Demystifying Marriott Bonvoy Points: Your Comprehensive Guide to When They'll Land in Your Account!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever wonder, just how long does it take for those precious Marriott Bonvoy points to show up after a fantastic stay, a savvy credit card spend, or a strategic points transfer? You're not alone! It's a common question that can leave even the most seasoned Marriott Bonvoy member scratching their head. But fear not, because by the end of this incredibly detailed guide, you'll be a pro at predicting your point bounty and knowing exactly what to do if they don't appear as expected.
Let's dive in and unravel the mysteries of Marriott Bonvoy point posting times!
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| How Long Does It Take For Marriott Points To Show Up |
Step 1: Let's Get Started! Have you recently completed a Marriott stay, used your Marriott co-branded credit card, or transferred points to your Bonvoy account? Keep that in mind as we go through the different scenarios!
Knowing the source of your points is the first crucial step in understanding their posting timeline. Marriott Bonvoy points can originate from a variety of activities, and each has its own expected waiting period.
Step 2: Understanding the Different Point Earning Avenues and Their Timelines
Marriott Bonvoy offers numerous ways to earn points, and each method has a slightly different processing time. Let's break them down.
Sub-heading 2.1: Points from Hotel Stays
This is arguably the most common way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. You check in, enjoy your stay, check out, and then eagerly await those points to hit your account.
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The Golden Rule: For most qualifying hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy states that points will automatically appear in your account within 72 hours following the completion of your stay, provided your correct Marriott Bonvoy® Member Number was added to the booking.
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The Reality Check: While 72 hours is the ideal, it's not uncommon for it to take a little longer. Marriott officially advises allowing up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to post to your Marriott Bonvoy® Account. Business days are key here, so weekends and holidays don't count towards this 10-day window.
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Factors Affecting Posting Time for Stays:
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Property Type: Sometimes, smaller or less frequently updated properties might take a touch longer to reconcile their records.
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Booking Method: Stays booked directly through Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or Marriott's reservation line generally post faster than those booked through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Priceline. In fact, stays booked through many third-party sites are often ineligible for earning points and elite night credits altogether, so always book direct if earning points is a priority!
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Eligible Charges: Ensure your stay included eligible charges. Room rates are generally eligible, but sometimes incidentals like gift shop purchases or certain spa treatments might not qualify for points.
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Marriott Bonvoy Member Number: Double-check that your Marriott Bonvoy member number was correctly associated with your reservation at the time of booking or check-in. This is critical for automatic posting.
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Sub-heading 2.2: Points from Marriott Co-branded Credit Cards
Many Marriott loyalists supercharge their point earning with co-branded credit cards issued by partners like Chase or American Express.
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The General Guideline: Points earned through your Marriott co-branded credit card generally post to your Marriott Bonvoy® Member Account up to 12 weeks after the end of each month in which the qualifying purchases were made.
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Why the Delay? Credit card points are typically accumulated throughout your billing cycle and then reported to Marriott by the credit card issuer in a batch process. This usually happens after your statement closes. The 12-week timeframe accounts for this processing and transfer.
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Welcome Bonuses and Spending Thresholds: For welcome bonuses or points earned after meeting specific spending thresholds, the posting time can also be within that 8-12 week window from the date the requirements are met. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your credit card offer.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Sub-heading 2.3: Points from Transfers (e.g., American Express Membership Rewards)
If you're transferring points from another loyalty program, like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, to Marriott Bonvoy, the timeline can vary.
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Transfers from Amex Membership Rewards: Transfers from American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy are generally quite fast, often taking up to 1 business day. Some users report seeing them post almost instantly in many cases.
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Transfers from Other Programs: Other transfer partners may have different processing times, so it's always best to consult the specific terms of that program's transfer process.
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Important Note: Once points are transferred from another program to Marriott Bonvoy, they cannot be transferred back. Always confirm your intention before initiating a transfer.
Sub-heading 2.4: Points from Other Activities (Promotions, Dining, Events)
Marriott Bonvoy offers various other ways to earn points, and their posting times can vary:
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Promotional Bonuses: Points earned from limited-time promotions (e.g., double points on stays, bonus points for specific brands) typically post after the base points for the stay have posted. The exact timeframe can vary, but generally, expect them to appear within a few weeks of the promotion's conclusion or the qualifying activity.
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Marriott Bonvoy Events: Points earned from hosting qualifying meetings or events at Marriott properties will usually post within 10 business days after the event's completion and full payment.
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Marriott Bonvoy Dining Program (formerly RewardsPlus Dining): Points from dining programs typically post to your account within a few days to a week after the dining transaction appears on your linked credit card statement.
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Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities: Points for these bookings usually post within 10 business days after the activity or tour has been completed.
Step 3: Proactive Checking - How to Monitor Your Point Activity
Instead of just waiting and wondering, you can actively check your Marriott Bonvoy point balance and activity. This is a crucial step in ensuring you don't miss out on points you've earned.
Sub-heading 3.1: Checking Your Account Online
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The Marriott Bonvoy Website:
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Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (Marriott.com).
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Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy® Account using your email or member number and password.
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Once logged in, your current point balance will often be displayed prominently, typically in the top right corner or on your account dashboard.
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To see a detailed breakdown of your earning and redemption history, navigate to the "Activity" or "Account Activity" section. This will show you recent transactions, including points earned from stays, credit card spending, and other sources.
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Sub-heading 3.2: Using the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App
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The App on Your Smartphone:
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Open the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
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Log in if you haven't already.
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Your Marriott Bonvoy® Point Balance is usually displayed front and center on the main screen of the app, or under the "Account" tab at the bottom.
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To view your transaction history, tap on "Account" and then select "Account Activity" or "View Account Activity."
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Step 4: Troubleshooting Time! What to Do if Your Points Are Missing
So, you've waited the recommended timeframes, checked your account, and those points are still nowhere to be found. Don't panic! Marriott has a clear process for addressing missing points.
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Sub-heading 4.1: Review Your Eligibility
Before you submit a missing stay request, quickly review these points:
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Was it a qualifying stay? As mentioned, stays booked through most third-party sites are not eligible. Also, stays booked at group rates where you didn't directly pay the hotel, or stays where a voucher/third-party award covered the room, may not qualify.
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Was your Bonvoy number on the reservation? This is a common oversight.
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Did you pay with a qualifying method? Ensure the payment method was acceptable for point earning.
Sub-heading 4.2: Submitting a Missing Stay Request
If it has been more than 10 business days since your eligible stay and your Marriott Bonvoy® Points are still missing, it's time to submit a Missing Stay Request.
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Access the Online Form: The easiest way to do this is through the Marriott Bonvoy website. Log in to your account and look for a "Missing Stay Request" form or a section on "Requesting Credit for a Completed Stay" within the "Help" or "Customer Service" areas.
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Gather Your Information: You'll need the following details for your request:
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Your Marriott Bonvoy® Member Number
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Hotel Name
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City of the Hotel
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Check-in Date
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Check-out Date
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Confirmation Number
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A copy of your hotel folio/receipt (this is often crucial evidence, so keep your receipts!)
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Complete the Form: Fill out all the required fields accurately. Attach your folio/receipt if prompted.
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Submission and Follow-up: Once submitted, you'll usually receive a confirmation. Marriott generally states to allow up to 10 business days for your Missing Stay request to be processed and credited to your account.
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If Still No Luck: If it's been more than 10 business days since you submitted your missing stay request, then it's time to contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service directly by phone for further assistance.
Sub-heading 4.3: Addressing Missing Credit Card Points
If your credit card points aren't posting after the typical 8-12 week timeframe:
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Contact Your Credit Card Issuer First: For Marriott co-branded credit cards, your first point of contact should be the credit card company (Chase, American Express, etc.), not Marriott Bonvoy directly. They are responsible for reporting your earned points to Marriott.
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Provide Details: Have your credit card statements and transaction details ready.
Step 5: Patience and Persistence - Key Takeaways
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Patience is a Virtue: While some points post quickly, it's essential to understand and respect the stated timelines. Don't worry if they don't appear instantly.
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Keep Records: Always retain copies of your hotel folios, credit card statements, and any confirmation emails for point transfers. These are invaluable if you need to submit a missing points request.
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Book Direct: For hotel stays, booking directly with Marriott is the surest way to ensure point eligibility and smoother posting.
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Check Regularly: Make a habit of checking your Marriott Bonvoy account periodically to ensure all your hard-earned points are accounted for.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to manage your Marriott Bonvoy points and ensure you never miss out on your well-deserved rewards! Happy travels and happy earning!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 "How to" FAQ questions with quick answers related to Marriott Bonvoy point posting:
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by logging into your account on Marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your balance is typically displayed prominently on your dashboard.
How to find my Marriott Bonvoy point activity?
After logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account online or in the app, navigate to the "Activity" or "Account Activity" section to view a detailed history of your earned and redeemed points.
How to request credit for a missing Marriott Bonvoy hotel stay?
If it's been more than 10 business days since your check-out, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com and submit a "Missing Stay Request" form, providing your reservation details and ideally attaching a copy of your hotel folio.
How to ensure my Marriott Bonvoy points post after a stay?
Always provide your Marriott Bonvoy member number at the time of booking or check-in, and ensure you book directly through Marriott.com, the app, or Marriott reservations, as third-party bookings often don't qualify for points.
How to know if my hotel stay is eligible for Marriott Bonvoy points?
Generally, stays booked directly through Marriott channels with qualifying rates are eligible. Stays booked through most online travel agencies (Expedia, Priceline, etc.) are not eligible to earn points or elite night credits.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How to transfer points to another Marriott Bonvoy member?
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member online through the "Share Points" tool on the Marriott Bonvoy website. Both accounts must be in good standing, and there are minimum and maximum transfer limits.
How to get my Marriott Bonvoy credit card points faster?
Credit card points typically post monthly after your statement closes. There isn't a way to speed up this process beyond ensuring your account remains in good standing and meeting any spending requirements for bonuses.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for missing points?
If your missing stay request has not been processed after 10 business days, or for other complex issues, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service by phone, which can be found on the "Contact Us" section of Marriott.com.
How to view my Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Awards?
Free Night Awards (FNAs) are typically deposited into your account and can be viewed under the "Awards" or "Certificates" section within your Marriott Bonvoy account online or in the mobile app.
How to get points for past Marriott stays if I just joined Bonvoy?
New Marriott Bonvoy members may be eligible to receive points for qualifying stays incurred up to 30 days prior to their enrollment in the program. You would typically need to submit a missing stay request for these past stays.
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