Ever found yourself staring at a pile of Marriott Bonvoy points, wondering how to turn them into something tangible beyond just hotel stays? You're not alone! While free nights are fantastic, sometimes a different kind of reward is in order. And that's where Marriott Bonvoy gift cards come in!
Redeeming your hard-earned points for gift cards can open up a world of possibilities, from treating yourself to a shopping spree to dining at your favorite restaurant, or even gifting a memorable experience to a loved one. But how exactly do you navigate this redemption process? Don't worry, we're here to guide you every step of the way!
Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step process of how to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for gift cards.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points for Gift Cards
Ready to transform those points into pure spending power? Follow these clear steps to successfully redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for gift cards.
Step 1: Are you eligible and ready to redeem?
Before you even think about hitting that "redeem" button, let's ensure you're all set!
Check your Marriott Bonvoy Account Balance: First things first, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official Marriott website. Do you have enough points for the gift card you desire? Different gift card denominations require varying point amounts.
Understand Your Options: Marriott primarily offers two types of gift cards for redemption with points:
Marriott Gift Cards: These can be used at participating Marriott hotels for stays, dining, spa services, golf, and more. They essentially act as cash at Marriott properties.
Merchandise and Retailer Gift Cards: These are gift cards for various popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options outside of Marriott. Important Note: Currently, the option to redeem points for Merchandise and Retailer Gift Cards is available for US Members only.
Be a U.S. Member for Retailer Gift Cards (If Applicable): If your heart is set on a gift card from a specific retailer, ensure your Marriott Bonvoy account is registered in the US. Otherwise, you'll likely only see Marriott Gift Card options.
Once you've confirmed your point balance and understood the types of gift cards available to you, you're ready to proceed!
Step 2: Navigating to the "Shop with Points" Portal
This is where the magic begins! You need to find the dedicated section on the Marriott Bonvoy website for point redemptions beyond hotel stays.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy Account: Go to the official Marriott website (marriott.com) and log in using your credentials.
Find "Shop with Points": Once logged in, look for a section related to "Redeem Points," "Use Points," or "Shop with Points." This is usually found in the navigation menu, often under "Marriott Bonvoy" or "Loyalty."
Pro Tip: You can often find a direct link to "Shop with Points" or "Gift Cards" under the "Special Offers" or "Use Points and Awards" sections on the Marriott website.
Click on "Gift Cards": Within the "Shop with Points" portal, you'll see various redemption categories. Click on the "Gift Cards" option.
Step 3: Selecting Your Desired Gift Card
Now for the fun part – choosing your reward!
Browse Available Gift Cards: You'll be presented with a selection of gift cards. If you're a US member, you might see both Marriott Gift Cards and various third-party retailer gift cards. If you're outside the US, you'll likely only see Marriott Gift Cards.
Filter and Search (If Available): Depending on the portal's design, you might have options to filter by category (e.g., "Dining," "Apparel," "Entertainment") or search for a specific brand.
Choose the Denomination: Once you've found the gift card you want, select the desired denomination. Larger denominations will naturally require more points.
Consider the Value: It's worth noting that redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for gift cards typically yields a lower value per point compared to redeeming them for hotel stays. While hotel stays can offer a value of around $0.009 per point, gift cards might give you less. Weigh whether this redemption offers the best value for your points based on your needs.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Order and Confirming Redemption
You're almost there! This step involves a final check before the points leave your account.
Add to Cart: Select the gift card and its denomination, then add it to your "cart" or proceed to checkout.
Review Order Details: Carefully review the details of your order, including:
The type of gift card.
The denomination.
The total number of Marriott Bonvoy points required.
Your shipping address (for physical gift cards) or email address (for eGift cards).
Confirm Redemption: If everything looks correct, proceed to confirm your redemption. You might be asked to re-enter your Marriott Bonvoy password for security purposes.
Important: Once you confirm the redemption, the points will be deducted from your account, and redemptions are generally final.
Step 5: Receiving Your Gift Card
The final step is receiving your well-deserved gift!
Delivery Method:
eGift Cards: If you opted for an eGift card, it will usually be sent to the email address associated with your Marriott Bonvoy account within a few hours to a few business days. Check your spam or junk folder if you don't see it.
Physical Gift Cards: If you chose a physical gift card, it will be mailed to your specified shipping address. Shipping times can vary depending on your location and the vendor, so allow ample time for delivery. Marriott's terms often mention delivery within a few weeks.
Activation (If Required): Some gift cards might require activation upon receipt. Follow any instructions provided in the email or with the physical card.
Enjoy Your Reward! Once received and activated, you're free to use your gift card for its intended purpose!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for gift cards, with quick answers:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy point balance?
You can easily check your Marriott Bonvoy point balance by logging into your account on the official Marriott website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your point total is prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to find the "Shop with Points" section on the Marriott website?
After logging in, look for "Marriott Bonvoy" in the main navigation, then typically under "Use Points and Awards" or "Redeem Points," you'll find a link to "Shop with Points" or "Gift Cards."
How to know if I'm eligible for retailer gift cards?
Currently, redemption of Marriott Bonvoy points for merchandise and retailer gift cards (beyond Marriott's own gift cards) is only available to Marriott Bonvoy members with a US address registered on their account.
How to determine the value of my Marriott Bonvoy points when redeeming for gift cards?
While the exact value can fluctuate, typically, Marriott Bonvoy points yield a lower value when redeemed for gift cards (often less than $0.009 per point) compared to hotel stays, which generally offer a better redemption value.
How to ensure my gift card order goes through smoothly?
Double-check your email and shipping addresses during the redemption process. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and do not close your browser until the confirmation screen appears.
How to track the delivery of my physical Marriott gift card?
For physical gift cards, the "Shop with Points" portal might provide tracking information once the order has been processed and shipped. You can also contact Marriott Gift Card Customer Service for assistance.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for gift card issues?
For assistance with gift card purchases or redemption issues, you can call Marriott GiftCards Customer Service at +1 800.442.6132 (for US/Canada) or visit their support site. For general Marriott Bonvoy inquiries, call +1 800.535.4028.
How to use a Marriott Gift Card at a Marriott property?
Present your physical Marriott Gift Card or the eGift card (printout or on an electronic device) to the front desk or outlet (restaurant, spa, etc.) at the participating Marriott hotel when making a purchase or settling your bill.
How to redeem multiple Marriott Gift Cards for a single transaction?
Yes, you can typically use multiple Marriott Gift Cards for a single transaction, whether it's for a hotel stay, dining, or other services at participating Marriott properties.
How to avoid common pitfalls when redeeming points for gift cards?
Always verify the gift card's terms and conditions, especially its validity and any usage restrictions. Be aware of the value proposition compared to other redemption options (like hotel stays) to ensure you're making the best choice for your points.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for gift cards is a straightforward process that offers flexibility and convenience. By following these steps, you can unlock a new world of rewards from your loyalty program! Happy redeeming!
