Have you ever dreamt of transforming your travel expenses into free nights at luxurious resorts, upgrades to stunning suites, or even unforgettable experiences around the globe? Well, you're in the right place! Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning loyalty program, makes these dreams a reality by allowing you to accrue points in a multitude of ways. But how exactly do these magical Marriott points appear in your account? Let's dive deep into the world of Marriott Bonvoy and uncover all the secrets to maximizing your point earnings!
The Grand Journey: How Marriott Bonvoy Points Accrue
Accruing Marriott Bonvoy points is a strategic game that rewards loyalty and smart spending. It's not just about booking hotel stays; it's about leveraging a diverse ecosystem of partnerships and opportunities. Here's your comprehensive, step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Join Marriott Bonvoy (If You Haven't Already!)
This is the absolute first and most crucial step. If you're not a Marriott Bonvoy member, you're leaving valuable points on the table!
Sub-heading: Why Join?
It's completely free! There's no cost to enroll in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Exclusive Member Rates: As a member, you gain access to special, discounted rates not available to the general public. This alone can save you money on your stays.
Immediate Benefits: Even as a basic member, you start enjoying perks like complimentary in-room Wi-Fi.
The Foundation for Earning: Without being a member, you simply cannot earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
Sub-heading: How to Join
Visit the official Marriott Bonvoy website or download the Marriott Bonvoy app. Look for the "Join Now" or "Enroll" option and follow the simple prompts to create your account. It takes just a few minutes!
Step 2: The Core of Earning - Hotel Stays
The most straightforward and often most rewarding way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is by staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide.
Sub-heading: Base Earning Rate
10 points per $1 USD spent: At most Marriott Bonvoy brands, you'll earn a generous 10 points for every $1 USD (or equivalent local currency) spent on eligible hotel purchases. This includes your room rate and other incidentals charged to your room, such as dining, beverages, spa services, and golf.
Sub-heading: What are "Eligible" Purchases?
Generally, eligible purchases refer to anything that can be charged to your room folio. However, always double-check the specific hotel's policy or the Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions, as some third-party services within a hotel might not qualify.
Sub-heading: Elite Status Bonus Points - The Real Accelerator!
This is where true point accumulation begins to soar. As you climb the Marriott Bonvoy elite status ladder, your earning rate on hotel stays significantly increases:
Silver Elite: Earns a 10% bonus on top of the base points (11 points per $1). Achieved with 10-24 qualifying nights per year.
Gold Elite: Earns a 25% bonus (12.5 points per $1). Achieved with 25-49 qualifying nights per year.
Platinum Elite: Earns a 50% bonus (15 points per $1). Achieved with 50-74 qualifying nights per year.
Titanium Elite: Earns a 75% bonus (17.5 points per $1). Achieved with 75-99 qualifying nights per year.
Ambassador Elite: Earns a 75% bonus (17.5 points per $1). Achieved with 100+ qualifying nights per year and $23,000+ USD in qualifying annual spend.
Imagine the points accumulating with a 75% bonus on every stay! This is why frequent Marriott guests often prioritize achieving and maintaining higher elite tiers.
Step 3: Supercharge Your Earnings with Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are game-changers for point accrual, offering substantial welcome bonuses and accelerated earning on everyday spending.
Sub-heading: Welcome Bonuses
The quickest way to earn a massive chunk of points is through credit card welcome bonuses. These often require meeting a certain spending threshold within the first few months of card ownership. These bonuses can range from tens of thousands to over 100,000 points, providing an instant boost to your balance.
Sub-heading: Spending Categories
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, issued by partners like American Express and Chase (depending on your region), offer bonus points on various spending categories:
Marriott Bonvoy Hotels: Expect high earning rates (e.g., 6x points per $1) on purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. This stacks with your elite status bonus!
Everyday Spending: Cards often provide elevated earning on categories like dining, grocery stores, gas stations, and even select streaming services or rideshare, turning your daily expenses into future travel.
General Purchases: A standard earning rate (e.g., 2x points per $1) applies to all other eligible purchases.
Sub-heading: Automatic Elite Night Credits and Status
Many Marriott Bonvoy credit cards come with automatic elite night credits annually, which can help you reach or maintain a higher elite status level faster. Some even grant automatic Silver or Gold Elite status, immediately boosting your point-earning potential on stays.
Step 4: Diversify Your Point Stream Beyond Stays
Marriott Bonvoy offers numerous avenues to earn points even when you're not staying at their hotels. Don't overlook these valuable opportunities!
Sub-heading: Marriott Bonvoy Events
If you're planning a meeting, conference, wedding, or any group event, consider booking it at a Marriott property.
You can earn 2 points per $1 USD spent on eligible event charges, including room rentals, food, beverages, and audio/visual services.
Elite status bonuses apply here too, potentially earning you up to 105,000 points per eligible event for Titanium and Ambassador Elites.
Sub-heading: Dining Without a Stay (Eat Around Town)
Marriott's "Eat Around Town" program (available in the U.S. and select international markets) allows you to link your credit card and earn Bonvoy points at thousands of participating restaurants.
It's a simple way to earn points on your everyday dining. Just register your card and dine!
Sub-heading: Car Rentals
Partnering with Hertz, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points on car rentals.
Typically, you can earn 500 Bonvoy points per eligible car rental from Hertz by providing your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number.
Sub-heading: Cruises
Through the "Cruise with Points" program, you can earn Bonvoy points when booking a cruise.
Members typically earn 3 points per $1 USD spent, with co-branded credit cardholders earning an additional 2 points per $1.
Sub-heading: Tours & Activities
Marriott's "Tours & Activities" platform allows you to book local experiences and tours, often earning Bonvoy points in the process. This is a great way to earn points while exploring a destination.
Sub-heading: Shop with Points & Retail Partners
While primarily for redemption, some Marriott retail partners or occasional promotions might allow you to earn points through shopping. Keep an eye out for these special offers.
Sub-heading: Referring Friends
If you have a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, you might be eligible to refer friends and family members. When they are approved for the card, you could earn a significant referral bonus (e.g., up to 40,000 points per referral, with annual limits).
Step 5: Strategic Point Transfers
For those with flexible points currencies, transferring points to Marriott Bonvoy can be a powerful way to top off your account for a redemption or to prevent points from expiring.
Sub-heading: Credit Card Transfer Partners
Marriott Bonvoy is a transfer partner with major transferable points programs:
American Express Membership Rewards: Typically transfers at a 1:1 ratio.
Chase Ultimate Rewards: Also typically transfers at a 1:1 ratio.
Bilt Rewards: Another program that transfers at a 1:1 ratio.
This is incredibly valuable! If you have points in these programs, you can convert them to Marriott Bonvoy points, giving you immense flexibility.
Sub-heading: Airline Partner Transfers
You can transfer miles from certain airline loyalty programs to Marriott Bonvoy points, though this is generally not recommended as the transfer ratios are often unfavorable (e.g., 3:1 for many airlines). However, it can be a last resort to keep your Bonvoy account active or to combine small balances. Some partnerships, like the one with United MileagePlus Premier members, offer a 1:1 transfer ratio, which can be more appealing.
Step 6: Leveraging Promotions and Special Offers
Marriott Bonvoy regularly runs promotions that can significantly boost your point earnings.
Sub-heading: Double Points Promotions
Keep an eye out for promotions that offer double points (or more!) on eligible stays during specific periods or at certain brands. Registering for these promotions is usually required.
Sub-heading: Elite Night Credit Bonuses
Sometimes, promotions will offer bonus elite night credits, helping you achieve or maintain elite status faster, which in turn increases your base earning rate on future stays.
Sub-heading: Targeted Offers
Marriott may send targeted offers to individual members based on their stay history or preferences. Always check your email and your Marriott Bonvoy account for personalized promotions.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Marriott Bonvoy points accrual, with quick answers:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
You can easily check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by logging into your account on the Marriott Bonvoy website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your current points total will be prominently displayed on your dashboard.
How to ensure I earn points on my hotel stays?
Always book directly through Marriott's official channels (website, app, or phone) and provide your Marriott Bonvoy membership number at the time of booking or check-in. Ensure your rate is an "eligible" rate, as some deeply discounted or third-party bookings may not qualify.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points faster?
The fastest ways to earn points are by applying for a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card for its welcome bonus, consistently staying at Marriott properties (especially with elite status), and taking advantage of ongoing promotions.
How to avoid Marriott Bonvoy points expiration?
Marriott Bonvoy points expire if there is no qualifying activity in your account for 24 consecutive months. To prevent expiration, simply earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months. This can include a hotel stay, using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, transferring points from a partner, or even purchasing a small number of points.
How to earn points on dining even if I'm not staying at a Marriott hotel?
Enroll in the Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town program (if available in your region), link your credit card, and dine at participating restaurants. Points will automatically be credited to your account.
How to transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy?
Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards account, navigate to the "Transfer Partners" or "Transfer Points" section, select Marriott Bonvoy, and follow the instructions to link your accounts and initiate the transfer.
How to earn points for business meetings or events?
Book your meeting or event at a participating Marriott Bonvoy property and ensure your Marriott Bonvoy membership number is associated with the booking. You'll earn points based on the eligible spend for the event.
How to combine Marriott Bonvoy points with another member?
While direct pooling isn't typically allowed for general members, you can transfer up to 100,000 points to another Marriott Bonvoy member per calendar year. This can be useful for family redemptions.
How to earn points on car rentals?
When booking a car with Hertz, provide your Marriott Bonvoy membership number to earn points on eligible rentals.
How to find out about current Marriott Bonvoy promotions?
Regularly check the "Promotions" or "Offers" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website or app. It's also a good idea to opt-in to Marriott Bonvoy email communications, as they often send out promotional alerts.
