Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever found yourself just a few Marriott Bonvoy points short of that dream vacation or an incredible upgrade? It's a common dilemma, and thankfully, Marriott Bonvoy offers a solution: buying points. But before you hit that "buy" button, it's crucial to understand the ins and outs, especially how many Marriott points you can actually purchase per year.
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying Marriott Bonvoy points, from the annual limits and costs to how to make the most of your purchase. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Eligible to Buy Marriott Bonvoy Points? - The First Check!
Before we even talk about numbers, let's confirm your eligibility. Have you been a Marriott Bonvoy member for a while, or are you just starting your journey with them?
Existing Members: If you're an active member in good standing, you're likely eligible.
New Members: If you've just signed up for Marriott Bonvoy, 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 eyeing a specific redemption.
If you meet these basic criteria, you're ready to proceed!
Step 2: Understanding the Annual Purchase Limits for Marriott Bonvoy Points
This is where the core of your question lies. Marriott Bonvoy has specific limits on how many points you can buy within a calendar year. It's not a single, static number, but rather depends on how you purchase them.
Sub-heading: Standard Purchase Limit via Buy Points Storefront
The most common way to buy points is directly through the Marriott Bonvoy "Buy Points" or "Gift Points" storefronts on their website (powered by Points.com).
Current Standard Limit (2025): As of 2025, members can purchase or receive points purchased by another member as a gift for a combined maximum of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year through these storefronts or via Customer Engagement Centers. This limit was recently increased from 100,000 points.
Sub-heading: Additional Purchase Limit When Booking a Stay
There's a special provision if you're trying to top up your account to complete a specific award reservation.
Reservation Path Limit: You can purchase up to an additional 100,000 points annually when you are actively booking a hotel stay through the reservation path on marriott.com and you don't have enough points for the redemption. This means you could potentially acquire a grand total of 250,000 points in a calendar year (150,000 standard + 100,000 during booking).
Important Note: These limits are per calendar year (January 1st to December 31st). Once you hit your limit, you'll need to wait until the next calendar year for it to reset.
Step 3: How Much Do Marriott Bonvoy Points Cost? - The Price of Redemption
Knowing the limits is one thing, but what about the cost? Marriott Bonvoy points generally have a set price, though this can fluctuate with promotions.
Standard Price: The general rate for purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points is $12.50 USD per 1,000 points. This means each point costs approximately 1.25 cents.
Purchase Increments: Points can typically be purchased in increments of 1,000 points. During some promotions, you might see larger increments like 5,000 points.
Sub-heading: Look Out for Promotions! - Save Big on Your Purchase
This is where the value often comes in! Marriott Bonvoy frequently runs promotions on point purchases. These promotions can offer:
Bonus Points: You might get a percentage of bonus points on your purchase (e.g., "buy 40,000 points, get 45% bonus").
Discounted Price: Occasionally, they might offer a direct discount on the purchase price.
Pro Tip: Never buy Marriott Bonvoy points at their standard rate unless absolutely necessary for an immediate, high-value redemption. Always wait for a promotion if you can. A 40% or 45% bonus can significantly reduce your per-point cost, making your purchased points much more valuable. Keep an eye on the Marriott Bonvoy website or travel deal blogs for announcements on these sales.
Step 4: Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Marriott Bonvoy Points
Ready to buy? Here's how to do it:
Sub-heading: Buying Points Through the Dedicated Storefront
This is the most common and straightforward method.
Access the Buy Points Page:
Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com).
Navigate to the "Loyalty" or "Marriott Bonvoy" section.
Look for a link or section titled "Buy Points" or "Purchase Points." You might also find it under "How to Use Points/Certificates" or "Member Benefits."
You will likely be directed to a login screen first. Enter your Marriott Bonvoy account details.
Select Purchase Amount:
On the Buy Points storefront, you'll see options to select the number of points you wish to purchase. These are usually in increments of 1,000.
If a promotion is active, ensure you understand the minimum purchase required to qualify for the bonus. The bonus points will typically be automatically calculated and displayed.
Review Order Details:
Before proceeding, carefully review the total cost, the number of points you're purchasing, and any bonus points you'll receive.
Check for any applicable taxes or fees (e.g., GST/HST for Canadian residents, QST for Quebec residents).
Enter Payment Information:
Provide your credit card details. Ensure the billing address matches the information on file with your credit card company to avoid any issues.
Confirm and Complete Purchase:
Read and accept the terms and conditions.
Click "Buy Points" or "Complete Purchase."
Confirmation and Point Deposit:
You should receive an email confirmation of your purchase.
Marriott Bonvoy points typically post to your account within 72 hours after the transaction is complete, but it can sometimes be quicker. Be patient if they don't appear instantly.
Sub-heading: Buying Points During a Reservation Booking
If you're short on points for an award stay, you can often buy them directly during the booking process.
Start Your Award Reservation:
Begin booking an award stay on marriott.com as you normally would, selecting "Use Points/Certificates."
Proceed to "Complete Your Booking" Screen:
As you move through the booking process, if you don't have sufficient points, you'll see an option to "Purchase Points" on the "Complete Your Booking" screen.
Select the Number of Points Needed:
Click "Purchase Points" and select the exact number of points required to complete your booking. This option is designed to help you bridge the gap for a specific redemption. Remember, this purchase will count towards your annual 100,000-point reservation path limit.
Continue to Payment and Finalize:
Proceed to the payment screen to complete the purchase of these additional points along with your reservation.
The points should be credited to your account to allow the reservation to go through.
Step 5: When Does it Make Sense to Buy Marriott Bonvoy Points? - Strategic Purchases
Buying points isn't always the best option. Here are scenarios where it can be beneficial:
"Top-Up" for a Specific Redemption: If you're just a few thousand points short of a high-value award night, especially during a PointSavers promotion, buying a small amount can be incredibly cost-effective.
High Cash Prices vs. Points: When the cash rate for a hotel stay is exorbitant, but the points redemption value is reasonable, buying points (especially with a bonus) can save you a significant amount of money. Compare the cash price to the cost of purchasing the required points.
Taking Advantage of Promotions: The only time it generally makes sense to buy a larger quantity of points is during a strong promotion (e.g., 40-45% bonus). This lowers your effective cost per point.
Maintaining Account Activity: If your Marriott Bonvoy points are nearing expiration due to inactivity, buying a small amount of points (even 1,000) will reset the 24-month clock, preventing forfeiture of your accumulated points.
Step 6: Things to Consider Before You Buy - The Fine Print
Before committing to a purchase, keep these points in mind:
Non-Refundable: Once purchased, Marriott Bonvoy points are generally non-refundable. Make sure you're confident in your decision.
No Elite Status Qualification: Points purchased do not count towards qualifying for or maintaining Marriott Bonvoy elite status. Elite status is earned through eligible nights stayed or spending on co-branded credit cards.
Expiration Policy: Purchased points are subject to the standard Marriott Bonvoy point expiration policy. If your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months, your points will expire. Earning or redeeming points (including purchasing them) resets this clock.
Value of Points: While there's no fixed value, many analyses suggest Marriott Bonvoy points are typically worth around 0.7 to 0.9 cents per point. Compare the cost of buying points to the value you'll get from your redemption. If you're paying more than what you'd typically redeem them for, it might not be a smart move.
Credit Card Bonuses: Consider if a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card might offer a better way to earn points through everyday spending or welcome bonuses.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to Check My Marriott Bonvoy Point Balance and Activity?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your point balance is prominently displayed, and you can access your activity history to see all earnings and redemptions.
How to Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to Another Member?
You can transfer points to another Marriott Bonvoy member by contacting Marriott Bonvoy Member Services. There is generally a limit of 100,000 points you can transfer from your account and 500,000 points you can receive as a gift per calendar year.
How to Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points for Free Nights?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, search for hotels, and select "Use Points/Certificates" when making a reservation. You can then see the points required for different room types and dates.
How to Find Out About Marriott Bonvoy Points Promotions?
Keep an eye on the "Special Offers" or "Promotions" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website. Also, subscribe to their email newsletters and follow reputable travel blogs that track loyalty program deals.
How to Combine Multiple Marriott Bonvoy Accounts?
If you have multiple Marriott Bonvoy accounts under your name, you can request to combine them by contacting Marriott Bonvoy Member Services. This allows you to consolidate all your points into one account.
How to Use Marriott Bonvoy Points for Upgrades?
While booking an award stay, or sometimes even after, you may have the option to use additional points to upgrade your room to a better view, larger room, or even a suite at select properties. Look for "point upgrades" during the booking process or inquire at the front desk.
How to Prevent Marriott Bonvoy Points from Expiring?
To keep your points from expiring, ensure there is qualifying activity in your account at least once every 24 months. This includes earning points (from stays, credit cards, partners), redeeming points, or purchasing points.
How to Use Marriott Bonvoy Points for Non-Stay Redemptions?
Beyond free nights, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points for a variety of other redemptions, including Marriott Bonvoy Moments (exclusive experiences), gift cards, travel packages (flight + hotel), and even transferring them to airline partners.
How to Determine the Value of My Marriott Bonvoy Points?
The value of your points can vary greatly depending on how you redeem them. To calculate an approximate value, divide the cash cost of a stay by the number of points required. For example, if a room costs $200 or 20,000 points, your points are worth 1 cent each ($200 / 20,000 = $0.01).
How to Get More Marriott Bonvoy Points Without Buying Them?
The best ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without purchasing them include staying at Marriott properties, using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards for everyday spending, transferring points from partners (like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards), and participating in Marriott Bonvoy promotions.
