The Great Marriott Points Quest: Unraveling the Mystery of Your Bonvoy Balance!
Hey there, fellow travelers and points enthusiasts! Ever checked out of a fantastic Marriott stay, already dreaming of your next redemption, only to log into your Bonvoy account and find your points balance stubbornly unchanged? You're not alone! The question of "how long does it take to see Marriott points" is a common one, and it's a journey we're about to embark on together.
Don't fret! While it can sometimes feel like an eternity, there's a clear process and typical timeline for when your hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points will grace your account. Understanding this process, and knowing what to do if things go awry, will save you a lot of worry and ensure you get every point you deserve. So, let's dive in!
Step 1: The Standard Waiting Game – Patience is a Virtue (Usually!)
The very first thing to understand is that Marriott Bonvoy points do not post instantaneously upon checkout. There's a processing period involved, and it's important to set your expectations accordingly.
Typical Posting Timeline
Up to 10 Business Days: This is the official and most common timeframe. Marriott states that it can take up to 10 business days after your check-out date for a stay to post to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
What does "business days" mean? This refers to weekdays (Monday to Friday), excluding weekends and public holidays. So, if you check out on a Friday, the 10 business days will start counting from the following Monday.
Often Sooner: While 10 business days is the maximum, in many cases, especially for standard hotel stays, you might see your points appear much quicker – sometimes within 48 to 72 hours. It's always a pleasant surprise when they show up early!
Factors Influencing Posting Time
Several factors can influence how quickly your points appear:
Type of Stay: Regular hotel stays generally post faster than more complex bookings, such as Marriott Vacation Club stays, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, or large group events.
Hotel Processing: The individual hotel needs to finalize your bill and transmit the information to Marriott Bonvoy. Some hotels are quicker than others.
Promotions & Special Offers: Points from specific promotions might have a different posting schedule, often detailed in the terms and conditions of the promotion itself.
Payment Method: While less common, sometimes issues with how the payment was processed can cause a slight delay.
Step 2: Verifying Your Account – The Proactive Check
While you're waiting, it's a good idea to know where to check your points balance and activity. This allows you to monitor for your points and quickly identify if something is amiss.
Where to Check Your Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Marriott Bonvoy Website:
Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website.
Sign in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Once logged in, your points balance will usually be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
For a detailed breakdown, navigate to the "Activity" or "Account Activity" section. Here, you'll see a ledger of all your points earned and redeemed.
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log in to your account.
Your current points balance is typically shown in the middle of the screen on the "Account" tab.
Tap on "Account Activity" to view a detailed history of your points transactions.
What to Look For:
The total points balance should reflect your recent stay once it posts.
In your activity, you should see an entry for your recent stay, detailing the points earned (base points, elite bonus, promotional points, etc.) and the associated elite night credits.
Don't just look at the total! Always check the "Activity" section to ensure the specific stay is listed.
Step 3: When Points Are MIA – What to Do After 10 Business Days
So, you've patiently waited the full 10 business days, and your points are still playing hide-and-seek? This is where it's time to take action! Marriott has a clear process for requesting credit for missing stays.
Submitting a Missing Stay Request:
Marriott allows you to claim missing points for a stay if it hasn't posted after 10 business days from your check-out date. You can typically go back up to one year to claim a missing stay.
Online Through the Marriott Bonvoy Website:
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the website.
Look for a section related to "Help," "Contact Us," or "My Account."
Find the option to "Request Credit for a Missing Stay" or "Report a Missing Stay." This is usually found under the "Account Activity" or "Marriott Bonvoy Account Assistance" sections.
You will typically need the following information to complete the form:
Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number
Hotel Name and Location
Check-in and Check-out Dates
Confirmation Number of the Reservation
Your Folio/Invoice Number (This is crucial! Always keep a copy of your hotel invoice/receipt.)
Fill out the form accurately and submit it. You may be prompted to upload a copy of your folio.
Through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: While the app allows you to view activity, for detailed missing stay requests, the website often provides a more robust and straightforward interface for submission.
What Happens After You Submit a Request:
Marriott will review your request.
You should receive a confirmation that your request has been received.
It may take a few business days (often 3-5) for Marriott to investigate and process your missing points.
If your request is approved, the points and elite night credits will be added to your account. You'll typically receive an email confirmation once they've posted.
Step 4: Common Reasons for Delays or Missing Points
Understanding why your points might be delayed can help prevent future issues and guide your troubleshooting.
Potential Causes:
Incorrect Member Number: This is a surprisingly common culprit! Double-check that your Marriott Bonvoy member number was correctly associated with your reservation at the time of booking and check-in. Even a single digit off can cause points to go astray.
Third-Party Bookings: If you booked your stay through an Online Travel Agency (OTA) like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com, you generally will not earn Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. Marriott's loyalty program benefits are typically reserved for direct bookings made through Marriott channels (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott reservation lines, or directly with the hotel).
Non-Eligible Rate: Some discounted rates (e.g., deeply discounted corporate rates, wholesale rates) may not be eligible for points earning. Always check the terms of your rate when booking.
Group Bookings/Master Folio: If you were part of a group booking and the charges were on a "master folio," your individual points might not post automatically. You might need to contact the hotel directly or Marriott Bonvoy customer service to ensure your specific spend is credited to your account.
Technical Glitches: While rare, technical issues can occur within Marriott's system, causing delays in point posting.
Payment Issues: If there were any issues with your payment processing at the hotel (e.g., a credit card decline, a change in payment method after checkout), this could sometimes delay point posting.
New Member/First Stay: For new Marriott Bonvoy members, sometimes the first stay takes a little longer to process as your account fully activates.
Step 5: Escalation and Contacting Customer Service
If you've followed all the steps and your points are still missing, or if you encounter issues with the online missing stay form, it's time to reach out to Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy:
Phone: This is often the most effective way to resolve complex issues.
Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service (US/Canada): +1 (800) 627-7468
Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Points (US/Canada): +1 (801) 468-4000
For other regions, refer to the "Global Reservation Numbers" or "Contact Us" section on the Marriott.com website to find the appropriate local number.
When calling, have all your reservation details ready: confirmation number, hotel name, check-in/out dates, and your folio.
Online Contact Form/Email: On the Marriott Bonvoy help pages, you can often find a general contact form. Select "Marriott Bonvoy Account Assistance" and then "Earning" as the subtopic. Provide all necessary details in your message.
Social Media: While not for urgent issues, sometimes reaching out via Marriott Bonvoy's official social media channels (Twitter, Facebook) can get a quicker response for general inquiries or to escalate a stalled issue.
Tips for Contacting Customer Service:
Be Prepared: Have all your documentation (confirmation emails, folios, dates) readily available.
Be Polite and Patient: Customer service representatives are there to help, and a courteous approach often yields the best results.
Keep Records: Note down the date and time of your call, the representative's name, and any reference numbers provided. This is vital if you need to follow up.
Conclusion: Your Points Are Worth the Wait!
While waiting for your Marriott Bonvoy points to post can be a bit frustrating, remember that it's a standard process. Most points will appear within the typical 10 business days. By being proactive, knowing where to check, and understanding the steps for claiming missing points, you can ensure that every eligible stay contributes to your next amazing Marriott redemption! Happy travels, and may your points balance always be climbing!
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
Here are 10 frequently asked questions with quick answers to help you navigate your Marriott Bonvoy points journey:
How to Check My Marriott Bonvoy Points Balance? You can check your points balance by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official Marriott website (Marriott.com) or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your balance is typically displayed prominently on your account dashboard or the "Account" tab.
How to Request Credit for a Missing Marriott Bonvoy Stay? If your points haven't posted after 10 business days, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com, navigate to "Account Activity" or "Help," and look for the "Request Credit for a Missing Stay" option. You'll need your reservation details and folio.
How to Expedite Marriott Bonvoy Point Posting? Unfortunately, there's no official way to "expedite" points posting before the standard 10 business days. The best approach is to ensure your Bonvoy number is on your reservation and keep your folio handy in case you need to request missing points.
How to Ensure My Marriott Bonvoy Points Post Correctly? Always ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is added to your reservation when booking and confirmed at check-in. Book directly through Marriott channels whenever possible, and keep a copy of your hotel folio/receipt.
How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points Besides Stays? You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through co-branded Marriott credit cards, dining at participating restaurants (like through Eat Around Town), hosting qualifying meetings and events, linking accounts with partners like Uber, and purchasing points.
How to Find My Marriott Bonvoy Account Activity? Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com or the mobile app, then go to the "Activity" or "Account Activity" section. This will show a detailed list of all your point earnings and redemptions.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service for Point Issues? For point-related issues, you can call Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service (e.g., +1 (800) 627-7468 in the US/Canada) or use the online contact form on Marriott.com, selecting "Marriott Bonvoy Account Assistance" and "Earning" as your topic.
How to Avoid Missing Marriott Bonvoy Points? Always provide your Marriott Bonvoy member number at the time of booking and check-in. Avoid booking through third-party online travel agencies if earning points is a priority, as these stays are generally not eligible.
How to Know If My Rate Is Eligible for Marriott Bonvoy Points? Most publicly available rates booked directly through Marriott channels are eligible. If you're booking a special rate, always check the terms and conditions for point-earning eligibility. Deeply discounted or wholesale rates may not qualify.
How to Reactivate Expired Marriott Bonvoy Points? Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. To keep them active, you need to earn or redeem points at least once every two years. If your points have expired, you may be able to reinstate them for a fee, but it's best to prevent expiration in the first place.
