Don't you just hate the thought of your hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points vanishing into thin air? It's like finding a forgotten twenty-dollar bill in an old jacket, only to realize it's expired currency! Marriott Bonvoy points, a valuable asset for travelers, do indeed have an expiration policy. Generally, your points will expire if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months. But don't fret! There are numerous easy and even enjoyable ways to keep your points alive and thriving.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Marriott Bonvoy point expiration and, more importantly, how to ensure your points never expire. So, let's dive in and protect your travel dreams!
Understanding the Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration Policy
Before we delve into the strategies, it's crucial to grasp the core rule. Marriott Bonvoy states that if your account shows no qualifying activity for a period of 24 consecutive months, your accumulated points will be forfeited. This means you need to either earn or redeem points within that two-year window.
Important Note: For those fortunate enough to hold Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Elite status (Silver, Gold, or Platinum), your points generally do not expire. However, it's always wise to double-check the latest terms and conditions as policies can evolve.
Step 1: Check Your Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration Date
The very first thing you need to do is identify if and when your points are set to expire! This proactive step is like checking the "best by" date on your favorite snack – essential to avoid disappointment.
How to Find Your Expiration Date:
Online (Marriott.com):
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official website.
Click on your name in the top-right corner of the screen.
From the dropdown menu, select "Activity."
Your points expiration date, if applicable, should be clearly displayed above your recent activity list.
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app on your iOS or Android device.
Navigate to the "Account" section.
Your expiration date will typically be visible to the left of your current points balance.
AwardWallet (Recommended Third-Party Tool): If you manage multiple loyalty programs, tools like AwardWallet can be incredibly helpful. You can link your Marriott Bonvoy account, and AwardWallet will track your point balances and expiration dates, sending you email reminders before your points are about to expire. This can be a lifesaver!
Once you know your expiration date, you can strategize which activity makes the most sense for you.
Step 2: Engage in Qualifying Activities to Reset the Clock
The good news is that keeping your Marriott Bonvoy points active is relatively easy, as a wide array of activities qualify to reset the 24-month expiration clock. You just need one qualifying earn or redeem transaction.
Sub-heading 2.1: Earning Points
Earning points is often the most natural way to keep your account active, especially if you're a regular traveler or use Marriott's co-branded credit cards.
Stay at a Marriott Bonvoy Property:
This is the most straightforward method. Booking and completing a paid stay at any participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel or resort will earn you points and reset your expiration date. Simply booking and then canceling a reservation generally does not count. Make sure you're logged into your Bonvoy account when making the reservation.
Use a Marriott Bonvoy Co-branded Credit Card:
If you have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card (issued by partners like Chase or American Express), any purchase you make with the card that earns Marriott points will count as a qualifying activity. This is arguably one of the easiest and most consistent ways to keep your points active, as your points from card spending are regularly deposited into your account.
Earn Points with Marriott Bonvoy Partners:
Marriott has numerous partnerships that allow you to earn points without a hotel stay.
Link Marriott Bonvoy with Uber: Link your Marriott Bonvoy account with your Uber account. Then, qualifying rides (e.g., Uber XL, Uber Black) or Uber Eats orders (typically with a minimum spend like $40 before taxes/fees/tip) can earn you points and reset your expiration. Points usually post within a day or two.
Dine with Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy: Enroll in this dining program, link your credit cards, and earn points when you dine at participating restaurants. Even a small meal can reset your clock.
Rent a Car with Hertz: Provide your Marriott Bonvoy account number when booking and completing a car rental with Hertz.
Book a Cruise: Book a cruise through CruisesOnly.com or "Cruise with Points" through Marriott.
Marriott Tours & Activities: Purchase tours and activities through Marriott Bonvoy.
Host Meetings & Events:
If you're planning a business meeting, conference, or even a social event, hosting it at an eligible Marriott property through the "Rewarding Events" program can earn you a significant number of points and, of course, extend your expiration date.
Transfer Points from Other Programs:
If you have transferable points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, transferring even a small amount to your Marriott Bonvoy account will count as an earning activity and reset your expiration. This is an excellent option if you don't have immediate travel plans or a Marriott credit card.
Sub-heading 2.2: Redeeming Points
Redeeming your points is just as effective as earning them in terms of resetting the expiration clock.
Book an Award Stay:
Using your points to book a free night at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel will reset the expiration. Ensure the stay is completed (i.e., you check in and check out) for it to count. While simply booking a reward stay might hold the points, the actual completion of the stay is what generally triggers the activity.
Redeem Points for Marriott Bonvoy Moments:
Marriott Bonvoy Moments allow you to bid on or purchase unique experiences, from concerts and culinary events to sporting events, using your points. This is a fantastic way to redeem points for memorable experiences and keep your account active.
Redeem Points for Merchandise or Gift Cards:
While generally not the best value for your points, redeeming a small amount of points for merchandise or a retail/dining gift card through the Marriott Bonvoy portal will count as a qualifying activity and reset your expiration. This can be a good last resort if you're in a pinch.
Donate Points to Charity:
Marriott Bonvoy allows you to donate points to various charitable organizations. A minimum donation (e.g., 2,500 points) will extend the life of your entire point balance. This is a win-win: you help a good cause and save your points!
Convert Marriott Bonvoy Points to Airline Miles:
You can transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to a wide array of airline frequent flyer programs. While there's typically a transfer ratio (often 3 Marriott points to 1 airline mile), this action will extend your Marriott points' validity. There are usually minimum transfer requirements (e.g., 3,000 points).
Step 3: Consider Purchasing Points (Last Resort)
If all else fails, or you're simply short on time and don't have immediate travel or other qualifying activities planned, you can purchase Marriott Bonvoy points.
How it Works: Marriott allows members to buy points, usually in increments of 1,000. This purchase counts as an earning activity and will extend the expiration of all your existing points for another 24 months.
Cost: Purchasing points can be expensive (e.g., $12.50 per 1,000 points). It's generally not recommended as a primary strategy due to the cost, but it's a guaranteed way to reset your clock if you're facing imminent expiration.
Step 4: Set Reminders and Monitor Your Account
Proactive management is key! Don't let your points slip away due to oversight.
Calendar Reminders: Once you know your expiration date, set multiple reminders on your digital calendar (e.g., 6 months out, 3 months out, 1 month out).
Regular Account Checks: Make it a habit to log into your Marriott Bonvoy account every few months, even if you're not planning a trip. A quick glance at your activity and expiration date can save you a lot of trouble.
Utilize Tools like AwardWallet: As mentioned, AwardWallet is excellent for keeping track of all your loyalty programs and their expiration dates in one place.
Key Takeaways and Things to Remember:
Inactivity for 24 months leads to expiration.
Any earning or redeeming activity resets the clock for all your points.
Transferring points to another member or receiving points as a gift does NOT count as a qualifying activity. This is a common misconception, so be mindful!
Lifetime Elite Status holders are generally exempt from point expiration.
Don't wait until the last minute! Some activities, like points posting from credit card purchases or partner activities, can take a few days to process.
By following these steps, you can confidently keep your Marriott Bonvoy points active and ready for your next adventure!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Marriott Bonvoy points expiration, with quick answers:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points expiration date?
You can check your expiration date by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com and navigating to the "Activity" section, or by checking the "Account" section of the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app.
How to prevent Marriott points from expiring without a hotel stay?
You can prevent expiration without a stay by using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, earning points with partners like Uber or Eat Around Town, converting points from other loyalty programs (e.g., Chase, Amex), or by redeeming points for non-stay awards like gift cards or donations.
How to extend Marriott Bonvoy points expiration with a small activity?
The easiest small activities include linking and using Uber or Eat Around Town (with qualifying spend), or purchasing a small amount of Marriott Bonvoy points (e.g., 1,000 points).
How to know if my Marriott points have already expired?
If your points have expired, they will typically show a balance of zero or a message indicating forfeiture when you log into your Marriott Bonvoy account. You can also review your "Activity" section to see the last qualifying action.
How to reinstate expired Marriott Bonvoy points?
Generally, once points expire, they cannot be reinstated. However, in some rare cases, Marriott may offer a "points challenge" where you can earn them back with a qualifying stay within a specific timeframe. It's best to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service directly to inquire.
How to use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card to keep points active?
Simply make any purchase with your Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card. The points earned from this purchase, once posted to your Bonvoy account, will reset your expiration clock for another 24 months.
How to transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy to prevent expiration?
You can transfer points from partner loyalty programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Even a small transfer (e.g., 1,000 points) will count as qualifying activity.
How to donate Marriott Bonvoy points to extend their validity?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and find the option to donate points to charity. A minimum donation (e.g., 2,500 points) will typically extend the expiration date of all your remaining points.
How to convert Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles to keep them active?
Access the "Transfer Points" section of your Marriott Bonvoy account online. Select an airline partner and initiate a transfer of your points (usually a minimum of 3,000 points). This action will reset your Bonvoy points expiration.
How to tell if my Lifetime Elite Status prevents point expiration?
If you have achieved Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Elite status (Silver, Gold, or Platinum), your points are generally exempt from expiration. You can verify your lifetime status and its associated benefits in your Marriott Bonvoy account profile or by contacting customer service.
