You've just enjoyed a fantastic Marriott stay, perhaps indulged in some delicious room service, or even earned points through a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card. Now, the excitement builds: when will those hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points actually show up in your account? It's a question many travelers ask, and getting a clear answer helps with planning future redemptions and tracking your elite status progress.
Let's dive into the fascinating world of Marriott Bonvoy point posting, with a step-by-step guide to understanding the process and what to do if your points seem to be playing hide-and-seek.
Understanding the Marriott Bonvoy Point Posting Timeline: A Comprehensive Guide
The good news is that for most activities, Marriott Bonvoy points are relatively quick to appear. However, there can be some variations depending on how you earned them. Understanding these timelines is key to avoiding unnecessary worry.
Step 1: Initial Expectations - The "Standard" Posting Time
Alright, let's get right to it! Have you recently checked out of a Marriott hotel, or perhaps just made a significant purchase on your Marriott Bonvoy credit card? The first thing to know is the general expectation for points to hit your account.
For Hotel Stays:
The Golden Rule: For qualifying hotel stays where your Marriott Bonvoy member number was correctly associated with the booking, points typically appear in your account within 72 hours (3 business days) following the completion of your stay (i.e., after check-out). This is the most common scenario, and often, points will post even faster!
The Upper Limit: While 72 hours is the norm, Marriott's official policy states that it can take up to 10 business days for eligible points from a completed stay to post to your account. This 10-business-day window is important to remember before you start to panic. Weekends and public holidays don't count as business days, so factor that in if your checkout falls before a long weekend.
For Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Cards:
Statement Cycle Dependent: Points earned through your Marriott Bonvoy credit card (like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Brilliant, or Business cards) generally post to your Marriott Bonvoy account after your monthly credit card statement closes. So, if your statement closes on the 15th of the month, you can expect those points to appear shortly thereafter, usually within a few days of the statement generation. These points do not typically appear on your credit card statement itself, but directly in your Bonvoy account.
For Other Earning Activities (e.g., dining, events, partners):
Varies by Partner: For points earned through activities like dining at participating restaurants (without a stay), Marriott Bonvoy Moments redemptions, or through partner promotions, the posting time can vary. It's always best to check the specific terms and conditions of that particular earning opportunity, but generally, expect a few days to a couple of weeks.
Step 2: Monitoring Your Account - Your Digital Lifeline
Now that you know the general timelines, it's time to become your own Marriott Bonvoy detective! Regularly monitoring your account is crucial to ensure all your hard-earned points are credited correctly.
Sub-heading: Logging In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account
The easiest way to check your point balance and activity is through the official Marriott Bonvoy channels:
Marriott Bonvoy Website:
Navigate to Marriott.com and log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Once logged in, your current point balance is usually prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
To see a detailed list of your point activity, look for a link or section usually titled "Account Activity" or "My Activity." This will show you a breakdown of points earned from stays, credit card spending, promotions, and any redemptions made.
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App:
Download and open the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app on your smartphone.
Log in with your credentials.
Your point balance will typically be visible on the main screen.
Tap on "Account" (usually at the bottom of the screen) and then "Account Activity" to view a comprehensive history of your points.
Sub-heading: What to Look For
When reviewing your account activity, pay close attention to:
Date of Transaction: Does it align with your check-out date for hotel stays, or your statement close date for credit card points?
Points Earned: Does the number of points reflect what you expected based on your stay or spending? Remember, different brands and elite statuses earn points at different rates.
Elite Night Credits: For hotel stays, also verify that your Elite Night Credits (ENCs) have posted. These are crucial for reaching and maintaining elite status.
Step 3: The Waiting Game - When to Be Patient
It's tempting to hit refresh every five minutes, but patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to loyalty points.
Sub-heading: The "Still Pending" Phase
Before the 10 Business Day Mark: If it's been a few days since your checkout or statement close, and your points aren't there yet, don't panic. Remember the 10 business day window for hotel stays. Many factors can contribute to a slight delay, including system updates, high transaction volume, or even a minor discrepancy in your booking.
Credit Card Points: For credit card points, if your statement has just closed, give it a few days. Banks and loyalty programs have different processing times.
Step 4: Action Time! What to Do If Points Are Missing
If the standard waiting period has passed (i.e., more than 10 business days for a hotel stay, or a reasonable time after your credit card statement closure), it's time to take action. Marriott Bonvoy has a clear process for reporting missing points.
Sub-heading: Submitting a Missing Stay Request (for Hotel Stays)
This is the primary method for resolving missing points from a hotel stay.
Gather Your Information: Before you start, have the following details ready:
Marriott Bonvoy Member Number: Your account number.
Hotel Name and Location: The specific property where you stayed.
Check-in and Check-out Dates: The exact dates of your stay.
Confirmation Number: The booking confirmation number for your reservation.
Copy of Your Folio (Hotel Bill): This is crucial and often required. It proves your stay and the eligible charges. You can usually request this from the hotel directly or sometimes find it in your online past stays if you booked digitally.
Access the Missing Stay Form:
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website.
Look for a section related to "Missing Stays," "Request Credit for a Missing Stay," or "Account Activity" which often has a link to "Report a Missing Stay." Marriott's help pages also provide direct links.
Note: You generally cannot submit a missing stay request until at least 10 business days have passed since your check-out date.
Fill Out the Form: Carefully enter all the requested information. Attach your hotel folio if prompted.
Submit and Follow Up:
Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation of your request.
Allow up to 10 business days for Marriott to process your missing stay request. They will investigate and, if approved, credit the points and elite nights to your account.
If you haven't heard back or seen the points after this period, contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support directly by phone. Having your missing stay request reference number handy will expedite the process.
Sub-heading: For Credit Card Points
If your credit card points aren't posting after your statement closes and a reasonable grace period (e.g., a week), you'll want to contact the credit card issuer directly (e.g., Chase or American Express, depending on your card). They are responsible for reporting your eligible spending to Marriott.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Prevention - A Proactive Approach
While delays can happen, there are steps you can take to minimize them and troubleshoot effectively.
Sub-heading: Common Reasons for Point Delays or Issues
Incorrect Member Number: This is one of the most frequent culprits. Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is always included in your reservation, and that it's the correct number.
Booking Channel: Points are typically only earned on bookings made directly with Marriott (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy App, or Marriott reservation lines). Bookings through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, etc., generally do not qualify for point earning or elite night credits.
Non-Qualifying Stays/Rates: Certain discounted rates, wholesale bookings, or complimentary stays may not earn points or elite night credits. Always check the terms of your booking.
Folio Discrepancies: Ensure all charges on your folio are correct and eligible for points.
System Glitches: While less common, sometimes there are internal system delays or errors at Marriott.
New Member Enrollment: If you enrolled in Marriott Bonvoy recently, points for stays within 30 days prior to your enrollment can be requested. This is a great perk for new members!
Sub-heading: Tips for a Smooth Point Posting Experience
Always add your Marriott Bonvoy member number to your reservation at the time of booking.
Verify your member number at check-in. A quick double-check can save a lot of hassle later.
Keep your hotel folios (bills) for at least a few months. It's your proof of stay.
Enroll in e-foliostatement delivery. This ensures you automatically receive your bill via email.
Monitor your Marriott Bonvoy account regularly. Don't wait until you need the points to realize they're missing.
Understand qualifying charges. Points are typically earned on room rate and eligible incidental charges (food, beverage, spa, etc., when charged to your room), but not on taxes, resort fees, or gratuities.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to understand, track, and, if necessary, claim your Marriott Bonvoy points, ensuring your loyalty is always rewarded!
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.com website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your current balance is typically displayed prominently on the main dashboard.
How to request credit for a missing Marriott Bonvoy stay?
To request credit for a missing Marriott Bonvoy stay, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com, navigate to the "Account Activity" or "Missing Stays" section, and fill out the online form. You'll need your hotel details, confirmation number, and a copy of your folio. You generally need to wait at least 10 business days after checkout before submitting the request.
How to get Marriott Bonvoy points faster?
To get Marriott Bonvoy points faster, you can utilize a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card for everyday spending, participate in Marriott Bonvoy promotions, earn points through partner activities (like dining programs), or host qualifying meetings and events.
How to prevent Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?
Marriott Bonvoy points expire if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months. To prevent expiration, simply have any qualifying activity (earning or redeeming points, purchasing points) on your account at least once every 24 months.
How to know if my Marriott Bonvoy stay was qualifying for points?
Generally, stays booked directly through Marriott channels (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott reservation lines) at eligible rates will qualify for points. Stays booked through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) typically do not. Always review the terms of your booking.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for missing points?
If you've submitted a missing stay request and the points haven't posted after the specified timeframe (10 business days after submission), or for other point-related inquiries, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support by phone. Their contact details are available on the Marriott.com website under "Contact Us."
How to earn elite night credits with Marriott Bonvoy?
Elite Night Credits (ENCs) are earned for each qualifying night stayed at Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels. You also earn ENCs through certain Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards (e.g., 15 ENCs annually for many cards).
How to find my Marriott Bonvoy member number?
Your Marriott Bonvoy member number can be found by logging into your account on Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. It's usually displayed on your account dashboard or profile section.
How to ensure my Marriott Bonvoy number is linked to my booking?
When making a reservation directly with Marriott, ensure you are logged into your Marriott Bonvoy account or manually enter your member number during the booking process. At check-in, you can always reconfirm with the front desk agent that your member number is associated with your reservation.
How to understand the different point earning rates at Marriott properties?
Marriott Bonvoy members earn points based on the brand of hotel and their elite status. Most brands earn 10 points per USD spent on qualifying charges, while extended-stay brands like Residence Inn or TownePlace Suites typically earn 5 points per USD. Elite members earn bonus points on top of the base earning rate (e.g., Silver Elite earns 10% bonus, Gold Elite 25%, Platinum Elite 50%, Titanium Elite 75%, Ambassador Elite 75%).
