Don't you just hate that feeling? You've diligently earned those Marriott Bonvoy points, dreaming of a luxurious getaway, only to suddenly wonder: are they about to vanish into thin air? It's a common fear, and for good reason! Marriott Bonvoy points do expire if your account remains inactive. But don't despair – knowing how to check their expiration and, more importantly, how to keep them alive, is simpler than you might think. Let's dive in!
How to See When Your Marriott Bonvoy Points Expire: A Step-by-Step Guide
Marriott Bonvoy has a clear policy: your points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. This means if you don't have any qualifying earning or redeeming activity on your account for two years, those hard-earned points will be forfeited. The good news is, checking this date is straightforward.
Step 1: Engage with Your Account – Log In!
This is where it all begins! Before you can check anything, you need to access your Marriott Bonvoy account.
On a Desktop/Laptop: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com). Look for the "Sign In" or "Log In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Enter your Bonvoy account number or email address and your password.
On the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: If you prefer using your smartphone, download and open the Marriott Bonvoy app. Log in with your credentials. The app often keeps you logged in, making this step even quicker!
Remember: Always ensure you're on the official Marriott website or using the official app to protect your account information.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Account Activity
Once you're logged in, your journey to discovering your points' expiration date continues. The exact wording might vary slightly, but the general path is consistent.
Sub-heading 2.1: Locating Your Profile/Account Section
On a Desktop/Laptop: After logging in, look for your name or profile icon in the top right corner of the Marriott website. Clicking on it will usually reveal a dropdown menu.
On the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: In the app, you'll typically find an "Account" or "Profile" section, often represented by an icon of a person or a similar symbol, usually at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap on this.
Sub-heading 2.2: Finding the 'Activity' or 'Point History' Link
Within your profile or account section, you're looking for an option that displays your historical transactions.
On a Desktop/Laptop: From the dropdown menu after clicking your name, select "Activity" or "Account Activity."
On the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: Within the "Account" section, you'll likely see an option like "View Account Activity" or simply "Activity." Tap on it.
Step 3: Unveiling the Expiration Date
You're almost there! The activity page is where the magic happens.
On the Activity Page: Once you're on the "Activity" page, you'll see a detailed list of your recent points earnings and redemptions. Look carefully at the top of this section. Marriott usually displays your point expiration date prominently, often above your recent activity list. It might say something like: "Your points will expire on [Date] due to inactivity."
Important Note: If you have achieved Lifetime Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy (e.g., Lifetime Silver, Lifetime Gold, Lifetime Platinum), your points do not expire. In this case, you will not see an expiration date displayed, as it's not applicable to your account.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Point Expiration Policy
It's crucial to understand what counts as "activity" and what doesn't, so you can proactively prevent your points from expiring.
24 Months of Inactivity: The core rule is simple: if there's no qualifying activity for 24 consecutive months, your points are forfeited.
Irreversible Forfeiture: Once points expire, they are generally gone for good. Marriott's policy states that forfeited points cannot be reinstated, except if they were forfeited in error. This makes proactive management key!
Account Deactivation: If your account remains inactive for five consecutive years (even longer than the points expiration period), Marriott can deactivate your entire account.
How to Keep Your Marriott Bonvoy Points from Expiring (and Extend Their Life!)
The good news is there are numerous ways to keep your points alive and reset that 24-month clock. You only need one qualifying activity!
Option 1: The Easiest & Most Common Methods
Stay at a Marriott Bonvoy Property: This is the most obvious way. An eligible paid stay at any Marriott-branded hotel worldwide will count as activity and extend your points for another 24 months from the date of activity.
Use a Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Card: If you have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, simply making any purchase with it that earns points will reset your expiration date. This is arguably the easiest and most consistent method for many.
Link Your Marriott and Uber Accounts, Then Use Uber/Uber Eats: This is a fantastic, often overlooked option! Link your accounts, and then earn Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. Any earning through this partnership will extend your points' validity. Check for minimum spend requirements, as these can sometimes apply.
Dine Out with Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town: Register your credit card(s) with the Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town program. When you dine at participating restaurants and pay with your registered card, you'll earn points and extend your expiration.
Option 2: Other Effective Ways to Earn Points
Purchase Marriott Bonvoy Points: If you're really in a pinch, you can buy a small amount of Marriott Bonvoy points. Even buying the minimum amount (usually 1,000 points for $12.50) will count as activity and reset the clock for your entire balance. This is a quick fix if you're close to expiration.
Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points: Using your points for a hotel stay, gift cards, or merchandise will also count as qualifying activity.
Transfer Points to an Airline Partner: Marriott Bonvoy has numerous airline transfer partners. Transferring even a small amount of points to an airline loyalty program will count as activity. Be aware of transfer ratios and minimums.
Earn Points with Marriott Bonvoy Partners: Explore other Marriott partners where you can earn points, such as cruises or car rentals.
Host a Meeting or Event: If you're planning a business meeting or event at a Marriott property, you can earn points on eligible spending, which will keep your account active.
Activities That DO NOT Count Towards Extending Expiration:
It's crucial to be aware of what won't save your points:
Gifting or transferring points TO another member.
Receiving points AS a gift or transfer from another member.
Registering for a Marriott Bonvoy promotion (without actually completing the earning activity).
Booking an award stay that occurs after the points expiration date, and then cancelling it before arrival without any other qualifying activity.
10 Related FAQ Questions
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 the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your balance is typically displayed prominently on the main account dashboard.
How to Prevent Marriott Points from Expiring if I Don't Travel Often?
The easiest ways to prevent expiration without frequent travel include using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card for everyday purchases, linking your Uber/Uber Eats account and making eligible purchases, or making a small purchase of Marriott Bonvoy points.
How to Get My Marriott Points Back After They Expired?
Generally, Marriott Bonvoy points, once expired due to inactivity, cannot be reinstated. The policy is quite strict on this, so proactive action is essential.
How to Know if I Have Lifetime Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy?
If you have Lifetime Elite Status, your points will not expire. You can typically see your lifetime nights and years of elite status in your "Account" or "Profile" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website or app.
How to Link My Uber Account to Marriott Bonvoy?
You can link your Uber and Marriott Bonvoy accounts through the "Partnerships" or "Earn" section of your Marriott Bonvoy account online or in the app. Look for the Uber specific linking option.
How to Buy Marriott Bonvoy Points?
You can purchase Marriott Bonvoy points directly through the Marriott website by logging into your account and looking for a "Buy Points" option, typically found under your points balance or activity section.
How to Donate Marriott Bonvoy Points?
Marriott Bonvoy allows you to donate points to select charitable organizations. This is another qualifying activity that can extend your points' expiration date. Look for the "Donate Points" option on the website.
How to Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to an Airline?
To transfer points to an airline partner, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account online, navigate to the "Redeem" or "Transfer Points" section, and select your desired airline from the list of partners.
How to Use Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town?
Enroll in Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town by registering your credit and debit cards on their dedicated website (eataroundtown.marriott.com). Then, simply use your registered cards at participating restaurants to earn points and keep your account active.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service for Points Inquiries?
If you have specific questions about your points or their expiration, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service directly. Their contact information (phone numbers and sometimes chat options) can be found on the "Contact Us" section of the Marriott website.