You've worked hard to earn those Marriott Bonvoy points, and the last thing you want is for them to disappear into the ether! Understanding the expiration policy and how to keep your points active is crucial for any savvy traveler. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide to ensure your Marriott Bonvoy points never expire unexpectedly.
Knowing Your Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Are you worried about your Marriott Bonvoy points expiring? Let's find out!
It's a common concern, but don't fret! Marriott Bonvoy has a clear policy, and we'll walk you through how to check your specific expiration date and what to do if it's approaching. The general rule of thumb is that Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of account inactivity. This means if you haven't earned or redeemed points in two years, your hard-earned rewards could be forfeited. But the good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep your account active!
Step 2: Accessing Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Online
The easiest and most reliable way to check your points' expiration is through your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Sub-step 2.1: Logging In to Your Account
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com).
Look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number or Email Address and your Password.
Click "Sign In" to access your account.
Sub-step 2.2: Locating Your Points Activity
Once you're logged in, finding your points activity and potential expiration date is straightforward:
In the top right corner of the page, click on your name or profile icon. A dropdown menu will appear.
From this menu, select "Activity" or "My Account" (the exact wording might vary slightly, but look for something related to your account history or activity).
On the "Activity" page, you should see a summary of your recent points earnings and redemptions. Look for a section that explicitly states your "Points Expiration Date" or a similar phrase. It's often displayed prominently above your transaction history.
What if you don't see an expiration date? If you've achieved Lifetime Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy (e.g., Lifetime Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador), your points do not expire. This is a significant perk of reaching those higher tiers!
Step 3: Understanding the 24-Month Inactivity Rule
As mentioned, your points generally expire if your account has no qualifying activity for 24 consecutive months. It's not just about earning points; redeeming points also counts as an activity.
Sub-step 3.1: What Counts as "Qualifying Activity" to Extend Expiration?
This is crucial! Many actions can reset your 24-month clock. Here are the most common and effective ways:
Completing a Paid Stay at a Participating Marriott Bonvoy Property: This is perhaps the most obvious way. Any eligible stay where you earn points will extend your points' validity.
Earning Points through a Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Card: If you have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card (issued by partners like Chase or American Express), simply making a purchase with the card and earning points will keep your entire Marriott Bonvoy points balance active. This is one of the easiest and most consistent ways to avoid expiration.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points: Using your points for a free night award, a Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience, or even transferring them to an airline partner (see below) counts as activity.
Purchasing Marriott Bonvoy Points: You can buy points directly from Marriott. Even a small purchase (e.g., 1,000 points) will reset your expiration clock. While it might not always be the most cost-effective way to acquire points, it's a quick fix if you're in a pinch.
Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to a Partner Airline: Marriott Bonvoy has numerous airline transfer partners. Converting even a small number of points to miles with one of these partners will count as qualifying activity.
Earning Points through Marriott Bonvoy Partners (e.g., Uber, Marriott Eat Around Town):
Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts: You can earn Bonvoy points on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. This is a very easy way to generate activity if you regularly use Uber.
Dine with Marriott Eat Around Town (U.S. only): Register your credit cards with this program and earn points when dining at participating restaurants.
Hosting Meetings or Events at Eligible Marriott Properties: If you organize business events, conferences, or even social gatherings at Marriott hotels, you can earn points that will extend your expiration.
Sub-step 3.2: What Doesn't Count as "Qualifying Activity"?
It's equally important to know what won't reset your clock:
Gifting or Transferring Points to another Marriott Bonvoy Member: This is a common misconception. While you can share points, this action (either sending or receiving) does not count as a qualifying activity for extending the expiration of your points.
Receiving Points as a Gift or Transfer from another Member: Same as above, these transfers don't count.
Earning points through social media promotions or registering for a Marriott promotion: These activities generally do not extend your points' validity.
Step 4: Proactive Strategies to Prevent Point Expiration
Don't wait until the last minute! Being proactive will save you stress and ensure your points remain secure.
Sub-step 4.1: Set Reminders
Calendar Alerts: Mark your points expiration date on your personal calendar (digital or physical) with a reminder a month or two in advance.
Loyalty Program Trackers: Consider using third-party apps like AwardWallet or Traxo. These services can track your various loyalty program balances and often send you email notifications before points are set to expire.
Sub-step 4.2: Regular, Small Activities
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Usage: If you have a co-branded Marriott credit card, use it for even a small, everyday purchase once every year or so. This is arguably the easiest way to ensure continuous activity.
Uber or Eat Around Town: If you regularly use Uber or dine out, linking your accounts can passively keep your points active with minimal effort.
Sub-step 4.3: Plan Ahead for Redemptions
If you have a large points balance, start thinking about a future redemption. Even a modest stay or a transfer to an airline partner can keep your entire balance from expiring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Marriott Bonvoy points expiration, designed to help you quickly find the answers you need:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points expiration date online?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com, click on your name in the top right corner, and then select "Activity." Your expiration date should be displayed there.
How to keep my Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring if I don't plan to travel?
You can make a small purchase with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, buy a small amount of points, link your Uber account for eligible rides/eats, or dine at a participating Marriott Eat Around Town restaurant.
How to know if my Lifetime Elite Status prevents Marriott points from expiring?
Yes, if you have achieved Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Elite Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador), your points will not expire due to inactivity.
How to transfer Marriott points to an airline partner to extend their validity?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigate to the "Redeem Points" section, and look for the option to transfer points to airline partners. This action counts as qualifying activity.
How to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points to extend their expiration?
You can purchase points directly through your Marriott Bonvoy account on their website. A small purchase (e.g., 1,000 points) will extend the validity of your entire balance.
How to use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card to prevent points expiration?
Any eligible purchase made with your Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card that earns points will post to your Bonvoy account and reset the 24-month inactivity clock.
How to reinstate expired Marriott Bonvoy points?
Unfortunately, once Marriott Bonvoy points have expired due to inactivity, they are generally forfeited and cannot be reinstated. This is why proactive measures are so important.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town to keep points active?
Register your credit cards with the Marriott Eat Around Town program. When you dine at participating restaurants and pay with a registered card, you'll earn points, which counts as qualifying activity.
How to ensure all activities count towards extending my Marriott points?
Always refer to the official Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions for the most up-to-date list of qualifying activities. Generally, any activity that involves earning or redeeming points will reset the clock.
How to avoid Marriott Bonvoy account deactivation?
Marriott Bonvoy can deactivate your account if there's been no activity for five consecutive years. By consistently engaging in qualifying activities every 24 months, you will prevent both points expiration and account deactivation.
