Have you ever dreamt of free hotel stays in exotic locations, luxurious upgrades, or unforgettable experiences? The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is your ticket to making those dreams a reality! With a vast portfolio of brands spanning the globe, earning Marriott Bonvoy points opens up a world of possibilities for savvy travelers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of accumulating points, ensuring you maximize your rewards and unlock incredible perks.
Unlocking the World of Marriott Bonvoy Points: Your Ultimate Guide
Earning Marriott Bonvoy points isn't just about booking hotel rooms; it's a multi-faceted approach that rewards you for your loyalty in numerous ways. From simply staying at their properties to using co-branded credit cards and engaging with various partners, there are countless avenues to boost your points balance. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Join Marriott Bonvoy (If You Haven't Already!) - It's Free!
This is the absolute first, and most crucial, step. If you're not already a member, you're leaving valuable points on the table!
How to Do It:
Visit the Marriott Bonvoy Website: Head over to Marriott.com and look for the "Join" or "Enroll" option for Marriott Bonvoy.
Fill Out the Form: Provide your basic information like name, email, and address. It's a quick and straightforward process.
Confirm Your Account: You'll likely receive an email to verify your account. Click the link, and voilà! You're officially a Marriott Bonvoy member.
Why It's Important: As soon as you join, you become eligible for exclusive member rates, complimentary Wi-Fi at participating hotels, and, most importantly, the ability to start earning points on your stays. Even as a basic member, you earn 10 points per dollar spent at most properties.
Step 2: Maximize Points Through Hotel Stays – The Core of Earning
Staying at Marriott properties is the most direct way to earn Bonvoy points. But there's a strategy to it!
Sub-heading 2.1: Earning Base Points on Stays
The Standard Rate: At most Marriott Bonvoy brands, you'll earn 10 base points for every US dollar or its foreign currency equivalent spent on eligible charges.
Eligible charges typically include your room rate, food and beverages charged to your room (excluding alcohol or tobacco where prohibited), in-room telephone, and video game charges.
Important Note: Certain brands, like Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Protea Hotels, City Express, Four Points Express, Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Sonder Apartments, and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, earn a slightly different rate of 5 base points per dollar. Always check the earning rates for the specific brand you're staying at.
Sub-heading 2.2: Elevate Your Earnings with Elite Status
Marriott Bonvoy rewards frequent guests with elite status, which comes with significant bonus points. The more nights you stay, the higher your status, and the more points you earn!
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Tiers and Bonus Points:
Member: (0-9 nights/year) - 10 points per dollar
Silver Elite: (10-24 nights/year) - 10% bonus (11 points per dollar)
Gold Elite: (25-49 nights/year) - 25% bonus (12.5 points per dollar)
Platinum Elite: (50-74 nights/year) - 50% bonus (15 points per dollar)
Titanium Elite: (75-99 nights/year) - 75% bonus (17.5 points per dollar)
Ambassador Elite: (100+ nights/year and $20,000+ in qualifying spending) - 75% bonus (17.5 points per dollar)
Pro Tip: Even if you're not staying overnight, you can sometimes earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel outlets (restaurants, spas, etc.) by simply providing your Marriott Bonvoy number.
Step 3: Supercharge Your Earnings with Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Cards – A Game Changer
This is arguably one of the fastest and most lucrative ways to accumulate a large sum of Marriott Bonvoy points, especially if you're in a region where these cards are available (e.g., USA, India). These cards often come with generous welcome bonuses and accelerated earning rates on everyday spending.
Sub-heading 3.1: Welcome Bonuses
Most Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer substantial welcome bonuses after you meet a certain spending threshold within the first few months of opening the card. These bonuses can range from tens of thousands to over 100,000 points, providing an instant boost to your account.
Sub-heading 3.2: Elevated Earning on Purchases
Marriott Stays: Co-branded cards typically offer the highest earning rates on purchases made at Marriott Bonvoy properties. For example, some cards offer 6 points per dollar on eligible Marriott purchases.
Bonus Categories: Many cards also offer elevated earning rates on common spending categories like dining, groceries, gas, and airfare, allowing you to earn points on your everyday expenses.
All Other Purchases: You'll generally earn 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, making it a solid option for all your spending.
Sub-heading 3.3: Automatic Elite Status
Many Marriott Bonvoy credit cards automatically grant you elite status (e.g., Silver Elite or Gold Elite), immediately boosting your earning potential on stays and providing other valuable benefits. Higher-tier cards might even offer a path to Platinum Elite status through spending.
Step 4: Diversify Your Earning with Marriott Bonvoy Partnerships – Beyond Stays
Marriott Bonvoy has an extensive network of partners, offering even more ways to earn points.
Sub-heading 4.1: Dining Programs
Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy: If you're in the U.S., link your credit cards to the Eat Around Town program and earn Bonvoy points when you dine at thousands of participating restaurants. It's a simple way to earn points on something you're already doing!
Sub-heading 4.2: Travel Partners
Car Rentals (Hertz): Earn 500 Bonvoy points on each car rental with Hertz by providing your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number.
Ridesharing & Food Delivery (Uber): In the U.S., link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts to earn points on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
Cruises (Cruise with Points): Book a cruise through the "Cruise with Points" program and typically earn 3 points per dollar spent. Co-branded credit cardholders can earn an additional 2 points per dollar.
Airline Partners: While typically better for redeeming points, some airline partnerships, like the "Your World Rewards" program with Emirates, allow Bonvoy Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elites to earn 3 points per dollar spent on Emirates flights, in addition to Skywards miles. United MileagePlus Premier members can also convert United miles to Bonvoy points.
Sub-heading 4.3: Events and Meetings
Marriott Bonvoy Events: If you're planning a meeting or event, you can earn 2 points per dollar spent on eligible event charges (room rentals, food, beverages, AV) up to 60,000 points for general members, with higher caps for elite members.
Step 5: Leverage Special Promotions – Bonus Points Galore!
Marriott Bonvoy regularly runs promotions that offer accelerated earning opportunities. These are often seasonal or targeted.
How to Stay Informed:
Check the Marriott Bonvoy Website: Regularly visit the "Offers" or "Promotions" section of the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Sign Up for Emails: Make sure your Marriott Bonvoy account communication preferences are set to receive promotional emails.
Follow Travel Blogs: Many travel and points blogs actively track and report on the latest Marriott Bonvoy promotions.
Types of Promotions:
Double Points: Earn double the base points on eligible stays.
Bonus Points per Stay/Night: Receive a fixed number of bonus points for each stay or night during the promotional period.
Category-Specific Bonuses: Earn extra points when staying at certain brands or in specific regions.
Step 6: Consider Buying or Transferring Points (Strategically) – Last Resort or Quick Boost
While not always the most cost-effective method, buying or transferring points can be useful in specific situations.
Sub-heading 6.1: Buying Points
Marriott Bonvoy allows you to purchase points. The standard rate is typically 1.25 cents per point. However, Marriott often runs promotions offering discounts (e.g., 25% or 40% off) or bonus points when you buy a certain amount. Only buy points if you have a specific, high-value redemption in mind where the cost of buying points is less than the cash price of the stay.
Sub-heading 6.2: Transferring Points
Between Marriott Accounts: You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member's account in increments of 1,000 points, often without a fee. This can be useful for pooling points for a larger redemption.
From Other Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy is a transfer partner with flexible rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. Points typically transfer at a 1:1 ratio. This is an excellent way to consolidate points if you have a Marriott redemption in mind.
To Airline Miles: While primarily focused on hotel stays, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline partners, generally at a 3:1 ratio (3 Marriott Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile). You often get a 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred, boosting the effective ratio. However, direct hotel redemptions often yield better value.
By strategically combining these methods, you'll see your Marriott Bonvoy point balance grow rapidly, bringing those dream vacations and premium experiences within reach!
10 Related FAQ Questions
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 point total will be prominently displayed on your dashboard.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights?
To use points for free nights, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, search for hotels and dates, and select the "Use Points / Awards" option. The system will then show you the point cost for available rooms.
How to get Marriott Bonvoy elite status faster?
You can get Marriott Bonvoy elite status faster by staying more nights at Marriott properties, or by holding a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card which often grants automatic elite status (like Silver or Gold), or provides Elite Night Credits annually.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles?
To transfer points to airline miles, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigate to the "Redeem" section, and look for "Transfer Points to Miles." Select your desired airline partner and enter the number of points you wish to transfer.
How to earn bonus points with Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?
You earn bonus points with Marriott Bonvoy credit cards by utilizing their welcome offers (meeting initial spending requirements) and by using the card for purchases in their elevated earning categories, such as Marriott stays, dining, and other everyday spending.
How to ensure my Marriott Bonvoy points don't expire?
To prevent your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring (they typically expire after 24 months of inactivity), ensure you have at least one qualifying activity (earning or redeeming points) in your account every 24 months. This could be a paid stay, using a co-branded credit card, transferring points, or dining at a participating restaurant.
How to find Marriott Bonvoy promotions?
You can find Marriott Bonvoy promotions by regularly checking the "Offers" or "Promotions" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website, signing up for their promotional emails, and following reputable travel and points blogs that track these offers.
How to earn points without staying at a Marriott hotel?
You can earn points without staying at a Marriott hotel by using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card for everyday purchases, dining at participating restaurants through the Eat Around Town program, renting cars with Hertz, booking cruises, or transferring points from partners like American Express or Chase.
How to combine Marriott Bonvoy points with another member?
You can combine Marriott Bonvoy points with another member by initiating a points transfer online through your Marriott Bonvoy account. You can transfer points in increments of 1,000 to another member, often without a fee, for a total of up to 100,000 points per year received, and 500,000 points per year sent.
How to use Free Night Awards from Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?
To use a Free Night Award, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and search for a hotel stay using the "Use Points / Awards" option. If an eligible Free Night Award is in your account for the selected dates and hotel category, it will be an available option during the booking process. You can often combine it with up to 15,000 points to expand its value.
