How Long Does It Take for Marriott Points to Show Up After a Stay? Your Comprehensive Guide to Earning Rewards
Ever checked out of a fantastic Marriott stay, already dreaming of your next free night, only to find your points balance stubbornly unchanged? You're not alone! It's a common question among Marriott Bonvoy members: "How long does it really take for those hard-earned points to show up after a stay?"
Let's dive deep into the world of Marriott Bonvoy points posting, so you can stop refreshing your app every five minutes and start planning your next redemption!
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| How Long Does It Take For Marriott Points To Show Up After A Stay |
Step 1: First, let's set the stage: Did you do everything right?
Before we even talk about waiting times, let's make sure you've laid the groundwork for your points to post smoothly. Think of it as preparing the runway for your points to land.
1.1. Ensure Your Marriott Bonvoy Number Was Linked
This might seem obvious, but it's the #1 reason for missing points. Did you provide your Marriott Bonvoy member number when you booked your stay? Was it correctly linked at check-in?
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Direct Bookings are Key: Points are primarily earned on stays booked directly through Marriott's official channels:
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Marriott.com (website)
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Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App
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Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service
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Directly with the hotel
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Beware of Third-Party Bookings: If you booked through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, or a wholesale package (like Costco Travel), your stay is generally not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. While you might sometimes be able to add your Bonvoy number at check-in, the underlying rate typically doesn't qualify. It's a common trap, so be mindful!
1.2. Check for Eligible Charges and Rates
Not all charges or room rates at a Marriott property earn points. Generally, points are earned on:
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The room rate itself (when booked directly and an eligible rate).
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Incidentals charged to your room, such as dining, spa services, and other property amenities.
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Ineligible Charges: Be aware that certain charges, like taxes, service charges, tips, and gift shop purchases (unless charged to the room as an incidental), may not earn points. Group rates where the member doesn't directly pay the hotel, or stays redeemed with vouchers, are also usually ineligible.
Step 2: The Standard Waiting Game: What to Expect
Now that we've covered the prerequisites, let's talk about the typical timeframe for your Marriott Bonvoy points to appear in your account.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
2.1. The Official Guideline: Up to 10 Business Days
Marriott's official stance is that points for eligible stays will automatically appear in your Marriott Bonvoy® Account within 72 hours following the completion of your Stay. However, they also state it can take up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to post.
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Why the discrepancy? The "72 hours" is often the ideal scenario, while "10 business days" is the maximum timeframe to allow for processing, especially during peak periods or for stays at certain international properties.
2.2. Real-World Experience: Often Faster, Sometimes Slower
From numerous member reports and anecdotal evidence, you'll find that:
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Many stays post within 2-3 days. This is especially true for properties within the same region where you hold your account.
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Some stays might take 5-7 days.
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Occasionally, it will take the full 10 business days. Don't panic if it's nearing the end of this window.
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What's a "Business Day?" Remember, business days typically exclude weekends and public holidays. So if you check out on a Friday, the clock effectively restarts on Monday.
Step 3: When Points Don't Show Up: Taking Action
If the 10 business days have passed and your points are still missing, it's time to take proactive steps.
3.1. Gather Your Documentation
Before you contact Marriott, make sure you have the following information handy:
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Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number: Essential for them to look up your account.
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Hotel Name and Location: The specific property where you stayed.
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Check-in and Check-out Dates: The exact dates of your stay.
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Confirmation Number: The booking confirmation number for your reservation.
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Copy of Your Hotel Bill (Folio): This is crucial. Your folio clearly shows all eligible charges and confirms your stay. If you don't have it, you'll need to contact the hotel directly to request a copy.
3.2. Submit a Missing Stay Request Online
Marriott offers a convenient online form for reporting missing stays. This is generally the most efficient way to initiate a claim.
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How to Access the Form:
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Go to the Marriott Bonvoy website (Marriott.com).
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Sign in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
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Navigate to your "Account Activity" or "My Account" section.
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Look for a link or option related to "Missing Stay Request" or "Request Credit for a Completed Stay."
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Fill in all the required fields, including the stay details and your member number.
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Upload a copy of your hotel bill (folio). This step is vital for a quick resolution.
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Important Note: You generally cannot submit a missing stay request until at least 10 business days have passed since your check-out date. Trying to submit it earlier will likely result in a message telling you to wait.
3.3. What Happens After Submitting the Request?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Once you submit the online form:
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You should receive a confirmation that your request has been received.
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Marriott will typically investigate the claim.
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Allow up to 10 business days for your missing stay request to be processed and the points to be credited to your account. In many cases, it can be much faster, especially if you provided all the necessary documentation upfront.
3.4. If the Online Form Doesn't Work or You Need Further Assistance
While the online form is the preferred method, sometimes technical glitches occur, or you might have a more complex situation (e.g., multiple missing stays, issues with the folio). In such cases:
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Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service: You can find phone numbers for customer service on the Marriott website. Be prepared to provide all your stay details and potentially email your hotel folio.
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Email: Some members have reported success emailing bonvoy.program@marriott.com with their details and folio attached, especially if the online form is problematic. Include your full name and Bonvoy number.
Step 4: Common Reasons for Delayed or Missing Points
Understanding why points might not show up can help you prevent issues in the future.
4.1. Third-Party Bookings
As mentioned, bookings made through OTAs are generally ineligible. Marriott doesn't earn revenue on these bookings in the same way, and thus, doesn't reward loyalty points.
4.2. Group Rates Not Paid Directly by Member
If you were part of a group booking and the master bill was paid by a company or organizer, and you didn't directly pay the hotel for your room, your stay might not qualify for points.
4.3. System Delays
Sometimes, it's simply a delay in Marriott's internal systems processing the stay information from the individual hotel. This is usually resolved within the 10-business-day window.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
4.4. Incorrect Member Number
A typo in your Marriott Bonvoy member number at the time of booking or check-in can prevent points from posting to your account.
4.5. Retroactive Credit Limits
You can typically request credit for a missing stay up to one year after the applicable qualifying stay. For new members, points can be requested for eligible stays incurred within 30 days prior to enrollment in the program.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence Pay Off!
While waiting for your Marriott Bonvoy points can be frustrating, remember that the system generally works. Patience is key during the initial 10-business-day period. If points don't appear, persistence in submitting a clear and well-documented missing stay request will almost always resolve the issue. Your Marriott Bonvoy points are valuable, and they're worth the effort to ensure they land in your account!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Marriott Bonvoy Point Balance?
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You can check your Marriott Bonvoy point balance by logging into your account on Marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App. Your points balance is usually prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to Find My Marriott Bonvoy Member Number?
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Your Marriott Bonvoy member number is displayed within your online account profile on Marriott.com and in the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App. It's also often included on emails from Marriott Bonvoy.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
How to Get a Copy of My Hotel Bill for a Missing Stay Claim?
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You can typically request a copy of your hotel bill (folio) directly from the hotel where you stayed. Many hotels can email it to you. If you have signed up for eFolio, you should also receive it automatically via email after check-out.
How to Ensure My Stay is Eligible for Marriott Bonvoy Points?
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Always book directly through Marriott's official channels (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott customer service, or directly with the hotel). Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is associated with the reservation. Avoid third-party booking sites.
How to Submit a Missing Stay Request for Marriott Bonvoy Points?
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Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com, navigate to "Account Activity," and look for the "Missing Stay Request" form. Fill it out completely and upload a copy of your hotel folio.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service for Missing Points?
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If the online form isn't working or you need further assistance, you can find the relevant phone number for Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service on the Marriott website under the "Help" or "Contact Us" sections.
How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points Faster?
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Earn more points by achieving Elite Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc., which offer bonus points on stays), using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, participating in promotions, and earning points on non-stay activities like dining or car rentals through Marriott partners.
How to Track the Status of a Missing Stay Request?
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While there isn't always a specific "tracker" for individual missing stay requests in your online account, you'll typically see the points post once the request is processed. If it takes longer than the advised 10 business days, you can follow up with Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service.
How to Prevent Missing Points on Future Marriott Stays?
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Always book directly with Marriott, double-check that your Bonvoy member number is on the reservation, and confirm with the front desk at check-in that your number is linked to your stay. Keep a copy of your folio.
How to Earn Points for Stays Before Joining Marriott Bonvoy?
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New Marriott Bonvoy members can request credit for eligible stays that occurred up to 30 days prior to their enrollment in the program, provided they submit the request within 60 days of the stay and have the paid receipt.
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