Do you find yourself with a significant stash of Marriott Bonvoy points, perhaps from years of business travel, a credit card sign-up bonus, or simply accumulated stays, and you're wondering how to convert them into something more tangible? Well, you've come to the right place! While Marriott's official stance discourages the direct sale of points for cash, there are legitimate and secure ways to get value from your points if you're not planning a grand vacation anytime soon.
Let's dive into understanding your options and navigating this landscape effectively. Are you ready to unlock the hidden value in your Marriott Bonvoy points?
Navigating the Waters: Understanding Marriott's Stance and Your Options
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the official rules. Marriott Bonvoy's terms and conditions generally prohibit the sale or bartering of points for cash. Any unauthorized transfer, sale, or barter can lead to the confiscation of points and potential account termination. However, this doesn't mean you're out of luck. There's a secondary market that operates within a grey area, primarily through reputable points brokers. These brokers facilitate the "sale" by essentially redeeming your points for hotel stays for their clients, and then paying you a cash equivalent.
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| How To Sell Marriott Points |
The Nuance: "Selling" vs. "Transferring for Value"
It's important to distinguish. You aren't directly selling points to Marriott for cash. Instead, you're engaging with a third-party service that will facilitate the use of your points, and in return, you receive cash. This is a crucial distinction and the basis for how these transactions operate.
Step 1: Assess Your Marriott Bonvoy Point Hoard and Its Potential Value
The very first step is to understand what you have. How many Marriott Bonvoy points are sitting in your account? The value of Marriott points can fluctuate, but generally, they are valued by third-party brokers at a certain rate per point.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Point Balance
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Log In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account: Head over to the official Marriott Bonvoy website or app and log in using your credentials. Your point balance will be prominently displayed.
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Review Your Earning History: Take a moment to see how you've accumulated your points. This isn't strictly necessary for selling, but it can be insightful.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Per-Point Value
When you "sell" Marriott points, you won't get the same value as if you redeemed them for a high-value hotel stay. Reputable brokers typically offer a rate ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 cents per point. This can vary based on market demand and the volume of points you're selling.
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For example, if you have 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, at 0.6 cents per point, you could potentially receive $600.
Step 2: Research and Select a Reputable Points Broker
This is arguably the most critical step. The world of points brokering has its share of less-than-reputable players. You need to choose a company that is reliable, secure, and transparent.
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
Sub-heading: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker
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Reputation and Reviews: Look for brokers with a strong track record and positive customer reviews. Check independent review sites, forums, and even Reddit threads (like r/marriott or award travel communities) for feedback. Be wary of brokers with no online presence or overwhelmingly negative reviews.
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Security Measures: How do they handle your login credentials? Reputable brokers use encrypted forms and promise to delete your information after the transaction.
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Payment Speed and Methods: How quickly do they pay? Do they offer secure payment methods like PayPal or bank transfers? Many promise payment within hours of verification.
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Transparency in Pricing: Do they provide a clear quote upfront? Are there any hidden fees?
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Customer Support: Can you easily contact them if you have questions or issues?
Sub-heading: Examples of Points Brokers (for illustrative purposes, do your own due diligence)
While I cannot endorse specific companies, some names that have been mentioned in online discussions for buying and selling miles/points include:
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The Miles Market
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MilesBuyer
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Mileage Spot
Always perform your own thorough research before sharing any personal or account information.
Step 3: Get a Quote and Understand the Process
Once you've identified a few potential brokers, it's time to get a concrete offer.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Quote
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Fill Out Their Online Form: Most brokers have a simple online form where you input the loyalty program (Marriott Bonvoy) and the number of points you wish to sell.
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Receive Your Instant or Near-Instant Quote: The broker will typically provide a personalized quote based on real-time market rates. This quote is usually non-obligatory.
Sub-heading: Clarifying the Transfer Process
Ask the broker to explain their specific process in detail. Generally, it follows these steps:
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You accept their offer.
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You provide your Marriott Bonvoy login details (often through a secure, encrypted form). This is where trust in the broker is paramount.
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The broker verifies your points balance.
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They initiate payment to you. Crucially, reputable brokers pay you before they utilize your points.
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After payment, the broker uses your points to book travel for their clients. This usually involves transferring points or making a booking directly from your account.
Step 4: Prepare Your Account for the Transaction
While the broker handles the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth process.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
Sub-heading: Security Best Practices
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Change Your Password: Before initiating the transfer, consider changing your Marriott Bonvoy password to a temporary one. Once the transaction is complete and verified, change it again to a strong, unique password.
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you have 2FA enabled on your Marriott account, be prepared to provide the necessary codes to the broker when they access your account. Some brokers may ask you to temporarily disable it for the transaction, but this increases your risk. Discuss their exact procedure and your comfort level.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Account Details
Double-check that the name on your Marriott Bonvoy account matches the name on your payment method (e.g., PayPal). This helps prevent any delays in payment.
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Step 5: Execute the Transaction and Receive Payment
This is the moment of truth. Follow the broker's instructions carefully.
Sub-heading: Providing Account Access
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Secure Submission: Provide your Marriott Bonvoy login details through the broker's secure, encrypted portal. Never email or send your login details through unsecured channels.
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Verification: The broker will log into your account to verify the points.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your Payment
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Timely Payout: Expect payment, often via PayPal or bank transfer, within a few hours or a day of verification. Do not release your points until you have confirmed receipt of funds.
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Confirming Funds: Once you receive the payment, verify that the full agreed-upon amount has landed in your account.
Step 6: Monitor Your Account (Post-Transaction)
After the transaction is complete and you've received your payment, it's a good practice to keep an eye on your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Sub-heading: Checking Point Balance and Activity
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Verify Point Deduction: Ensure the points you sold have been deducted from your account as expected.
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Monitor for Unusual Activity: While reputable brokers are trustworthy, it's always wise to monitor your account for any unusual or unauthorized activity for a few days after the transaction.
Sub-heading: Changing Your Password (Again)
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
As a final security measure, change your Marriott Bonvoy password one last time to a strong, unique password.
Risks and Considerations
While using reputable brokers can be a safe way to liquidate your points, it's essential to be aware of the inherent risks:
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Violation of Terms & Conditions: As mentioned, Marriott's terms generally prohibit selling points. While brokers mitigate this risk, there's always a theoretical chance of account repercussions.
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Scammers: The points reselling market can attract scammers. Always stick to highly vetted and reputable brokers.
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Lower Redemption Value: You will almost always get less value for your points by selling them for cash than by redeeming them strategically for high-value hotel stays. Consider selling only if you truly have no plans to use the points for travel.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the cash value of my Marriott points?
To calculate the approximate cash value, multiply your total Marriott Bonvoy points by the broker's quoted rate per point (e.g., 100,000 points * $0.006/point = $600).
How to find reputable Marriott points brokers?
Search online for "sell Marriott points for cash" and look for companies with extensive positive reviews on independent platforms, strong security practices, and clear communication. Check travel forums and communities for recommendations and feedback.
How to ensure a safe transaction when selling Marriott points?
Choose a broker with a proven track record, secure encrypted submission forms for your login details, and a policy of paying you before they utilize your points. Always use strong, unique passwords and consider changing them after the transaction.
How to transfer Marriott points to another person officially?
Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member for a fee. Both accounts must be in good standing, and the names on the accounts should match the person making the request. You can typically do this by calling Marriott Bonvoy customer service.
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
How to maximize the value of my Marriott points if I don't sell them?
The best way to maximize points is often through hotel redemptions, especially during off-peak times, for higher-category hotels, or utilizing the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit on award stays. Converting to airline miles (with a bonus for transferring 60,000 points) can also offer good value.
How to avoid scams when selling Marriott points?
Be wary of unsolicited offers, brokers demanding upfront fees, vague processes, or those that pressure you into quick decisions. Never share your password via email or unencrypted messages.
How to know if a points broker is legitimate?
Legitimate brokers typically have a professional website, transparent terms, and verifiable customer testimonials. They will explain their process clearly and address your security concerns directly.
How to get the best rate for my Marriott points?
Rates vary, but larger quantities of points might command a slightly better per-point value. Shopping around with different reputable brokers to compare their current offers is the best strategy.
How to understand the risks involved in selling Marriott points?
The primary risks include potential violation of Marriott's terms (though rare with reputable brokers), security risks if dealing with untrustworthy parties, and receiving less value than a strategic redemption for travel might offer.
How to redeem Marriott points for cash indirectly?
Selling points through a broker is the most direct way to get cash for them, as Marriott does not offer a direct cash-out option for Bonvoy points. Other indirect methods (like booking a stay for someone else and having them pay you, which is against T&Cs) are generally not recommended due to higher risks.
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