Ready to elevate your next Marriott Bonvoy experience? Whether you're just a few points shy of a dream redemption or looking to top up your balance for a luxurious getaway, buying Marriott Bonvoy points can be a strategic move. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to buy Marriott Bonvoy points, complete with important considerations and frequently asked questions.
How Do You Buy Points for Marriott Bonvoy? A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying Marriott Bonvoy points is a straightforward process, primarily done through the official Marriott website. Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
Step 1: Are You Ready to Boost Your Bonvoy Balance?
First things first, do you have a Marriott Bonvoy account? If not, you'll need to join the program. It's completely free and essential for earning and redeeming points. New members can typically purchase points after 30 days of enrollment.
Step 2: Navigating to the "Buy Points" Section
Once you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you have a couple of primary ways to access the point purchase portal:
Sub-heading A: Directly Through the Marriott Bonvoy Website
Visit the official Marriott Bonvoy website: Go to Marriott.com.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account: Enter your email or member number and password.
Locate the "Buy Points" link: This is usually found under the "Earn & Redeem" or "Manage Points" section of your account dashboard. Look for something like "Buy Points" or "Buy & Gift Points."
Sub-heading B: During the Reservation Process (If You're Short on Points)
Begin booking an award stay: Search for your desired hotel and dates, selecting the "Use Points / Awards" option.
Proceed to the "Complete Your Booking" screen: If you don't have enough points for your reservation, Marriott will often present you with an option to "Purchase Points" directly on this page to complete your booking.
Step 3: Selecting the Number of Points to Purchase
Once you're on the "Buy Points" page, you'll typically see a selection interface.
Choose the quantity of points: You'll usually have options to select a pre-defined number of points, or you might be able to enter a custom amount.
Important Note: Marriott Bonvoy has annual limits on how many points you can purchase. Generally, members can purchase or receive as a gift a combined maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per calendar year. This limit can sometimes be increased during promotional periods.
Look for promotions! This is crucial. Marriott frequently offers bonus points promotions (e.g., 25% or 50% bonus points) when you purchase points. These promotions significantly increase the value of your purchase. Always check for active promotions before buying.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Purchase and Pricing
Before proceeding to payment, you'll see a summary of your purchase.
Check the total cost: The price per point can vary, but generally, Marriott points are sold at a base rate of around $12.50 per 1,000 points, which translates to 1.25 cents per point. However, with promotions, this cost can decrease significantly.
Verify the bonus points (if applicable): Ensure any promotional bonus points are correctly reflected in your total.
Confirm the total points you will receive: This includes both the base points and any bonus points.
Step 5: Providing Payment Information
This is just like any other online purchase.
Enter your payment details: You'll need to provide your credit or debit card information.
Review billing address: Make sure your billing address matches the card on file to avoid any issues.
Step 6: Completing the Transaction
Agree to the terms and conditions: Read through the purchase terms, including the non-refundable policy for purchased points.
Click "Buy Points" or "Complete Purchase": Once you've confirmed everything, finalize the transaction.
Step 7: Confirmation and Points Posting
After a successful purchase:
Receive a confirmation message/email: Marriott will send you a confirmation of your purchase.
Wait for points to post: Purchased Marriott Bonvoy points typically post to your account within 72 hours after the transaction is complete. While often faster, always allow for this timeframe, especially if you need the points for an immediate redemption.
Important Considerations When Buying Marriott Bonvoy Points
Value Proposition: Generally, buying points speculatively without a specific redemption in mind is not recommended. The best time to buy points is when there's an active promotion and you have a high-value redemption in mind where buying points costs less than paying the cash rate for the room. Marriott Bonvoy points are typically valued by experts around 0.7-0.9 cents per point, so aim to buy them for less than this if possible.
Promotions are Key: Never buy Marriott Bonvoy points at full price. Always wait for a sale or bonus offer. These promotions can range from 25% to 50% bonus points, significantly reducing your per-point cost.
Annual Limits: Remember the 100,000 points annual limit (or higher during promotions). Plan your purchases accordingly.
Non-Refundable: Once purchased, Marriott Bonvoy points are non-refundable. Be certain of your need for them before completing the transaction.
Elite Status Earning: Buying points does not count towards earning Marriott Bonvoy Elite Night Credits or Elite Status. These are earned through qualifying stays at Marriott properties.
Payment Method: Consider using a credit card that offers bonus points on travel or everyday purchases to maximize your rewards from the purchase itself.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
To check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance, log in to your account on Marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your current points balance will be prominently displayed on your dashboard.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for a free night?
To use Marriott Bonvoy points for a free night, log in to your account, search for hotels and dates, and select the "Use Points / Awards" option. The search results will show properties available for point redemption.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member?
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member by contacting Marriott Bonvoy Customer Engagement Center. There's usually a minimum and maximum transfer limit per year, and both accounts must be in good standing.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles?
Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to over 40 airline partners, typically at a 3:1 ratio (3 Marriott Bonvoy points for 1 airline mile). You often receive a bonus (e.g., 5,000 bonus miles) for every 60,000 points transferred. You can initiate this transfer through your Marriott Bonvoy account online.
How to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points besides buying them?
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through hotel stays, using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards, participating in promotions, booking through Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities, and even dining at participating restaurants through Eat Around Town.
How to find Marriott Bonvoy point promotions?
Marriott Bonvoy point promotions are usually advertised on the Marriott.com homepage, within your Marriott Bonvoy account dashboard, or you might receive emails directly from Marriott Bonvoy if you're subscribed to their marketing communications. Travel blogs and points news sites also frequently report on these promotions.
How to maximize the value of my purchased Marriott Bonvoy points?
To maximize value, aim to buy points during promotions (when they're cheaper) and redeem them for high-value hotel stays, especially those where the cash rate is significantly higher than the equivalent point cost. Look for "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" deals on award stays.
How to know if buying Marriott Bonvoy points is worth it?
Buying Marriott Bonvoy points is worth it if the cost per point (after any bonuses) is lower than the value you expect to get from your redemption. Calculate the "cents per point" value of your desired award stay (cash price / points needed) and compare it to your purchase price per point.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for Marriott Bonvoy Moments?
Marriott Bonvoy Moments are exclusive experiences (e.g., concerts, culinary events, sporting events) that can be redeemed using points. You can browse and bid on or instantly redeem for these experiences on the dedicated Marriott Bonvoy Moments website.
How to avoid Marriott Bonvoy points expiration?
Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity in your account. Any qualifying activity, such as earning or redeeming points, will reset the 24-month clock. This includes hotel stays, credit card spending, transferring points, or even buying points.
