing "Buy Points" promotions. Always check the terms and conditions.
Step 3: Select the Number of Points to Purchase
Once you're on the Buy Points portal (or the reservation payment screen with the purchase option), you'll need to decide how many points you want.
Increments: Marriott Bonvoy points are typically sold in increments of 1,000 points.
Annual Limits:
In 2025, members can purchase or receive as a gift a combined maximum of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per calendar year when purchased through the Buy Points Storefront or Gift Points Storefront.
Additionally, members may purchase up to an additional 100,000 points annually when booking a hotel stay through the reservation path on marriott.com. This effectively means a potential total of 250,000 points per calendar year if you utilize both methods.
Consider Promotions: Always look for promotions! Marriott frequently offers bonuses when you purchase points (e.g., 20%, 30%, or even 50% bonus points). These promotions can significantly reduce your effective cost per point and are the best time to buy if you don't have an immediate need.
Step 4: Provide Payment Information
This is where you finalize your purchase.
Enter Payment Details: You'll need a valid credit or debit card. Fill in all the required fields, including:
Card Number
Expiration Date
CVV/Security Code
Billing Address (ensure it matches the card's registered address to avoid issues)
Review Your Order: Carefully review the number of points you're purchasing and the total cost. Double-check for any typos or errors.
Agree to Terms and Conditions: Read and agree to the terms and conditions of the purchase. These usually state that points are non-refundable and will be posted within a certain timeframe.
Step 5: Complete the Purchase
After reviewing everything, it's time to confirm.
Click "Buy Now" or "Complete Purchase": Once you're satisfied with your order, click the button to finalize the transaction.
Confirmation: You should receive an on-screen confirmation of your purchase. An email confirmation will also be sent to your registered Marriott Bonvoy email address.
Points Posting Time: Purchased Marriott Bonvoy Points will typically be posted to your account within 72 hours after the transaction is complete. While often faster, it's wise to allow for this timeframe, especially if you're purchasing points for an imminent redemption.
Important Considerations When Purchasing Marriott Points
Cost Per Point: The standard cost of Marriott Bonvoy points is typically around $12.50 per 1,000 points, which translates to 1.25 cents per point. However, this is often not the best value. Aim to buy points during a promotion to get a better effective rate. Many experts value Marriott points around 0.7-0.9 cents per point, so purchasing at 1.25 cents per point without a bonus generally isn't ideal unless you have a specific, high-value redemption in mind.
Promotions are Key: As mentioned, keep an eye out for "Buy Points" promotions. These can offer a significant percentage of bonus points, making your purchase much more worthwhile. Sign up for Marriott Bonvoy email newsletters to stay informed.
Non-Refundable: Once purchased, Marriott Bonvoy points are generally non-refundable. Make sure you're confident in your purchase before finalizing.
Point Expiration: Purchased points count as qualifying activity and will reset your point expiration clock. Marriott Bonvoy points typically expire if your account goes 24 months without any qualifying activity. So, if you're close to having points expire, a small point purchase can be a way to keep them active. Note: Gifting or receiving gifted points does not count as qualifying activity to reset the expiration clock.
Alternative Ways to Earn Points: Remember that purchasing points is just one way to top up your balance. Consider other methods like:
Staying at Marriott properties.
Using co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards (these often come with generous welcome bonuses).
Transferring points from eligible credit card programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards (check transfer ratios and any associated bonuses).
Participating in dining programs or other promotions.
By following these steps and keeping the considerations in mind, you'll be well-equipped to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points and get closer to your next dream vacation!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy point balance?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy point balance by logging into your account on the Marriott Bonvoy website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your current points total will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to know if there's a Marriott Bonvoy points purchase promotion?
Marriott Bonvoy typically announces points purchase promotions via email to its members. You can also regularly check the "Buy Points" section of the Marriott Bonvoy website or follow reputable travel blogs and points/miles websites, which often report on these promotions.
How to determine if purchasing Marriott points is a good value?
To determine if purchasing points is a good value, compare the cost of the points to the cash price of the desired hotel stay or experience. Divide the cash price (including taxes) by the number of points required for that redemption. This gives you your "cents per point" value. If this value is higher than the effective cost per point after a promotion, then it's generally a good deal.
How to use purchased Marriott points for a hotel stay?
Once the purchased points are credited to your Marriott Bonvoy account (typically within 72 hours), they are indistinguishable from points earned through stays or other means. Simply proceed with booking your desired hotel stay on the Marriott Bonvoy website or app, selecting the "Use Points/Awards" option during your search.
How to gift Marriott Bonvoy points to another member?
You can gift Marriott Bonvoy points to another member through the dedicated "Gift Points" storefront on the Marriott Bonvoy website. Both the sender and receiver must be Marriott Bonvoy members, and there are annual limits on the number of points that can be gifted and received.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to an airline partner?
Marriott Bonvoy allows you to transfer points to various airline loyalty programs, usually at a 3:1 ratio (3 Marriott points to 1 airline mile). You can do this by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account and navigating to the "Use Points" or "Redeem Points" section, then selecting "Transfer Points to Airlines." There's often a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points transferred to most partners.
How to prevent Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?
To prevent your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring, ensure you have a "qualifying activity" on your account at least once every 24 months. Qualifying activities include earning points from hotel stays, using a Marriott co-branded credit card, redeeming points, or purchasing points. Note that gifting or receiving gifted points does not reset the expiration clock.
How to get a refund for purchased Marriott Bonvoy points?
In most cases, purchased Marriott Bonvoy points are non-refundable. It is crucial to be certain of your purchase before completing the transaction.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for points inquiries?
You can contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service through the "Help" or "Contact Us" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website. They typically provide phone numbers for global reservation and loyalty assistance.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without staying at a hotel?
Beyond purchasing, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through co-branded Marriott credit cards, dining programs (like Eat Around Town), booking car rentals, participating in Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences, transferring points from eligible credit card programs (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards), and by hosting meetings or events at participating Marriott properties.
