Losing your hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points can be a frustrating experience, especially when you've been saving them for that dream vacation! The good news is, with a little knowledge and proactive effort, you can easily prevent your Marriott points from expiring. Let's dive into everything you need to know, from checking your expiration date to a step-by-step guide on keeping your account active.
The Big Question: Do Marriott Bonvoy Points Really Expire?
Yes, they do! Like many loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy has an expiration policy. Generally, your Marriott Bonvoy points will expire if your account goes 24 consecutive months (two years) without qualifying activity. This means you need to earn or redeem points at least once every two years to keep your entire points balance safe. If your account remains inactive for five consecutive years, Marriott can even deactivate your account entirely.
However, there's a significant exception: if you hold Lifetime Elite Membership (Lifetime Silver, Gold, or Platinum), your points currently do not expire. While Marriott reserves the right to change this policy in the future, for now, it's a fantastic benefit for their most loyal members.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Knowing When Marriott Points Expire (and How to Prevent It!)
Ready to take control of your Marriott Bonvoy points? Let's get started!
Step 1: Engage with Your Marriott Bonvoy Account – Let's Find That Date!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to unravel the mystery of your Marriott Bonvoy points' expiration date? It's easier than you might think. Let's log in and see exactly where your points stand.
1.1 Accessing Your Account Online
Head to the Marriott Bonvoy Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.marriott.com.Log In: In the top right corner of the page, you'll see a "Sign In" or "Join" button. Click "Sign In" and enter your Marriott Bonvoy account details (email or username and password).
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
1.2 Navigating to Your Activity Page
Once you're logged in, you'll typically see your name in the top right corner.
Click on Your Name: A dropdown menu will appear.
Select "Activity": This option will lead you to a page detailing your recent points earnings and redemptions.
1.3 Locating the Expiration Date
On your "Activity" page, keep an eye out for a specific date.
Look for the "Points Expiration Date": Marriott Bonvoy often displays this clearly above your recent activity list. If you see it, that's your target date!
No Date? Consider Your Last Activity: If you don't see an explicit expiration date, don't panic. The expiration is 24 months from your last qualifying activity. So, scroll through your activity log to find the most recent earning or redemption event. Add 24 months to that date, and you'll have a good estimate.
Lifetime Elite Members: If you are a Lifetime Elite member, you likely won't see an expiration date, as your points currently do not expire. Lucky you!
Step 2: Understanding What Constitutes "Qualifying Activity"
It's crucial to know what actions will reset your 24-month clock. Not all activities count!
2.1 Activities That DO Extend Your Points' Life
These are your go-to options to keep your points from expiring:
Completing a Paid Stay at a Marriott Bonvoy Property: This is the most common way to earn points and reset the clock.
Earning Points with a Co-branded Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card: Simply using your Marriott Bonvoy credit card for any purchase that earns points will count as qualifying activity. This is one of the easiest and most consistent methods.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points: Using your points for a free night, a Points + Cash stay, or even for experiences will extend your points' validity.
Transferring Points to Partner Airlines: Converting your Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles with one of Marriott's many airline partners will also count as activity.
Earning Points through Marriott Bonvoy Partners:
Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town: Link your credit card and earn points by dining at participating restaurants.
Linking your Marriott and Uber accounts: Earning points on eligible Uber or Uber Eats transactions (often with a minimum spend, currently $40 before taxes/fees/tip for Uber Eats).
Purchasing Marriott Bonvoy Points: Buying even a small number of points (e.g., 1,000 points for $12.50) is a quick and effective way to reset the expiration timer for your entire balance.
Hosting a Meeting or Event: If you plan a business meeting or event at an eligible Marriott property, you can earn points and extend your expiration date.
Donating Points to Charity: Some programs allow point donations, which can also count as a qualifying activity.
2.2 Activities That DO NOT Extend Your Points' Life
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Beware of these common misconceptions!
Gifting or Transferring Points to Another Member: While you can transfer points to other Marriott Bonvoy members, this does not count as qualifying activity for either the sender or the receiver when it comes to extending point expiration.
Receiving Points as a Gift or Transfer: Similar to the above, simply getting points transferred to you won't extend your expiration.
Booking a Redemption Stay and Canceling It: Merely booking an award stay, even if you later cancel it, generally will not reset your expiration date. The activity needs to be a "completed" earning or redemption.
Registering for a Promotion or Earning Points via Social Media: These promotional activities typically do not count as qualifying activity to extend the expiration.
Step 3: Proactive Strategies to Keep Your Points Alive
Now that you know the rules, let's put some proactive strategies in place!
3.1 Set Reminders and Use Tracking Tools
Calendar Alerts: Set a reminder on your personal calendar for about 3-6 months before your estimated expiration date. This gives you ample time to take action.
AwardWallet: Consider using a free service like AwardWallet. You can link your Marriott Bonvoy account (and many other loyalty programs), and it will track your points balances and, crucially, notify you via email when points are approaching their expiration. This is an invaluable tool for any points and miles enthusiast.
Marriott Bonvoy Communications: Ensure you are opted in to receive emails from Marriott Bonvoy. They often send out warnings when your points are nearing expiration, though sometimes these emails can be missed or go to spam.
3.2 Choose Your Activity Wisely
When your expiration date is approaching, pick the method that best suits your needs and budget:
The "No-Brainer" Purchase: If you're close to expiration and don't have immediate travel plans, buying 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for $12.50 is often the quickest, cheapest, and most straightforward way to extend the life of your entire points balance for another 24 months.
Small Hotel Stay: If you can squeeze in a quick, inexpensive overnight stay at a local Marriott property, this will also reset the clock and might even earn you some extra points.
Dining Out: If you frequently dine out, linking your credit card to Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town and making a purchase is a "free" way to get activity on your account.
Credit Card Usage: If you have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, simply making a small purchase on it will do the trick. Even a coffee!
Uber/Uber Eats: For those who use Uber frequently, linking your accounts and making an eligible transaction can be a convenient way to keep your points active.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Marriott Bonvoy points expiration:
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points expiration date?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com, click on your name in the top right corner, then select "Activity." The expiration date is often displayed there, or you can determine it by adding 24 months to your last qualifying activity.
How to keep my Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring without staying at a hotel?
You can prevent expiration by using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, purchasing points, transferring points to an airline partner, earning points via Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town or Uber, or hosting a qualified meeting/event.
How to reinstate expired Marriott Bonvoy points?
Once Marriott Bonvoy points expire due to inactivity, they are generally forfeited and cannot be reinstated. However, in rare cases and at Marriott's sole discretion, they might offer a "points challenge" where you complete a qualifying stay to potentially get them back. It's best to prevent expiration in the first place.
How to extend my Marriott Bonvoy points with a credit card?
Simply use your Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card for any purchase that earns points. The points posting to your account will count as qualifying activity and extend the expiration of your entire balance for another 24 months.
How to tell if I'm a Lifetime Elite member and if my points expire?
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
You can see your elite status, including Lifetime Elite, on your Marriott Bonvoy account overview. If you are a Lifetime Elite member, your points currently do not expire, regardless of activity.
How to link my Uber account to Marriott Bonvoy to earn points?
You can typically link your Uber and Marriott Bonvoy accounts through the Marriott Bonvoy app or website. Look for "Partnerships" or "Earn Points" sections where this option is available.
How to purchase Marriott Bonvoy points to prevent expiration?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, look for the "Buy Points" option (usually under "Redeem" or "More Ways to Use Points"), and purchase a minimum of 1,000 points. This small transaction will reset your expiration clock.
How to use AwardWallet to track Marriott Bonvoy points expiration?
Sign up for a free AwardWallet account, link your Marriott Bonvoy account, and AwardWallet will automatically track your points balance and send you email notifications when your points are nearing expiration.
How to find out if gifting points counts as activity?
Gifting or transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to or from another member does not count as a qualifying activity to extend the expiration date for either party.
How to get a warning before my Marriott Bonvoy points expire?
Ensure you are opted into receiving m4236250715175853610
