Ah, the sweet anticipation of watching your Marriott Bonvoy points pile up! There's nothing quite like seeing those numbers climb, knowing your next free night or incredible travel experience is getting closer. But if you've recently completed a stay or made a qualifying purchase and those points haven't appeared yet, you might be wondering, "How long does it take for Marriott points to show up on my account?"
You're not alone! This is a common question, and understanding the typical timelines and what to do if there's a delay can save you a lot of headache. So, let's dive deep into the world of Marriott Bonvoy points posting, with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to tracking your earnings and ensuring you get every point you deserve.
Understanding the Marriott Bonvoy Points Ecosystem
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of timelines, it's helpful to understand the various ways you earn Marriott Bonvoy points, as this can sometimes influence when they post:
Hotel Stays: The most common way to earn points, based on eligible spend at Marriott properties.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Points earned through everyday spending on co-branded credit cards.
Promotions: Bonus points from special offers and promotions.
Partnerships: Points earned through partners like car rental companies, airlines, or dining programs.
Meetings & Events: Points earned for booking qualifying meetings and events.
Each of these avenues has a slightly different processing time, but the core principles for tracking and claiming remain the same.
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| How Long Does It Take For Marriott Points To Show Up On Account |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Marriott Bonvoy Points Posting
Let's walk through the process, from checking out of your hotel to potentially contacting Marriott Bonvoy for missing points.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility & Expectations
Hold on a minute, before you even start wondering where your points are, let's make sure you've laid the groundwork correctly! This initial step is crucial and often overlooked.
1.1: Verify Your Marriott Bonvoy Number at Booking & Check-In
Did you provide your Marriott Bonvoy member number when you booked your stay? This is fundamental. If you booked without it, or used a different email, the system won't automatically link your stay.
Did you confirm it at check-in? Even if you booked with your number, it's always a good practice to verbally confirm it with the front desk agent when you check in. A simple "Just confirming my Bonvoy number is linked to this reservation" can prevent future issues.
1.2: Understand "Eligible Stays"
Not all stays earn points. This is a common point of confusion.
Third-Party Bookings: Did you book through an Online Travel Agency (OTA) like Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, or similar? Stays booked through most third-party websites are generally NOT eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. Marriott rewards loyalty when you book directly with them.
Discounted Rates: Certain deeply discounted or wholesale rates may not qualify. Always check the terms and conditions of the rate you booked.
Award Stays: If you paid with points or a Free Night Award, you'll generally only earn points on incidental charges (like dining or spa services) that are charged to your room, not on the room rate itself.
1.3: Set Realistic Timelines
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to loyalty points.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
For Hotel Stays: The official word from Marriott is that it can take up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to post to your account. This means weekends and public holidays don't count towards that 10-day window. So, if you check out on a Friday, don't expect them by Monday! Give it the full window before panicking.
For Credit Card Spend: Points from your Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card typically post after your billing cycle closes. This can vary by card issuer (Chase or American Express) but usually aligns with when you receive your statement.
For Promotions: Bonus points from promotions can sometimes take longer, often 2-4 weeks after the qualifying activity, or even longer depending on the promotion's specific terms. Always check the T&Cs of the promotion.
Step 2: Actively Monitor Your Account Activity
Once you've passed the initial eligibility check, it's time to keep an eye on your Bonvoy account.
2.1: Log In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account
Go to Marriott.com: Navigate to the official Marriott Bonvoy website.
Sign In: Use your Marriott Bonvoy member number or email address and password to log in.
Mobile App: Alternatively, download and log in to the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. It's often a more convenient way to check your balance on the go.
2.2: Navigate to "Account Activity"
Once logged in, look for a section like "My Account" or your name, then navigate to "Activity" or "Account Activity." This page will show you a detailed breakdown of your recent transactions, including stays, points earned, and redemptions.
2.3: Look for Pending or Posted Points
Initially, you might not see anything right after checkout. Be patient.
Sometimes, especially within the first few days, you might see a "pending" entry for a recent stay. This means the system has recognized the stay but the points haven't been fully processed and added to your balance yet. This is a good sign!
Once the points are fully posted, you'll see the specific number of points earned for that stay, often broken down by base points and any elite bonuses.
Step 3: When Points Don't Show Up: The Waiting Game (and What to Check)
The 10-business-day mark is your first real checkpoint. If that time has passed and your points are still playing hide-and-seek, it's time to dig a little deeper.
3.1: Re-confirm the 10-Business-Day Window
Remember: If you checked out on a Friday, the 10 business days will extend into the next week. For example, check out on Friday, July 18th. Day 1 is Monday, July 21st, Day 5 is Friday, July 25th, and Day 10 is Friday, August 1st. Don't jump the gun!
3.2: Review Your Hotel Folio (Receipt)
Did you receive a final folio? Check your email or ask the hotel for a copy.
Look for your Marriott Bonvoy number on the folio. Is it present and correct? If it's missing or incorrect, this is a strong indicator of why your points haven't posted.
Examine the charges. Are there any charges that might be considered ineligible for points earning? (e.g., third-party services billed to your room but not directly through the hotel).
3.3: Check for Merged Accounts
Have you ever had multiple Marriott Bonvoy accounts? Sometimes, points can end up on an old or secondary account if your primary one wasn't used consistently. If you suspect this, you might need to contact Marriott to merge accounts.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Step 4: Requesting Credit for a Missing Stay
If the 10 business days have passed and your points are still nowhere to be found, it's time to take direct action. Marriott Bonvoy has a straightforward process for this.
4.1: Access the "Missing Stay Request" Form
Online Form: The easiest and most efficient way is to use the online "Missing Stay Request" form on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Navigate to the "Help" or "Customer Service" section.
Search for "Missing Stay" or "Request Credit."
You'll typically find a link to the online form.
Information Needed: Have the following details ready:
Hotel Name and Location
Check-in and Check-out Dates
Confirmation Number
Your Folio/Receipt Number (if available)
Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number
4.2: Submit Your Request (and Attach Documentation)
Fill out the form completely and accurately.
Crucially, attach a copy of your hotel folio (receipt). This provides proof of your stay and the eligible charges. Without it, your request will likely be delayed or denied.
Submit the form. You should receive a confirmation email with a reference number for your request.
4.3: What Happens Next
Marriott typically states that it can take up to 10 business days to process a missing stay request.
You'll usually receive an email notification once the points have been credited to your account.
Step 5: Following Up and Escalating (If Necessary)
If you've submitted a missing stay request and the 10 business days for that process have also passed without resolution, it's time to follow up.
5.1: Check Your Request Status Online (If Available)
Some customer service portals allow you to check the status of your submitted requests. Look for this option if it's available.
5.2: Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service
Phone is Often Best: While online forms are convenient, for unresolved issues, a phone call can often get you a quicker resolution.
Find the customer service number for your region on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Be prepared with your Marriott Bonvoy member number, the hotel details, the dates of your stay, and the reference number from your missing stay request.
Be Polite and Prepared: Have all your documentation (folio, confirmation numbers, dates) easily accessible. Clearly and calmly explain the situation.
Explain the Timeline: State that you've already waited the initial posting period and the subsequent processing period for the missing stay request.
5.3: Consider Social Media (As a Last Resort)
Sometimes, reaching out to Marriott Bonvoy's official customer service accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) can get a response if traditional channels are slow. Use this sparingly and for legitimate unresolved issues, not for initial inquiries.
Beyond Hotel Stays: Points from Credit Cards and Partners
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
While the focus has been on hotel stays, it's important to touch upon other point-earning avenues.
Credit Card Points
Billing Cycle: Points earned on your Marriott Bonvoy credit card (Chase or American Express) are usually transferred to your Bonvoy account after your credit card billing cycle closes. This means if your statement closes on the 15th of the month, the points from that statement period will typically show up a few days later.
Large Purchases: For very large purchases, there might be a slight delay as the transaction clears.
Contact Card Issuer: If credit card points are missing, first check your credit card statement. If they're not there, contact your credit card issuer (Chase or American Express) directly, as they are responsible for tracking and transferring those points.
Partner Earnings (e.g., Dining, Car Rentals)
Varying Timelines: Points earned through partners like "Eat Around Town" dining program or Hertz car rentals will have their own specific posting timelines, which can range from a few days to several weeks.
Check Partner Terms: Always refer to the terms and conditions of the specific partnership for estimated posting times.
Contact Partner First: If points from a partner are missing, it's usually best to contact the partner program (e.g., Eat Around Town customer service) first, as they are the ones who report the earnings to Marriott.
Conclusion: Patience, Diligence, and Knowing Your Rights
The vast majority of the time, Marriott Bonvoy points will post automatically within the expected timeframe. However, delays can and do happen. By understanding the typical posting periods, meticulously checking your account activity, and knowing how to effectively use the missing stay request process, you'll be well-equipped to ensure you receive every hard-earned point. Don't leave points on the table! Your next dream vacation might just depend on it.
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 through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your balance is typically displayed prominently on the main account page or within the "Activity" section.
How to Request Missing Marriott Bonvoy Points for a Stay?
If your points haven't posted after 10 business days from your check-out, you can request missing points by filling out the "Missing Stay Request" form on the Marriott Bonvoy website, found under the "Help" or "Customer Service" section. Be sure to have your hotel folio (receipt) ready to upload.
How to Expedite Marriott Bonvoy Points Posting?
Unfortunately, there's no official way to "expedite" the standard posting time for Marriott Bonvoy points from hotel stays. The system processes them automatically. For missing points, submitting a complete and accurate missing stay request with your folio is the fastest way to get them credited.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
How to Know if My Marriott Stay Was Eligible for Points?
Stays booked directly through Marriott channels (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott reservations) and paid with qualifying charges are generally eligible. Stays booked through most third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) or at certain deeply discounted rates are typically not eligible for points.
How to Link My Marriott Bonvoy Number to a Reservation?
When booking directly on Marriott.com or through the app, ensure you are logged into your Bonvoy account. If booking by phone, provide your member number to the agent. If you forgot, you can often add it at check-in with the front desk.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service for Points Issues?
You can contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service via phone. Find the relevant phone number for your region on the "Contact Us" or "Help" section of the Marriott.com website. Have your Bonvoy number and details of your issue ready.
How to Get Points for Incidental Charges on an Award Stay?
Yes, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on incidental charges (like dining, spa services, or resort fees) even if you paid for the room with points or a Free Night Award. Ensure these charges are billed to your room and you provide your Bonvoy number.
How to See Pending Marriott Bonvoy Points?
While not always explicitly labeled "pending," sometimes a recent stay will appear in your "Account Activity" with a zero point value or as an unprocessed transaction before the full points are credited. It usually means the system has recognized the stay but is still finalizing the points calculation.
How to Ensure Credit Card Points Post to My Marriott Bonvoy Account?
Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy credit card is linked to your correct Marriott Bonvoy account. Points earned from your credit card spending will typically post to your Bonvoy account automatically after your credit card billing cycle closes.
How to Merge Multiple Marriott Bonvoy Accounts?
If you have accidentally created multiple Marriott Bonvoy accounts, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service to request that your accounts be merged. Provide all relevant account numbers and personal details to facilitate the process.
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