Ever found yourself eyeing that dream Marriott stay, only to realize your points balance isn't quite cutting it? Or perhaps you're just a few thousand points shy of a fantastic redemption? You're not alone! Many Marriott Bonvoy members consider purchasing points to top up their accounts or unlock aspirational stays. But the big question always is: how much do Marriott Bonvoy points cost to buy, and is it ever really worth it?
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points, from the standard cost to understanding promotions, and ultimately, how to decide if it's the right move for your travel goals.
The Cost of Convenience: Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Point Pricing
Let's get straight to the numbers. Marriott Bonvoy typically sells points at a standard rate, but the real value often comes during special promotions.
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| How Much Do Marriott Bonvoy Points Cost To Buy |
Standard Purchase Rate
Marriott Bonvoy generally sells points at a base rate of $12.50 USD per 1,000 points. This translates to a cost of 1.25 cents per point ($0.0125/point).
So, if you wanted to buy 10,000 points, it would cost you $125. For 50,000 points, it would be $625.
The Power of Promotions: When to Buy!
This is where buying points can potentially become a smart strategy. Marriott Bonvoy frequently runs promotions where they offer a bonus on purchased points. These bonuses can range from 20% to as high as 100% (effectively halving the per-point cost).
For example, during a 100% bonus promotion, you'd get 2,000 points for $12.50 USD, effectively bringing the cost down to 0.625 cents per point ($0.00625/point). This is often the sweet spot for savvy travelers looking to maximize their value.
It's crucial to be patient and wait for these sales. Buying points at the standard rate is almost never a good deal unless you have an immediate, high-value redemption in mind and absolutely no other way to acquire the points.
Purchase Limits
Marriott Bonvoy imposes limits on how many points you can purchase in a calendar year:
Standard Purchase Limit: Members can typically purchase up to 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year through the general "Buy Points" portal.
Reservation Path Purchase Limit: If you're short on points while making a reservation, you might be able to purchase an additional 100,000 points annually through the reservation path on the Marriott website. This means, in total, you could potentially buy up to 200,000 points in a year, though the additional 100,000 is only available when actively booking a stay.
Important Note: New Marriott Bonvoy members generally need to wait 30 days after enrollment before they are eligible to purchase points.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Step-by-Step Guide: Buying Marriott Bonvoy Points
Ready to dive in? Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points.
Step 1: Are you a Marriott Bonvoy Member?
Before you can even think about buying points, you need to be a Marriott Bonvoy member. If you're not already, joining is absolutely free!
Sub-heading 1.1: Joining Marriott Bonvoy
Navigate to the
Marriott Bonvoy website Look for the "Join Now" or "Sign Up" button.
Follow the prompts to create your account. You'll typically need to provide your name, email, and create a password.
Congratulations! You're now a Marriott Bonvoy member and can start exploring the world of points.
Step 2: Accessing the "Buy Points" Portal
Once you're a member, purchasing points is straightforward.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging In
Go to the Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com).
Click on "Sign In" in the top right corner and enter your account credentials.
Sub-heading 2.2: Finding the "Buy Points" Section
Once logged in, hover over your name/account icon in the top right.
From the dropdown menu, select "Buy Points" or "Purchase Points." This will take you to the dedicated points purchase page. Sometimes, this link can also be found under the "Use Points and Awards" or "Earn Points" sections.
Step 3: Choosing Your Purchase Amount
On the "Buy Points" page, you'll see options for how many points you wish to purchase.
Sub-heading 3.1: Increments and Pricing
Points are typically sold in increments of 1,000 points.
You'll see the cost clearly displayed for each increment. For example, it might show "1,000 Points for $12.50," "5,000 Points for $62.50," and so on.
If a promotion is active, the bonus points will often be automatically factored into the displayed amount, or a separate line item will show your bonus. For instance, you might see "Purchase 50,000 points, Get 25,000 Bonus Points (Total 75,000 points) for $625."
Sub-heading 3.2: Utilizing Promotions
If you're waiting for a promotion, do not buy points at the standard rate. Keep an eye on your email from Marriott Bonvoy or check popular points and miles blogs for announcements of sales.
When a promotion is live, ensure you select an amount that maximizes the bonus. Sometimes there are tiers (e.g., a higher bonus for purchasing more points).
Step 4: Entering Payment Information
Once you've selected your desired points amount, you'll proceed to the payment section.
Sub-heading 4.1: Secure Payment Gateway
Marriott's points purchases are often handled by a third-party vendor (like Points.com). Don't be alarmed if the payment page looks slightly different from the main Marriott website. It's a secure portal.
Enter your credit card details (card number, expiration date, CVV).
Sub-heading 4.2: Considering Credit Card Benefits
This is a critical step for maximizing value! Consider using a credit card that offers bonus points on travel purchases or a Marriott co-branded credit card.
For example, if you have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you might earn extra points on your points purchase itself, further reducing your effective cost. Check your card's earning categories.
Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Purchase
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Always double-check your order before finalizing.
Sub-heading 5.1: Verifying Details
Review the total number of points you're purchasing (including any bonus).
Confirm the total cost.
Read through the terms and conditions.
Sub-heading 5.2: Completing the Transaction
Click the "Confirm" or "Complete Purchase" button.
You'll typically receive an email confirmation of your purchase within a few minutes.
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Step 6: Points Posting to Your Account
After your purchase, the points won't appear instantly, but usually quite quickly.
Sub-heading 6.1: Processing Time
Marriott Bonvoy states that purchased points will typically post to your account within 72 hours of the transaction being complete.
In most cases, however, they arrive much faster, often within minutes or a few hours.
Sub-heading 6.2: Verifying Points Balance
Log back into your Marriott Bonvoy account and check your points balance to confirm the new points have been added.
Is Buying Marriott Bonvoy Points Worth It? A Value Analysis
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer is: it depends. Generally, buying points speculatively (without a specific redemption in mind) is a bad idea. Points can devalue over time. However, there are scenarios where purchasing points can be highly advantageous.
When Buying Points Might Be Worth It:
Topping Off for a Specific Redemption: If you're just a few thousand points shy of booking a specific award night that offers excellent value, buying the small amount needed can be a great move.
High-Value Luxury Stays: Sometimes, especially at high-end Marriott properties (like St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, EDITION) where cash rates can be exorbitant, using points can offer significantly better value. If buying points at a promotional rate (e.g., 0.625 cents per point) allows you to book a suite that would cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, it can be a steal.
The "Fifth Night Free" Perk: Marriott Bonvoy offers a "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit on award stays. When you redeem points for five consecutive nights, the lowest point value night is free. This effectively gives you a 20% discount on your points redemption for those stays, making purchased points even more valuable if you can utilize this perk.
When Cash Rates are Inflated: During peak seasons or at popular destinations, cash rates for hotels can skyrocket. If the cost of buying points (especially during a sale) for an award stay is substantially less than the cash rate, it can be a smart financial decision.
When Buying Points is Not Worth It:
Without a Specific Plan: Don't buy points just because there's a sale. If you don't have an immediate, high-value redemption in mind, you risk holding onto points that could devalue.
Low-Value Redemptions: For lower-tier Marriott properties or during off-peak times when cash rates are low, the cost of purchasing points might exceed the cash value of the room. Always do the math!
When Better Earning Opportunities Exist: If you frequently stay at Marriott properties or have a Marriott co-branded credit card, earning points through stays and everyday spending is generally more cost-effective than buying them.
Expiration Concerns: Marriott Bonvoy points do expire if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months. If you buy points and then don't have any activity, you could lose them. (Note: Lifetime Elite members are exempt from point expiration).
Calculating Your Value Per Point (CPP)
To determine if buying points is a good deal, calculate the "cents per point" (CPP) you'd be getting from your redemption.
Formula:
Compare your calculated CPP to the cost per point if you were to buy them (e.g., 1.25 cents or 0.625 cents during a promotion). If your redemption CPP is significantly higher than your purchase CPP, then buying points for that stay is likely a good value.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Points (Beyond Buying)
While buying points can be a useful tool, remember it's just one piece of the puzzle. Here are other ways to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy experience:
Earn Points Through Stays: The most direct way to earn points is by staying at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Members earn a minimum of 10 points per $1 USD spent on eligible charges. Elite members earn even more!
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Co-branded credit cards offer substantial welcome bonuses and accelerated earning rates on everyday spending and Marriott purchases.
Transferring Points from Partners: Marriott Bonvoy is a transfer partner with various flexible points programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. This can be an excellent way to top up your account.
Marriott Bonvoy Promotions: Keep an eye out for global and regional promotions offering bonus points on stays.
"Stay for 5, Pay for 4" on Award Stays: As mentioned, this is a fantastic benefit for longer redemptions.
PointSavers: These are periodic discounts on award redemptions at select hotels, offering a chance to use fewer points for a stay.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the value of Marriott Bonvoy points?
To calculate the value, divide the cash price of a hotel room (including taxes and fees) by the number of points required for that same room, then multiply by 100. This gives you the "cents per point" (CPP) value.
How to know when Marriott Bonvoy points are on sale?
Marriott Bonvoy typically announces points sales via email to its members and through its official website. Additionally, popular travel and points blogs often publicize these promotions as soon as they go live.
How to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points as a gift for someone else?
You can typically purchase points as a gift for another Marriott Bonvoy member through the same "Buy Points" portal. You'll need their Marriott Bonvoy account number and their last name. The limits for gifted points are generally the same as for self-purchased points.
How to combine Marriott Bonvoy points from different accounts?
Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer points to another member's account. This usually incurs a fee unless you are transferring points for free as part of a specific benefit (e.g., if you have a certain elite status). There are also limits on how many points can be transferred per year.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
How to avoid Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?
To prevent your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring, you need to have qualifying activity in your account at least once every 24 consecutive months. This includes earning points (from stays, credit card spending, etc.), redeeming points, or purchasing points.
How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or app, search for your desired destination and dates, and then select the option to "Use Points/Awards" or "Flexible Dates" with the "Use Points" filter. The search results will show the point cost for available rooms.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for experiences (Moments)?
Marriott Bonvoy Moments allows you to redeem points for unique experiences, such as concerts, sporting events, and culinary adventures. You can browse and bid on these experiences on the dedicated Marriott Bonvoy Moments website.
How to get a better value when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points?
To get better value, aim for high-end hotel redemptions, utilize the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit, look for PointSavers deals, and travel during off-peak seasons when point redemptions are lower.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points without staying at hotels?
Beyond buying, you can earn points through Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards, transferring points from partners like American Express and Chase, dining at participating restaurants via Eat Around Town, or booking car rentals with Hertz.
How to know if a specific hotel offers good value for Marriott Bonvoy points?
Compare the cash rate of the hotel (including all taxes and fees) for your desired dates with the number of points required for the same stay. Calculate the cents per point (CPP) value, and then compare it to how much you'd pay per point if you were to buy them (especially during a sale). If the CPP is higher than your purchase cost, it's generally a good value.
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