Marriott Bonvoy points are a valuable currency that can be redeemed for hotel stays or transferred to select airline partners, offering flexibility and plentiful redemption options. However, one common question among members is whether Marriott points have an expiration date. This article delves into the truth about Marriott points expiration and provides insights on how to prevent them from expiring.
Key Takeaways
- Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months without qualifying activity on the account.
- To prevent Marriott Bonvoy points expiration, engage in activities such as spending on a Marriott Bonvoy card, staying at Marriott properties, and more.
- Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at over 8,000 hotels across 30 brands to maximize their value.
- Utilize activities like purchasing points, transferring points, and staying at Marriott properties to keep your Marriott points active.
- Marriott Bonvoy points offer flexibility with a vast range of airline transfer partners and redemption options, making them a valuable loyalty currency.
Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration
Marriott Bonvoy points are valuable currency for travelers, but itâs crucial to know that they do not last indefinitely. Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity in your account. To maintain an active status, you must engage in qualifying activities such as staying at Marriott properties, making purchases with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, or participating in various Marriott promotions.
Qualifying activities to prevent point expiration include:
- Staying at any of the 8,000+ Marriott hotels worldwide
- Spending on a Marriott Bonvoy branded credit card
- Participating in Marriott Bonvoy events and promotions
- Utilizing Marriott Bonvoy partner services
Remember, keeping your Marriott Bonvoy account active is the key to preserving your points. Engage in any qualifying activity at least once every 24 months to ensure your points do not expire.
Preventing Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration
To ensure your Marriott Bonvoy points remain valid, itâs crucial to engage in qualifying activities within a 24-month period. Qualifying activities include stays at Marriott properties, spending on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, and participating in various promotions.
Here are some effective ways to prevent your points from expiring:
- Use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card for everyday purchases to accrue points and keep your account active.
- Stay at a Marriott property, which not only earns points but also resets the expiration timer.
- Participate in Marriott Bonvoy promotions and events, which can offer bonus points and extend the life of your points.
- Transfer points from partners like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Purchase points directly from Marriott if youâre close to an expiration date and need a quick activity on your account.
Remember, once points expire, they cannot be reinstated. Keeping track of your last activity date is essential to maintain your points balance.
Marriott Bonvoyâs terms and conditions specify that without activity for 24 consecutive months, points will be forfeited. Therefore, engaging in any of the above activities is not just beneficial for accruing points but is a necessary measure to safeguard your points from expiration.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy members have a variety of options when it comes to redeeming their points. Redeeming points for hotel stays is the most common and often the most valuable use of points. Members can also upgrade their room using points, ensuring a more luxurious experience during their stay.
Beyond hotel stays, points can be transferred to a selection of airline partners, offering flexibility for travelers. Additionally, points can be used for car rentals with Hertz, cruises through Cruise with Points, and even dining out with the Marriott Eat Around Town program. Itâs important to maximize the value of your points; AwardWallet users have found that Marriott points are typically worth around 1 cent each.
For those looking to support charitable causes, Marriott Bonvoy points can be donated to various charities, with a minimum online donation of 2,500 points. Members can also transfer points to other Marriott Bonvoy accounts, up to 100,000 points per calendar year, provided the accounts have been open for at least 30 days.
Activities to Keep Marriott Points Active
Purchasing Marriott Points
Marriott Bonvoy members have the option to purchase points to top off their accounts or to reach a redemption goal. Points can be bought in increments of 1,000, with a maximum of 100,000 points per calendar year. The standard rate is $12.50 per 1,000 points, although pricing may vary during promotional periods.
Members must be in good standing to purchase points, and new members are eligible to buy points 30 days after enrollment. Itâs important to note that purchased points do not count towards elite status, and once the transaction is complete, no refunds are permitted.
Purchasing points can be a strategic move, especially if youâre close to a reward but short on points. However, consider the cost and value of the points before making a purchase. Points typically post to your account within 72 hours, and if you use a Marriott co-brand credit card, youâll earn points on the purchase as an everyday transaction.
Transferring Points
Marriott Bonvoy members can keep their points active by transferring them to another memberâs account. A minimum of 1,000 Points is required for the transfer, ensuring that both the transferor and the recipientâs accounts are in good standing. Transfers can be a strategic way to prevent points from expiring and can also help friends or family members top off their accounts for an upcoming redemption.
Members can transfer up to a maximum of 100,000 Points per calendar year. Itâs important to note that once the transfer is authorized and processed, the original owner relinquishes all rights to the transferred points.
To initiate a transfer, members must use the Points Transfer Tool and provide the necessary details such as the Membership Number and full name of the recipient. The process is straightforward, but itâs crucial to ensure that all information matches the recipientâs account to avoid any issues. Additionally, transfers are subject to the Loyalty Programâs scrutiny to prevent fraudulent activities.
Staying and Spending at Marriott Properties
Earning Marriott Bonvoy points can be as simple as staying at Marriott properties and spending on-site. Members earn a base of 10 points per dollar spent at most Marriott brands, with some variations depending on the property. For example, Element, Residence Inn, and TownePlace Suites offer 5 points per dollar, while Marriott Executive Apartments provide 2.5 points per dollar.
Elite status members enjoy additional bonuses on top of the base points. Hereâs a breakdown of the bonus points by elite status:
- Silver Elite: 10% bonus
- Gold Elite: 25% bonus
- Platinum Elite: 50% bonus
- Titanium & Ambassador Elite: 75% bonus
Charging purchases to your room can also accumulate points, making it convenient to earn more during your stay.
Using the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card can further enhance your points earning, with benefits such as 3 Free Night Awards and Gold Elite status. The card has an annual fee of $125 and offers a bonus value of $0.84 per point, along with additional perks.
Maximizing Marriott Bonvoy Points
Redeeming Points for Stays
One of the most straightforward ways to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points is by redeeming them for stays at Marriott properties. Members can use their points to book standard rooms, and often, premium rooms are available for a higher points cost. This flexibility allows members to choose how they wish to use their points based on their travel preferences and the value they seek.
When planning to redeem points for stays, itâs essential to consider the type of room and the propertyâs category, as these factors influence the number of points required for a booking.
Marriott Bonvoy offers a variety of redemption options, including the popular âStandard Redemption Awardâ and the âPointSavers Award,â which provides savings on points for both standard and premium rooms. Below is a list of considerations to keep in mind when redeeming points for stays:
- Check the number of points needed for your desired property and room type.
- Look for PointSavers Awards to potentially reduce the points cost.
- Remember that premium rooms will require more points than standard rooms.
- Consider the timing of your stay, as points requirements can vary based on seasonality and hotel occupancy.
Itâs also worth noting that Marriott Bonvoy members may encounter opportunities to redeem points for experiences beyond hotel stays, such as Marriott Moments or airline transfers, adding even more value to the program.
Redeeming Points for Upgraded Room
Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to enhance their stay by redeeming points for an upgraded room, including Premium Rooms and suites. These rooms offer additional comfort and amenities, providing a more luxurious experience. To redeem points for an upgraded room, members can opt for a Premium Room Redemption Award, which comes in two forms:
- Premium Room Redemption Award â Points: This award is issued when points are redeemed for an upgrade to a Premium Room during an Award Redemption Stay on a Standard Redemption Award or PointSavers Award.
- Premium Room Redemption Award â Cash: Alternatively, members can pay cash on a per night basis for an upgrade to a Premium Room during an Award Redemption Stay.
Availability of these awards is subject to the participating propertyâs discretion, and the requirements for an upgrade may vary by property, room type, and season. Itâs important to note that upgrade awards are only available at select properties.
When planning to use points for an upgrade, always check the availability and specific terms at the property of interest to ensure a seamless experience.
Booking Award Stays for Others
Marriott Bonvoy members have the privilege of booking stays for others using their points or free night awards, a feature that can be utilized up to five times each calendar year. To arrange a âGifted Award Redemption Stay,â you must contact Marriott directly and provide both your name and Bonvoy number, as well as the name of the guest who will be staying. Itâs important to note that once a reservation is made, it cannot be altered, but it can be canceled and rebooked if necessary, provided itâs within the cancellation period.
When booking for others, the primary account holderâs presence is not required during the stay, making it an excellent way to share the joy of travel with friends and family.
Keep in mind that the ability to gift stays is subject to certain restrictions and the benefits typically associated with your account will not apply to the guest. Hereâs a quick checklist to ensure a smooth process:
- Contact Marriott to request a âGifted Award Redemption Stayâ
- Provide your Marriott Bonvoy account details
- Specify the name of the guest
- Understand that reservation changes are not permitted
- Be aware of the cancellation policy
Remember, the generosity of sharing your points comes with the responsibility of adhering to the programâs terms and conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marriott Bonvoy points do have an expiration date. Points expire after 24 months of inactivity on the account. To prevent your points from expiring, it is essential to engage in qualifying activities such as spending on a Marriott Bonvoy card or enjoying a stay at a Marriott property. With a wide range of redemption options and transfer partners, Marriott points offer great flexibility for travelers. Remember to stay active in the loyalty program to retain and maximize the value of your Marriott points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?
Yes, Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months without qualifying activity on the account. You can keep them alive by spending on a Marriott Bonvoy card, enjoying a stay at a Marriott property, and much more.
How can I prevent Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?
To prevent Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring, engage in qualifying activities such as spending on a Marriott Bonvoy card, staying at Marriott properties, or transferring points.
What happens if my Marriott points expire?
Once your Marriott points expire, you wonât be able to reinstate them. It is crucial to keep your Marriott account active to prevent this from happening.
Can I purchase Marriott points to prevent expiration?
Yes, you can buy Marriott points in increments to prevent them from expiring. This can be done at a rate of $12.50 per 1,000 points.
Are there other ways to keep Marriott points active?
Apart from purchasing points, you can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy to keep your account active.
What are the benefits of redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for stays?
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for stays allows you to access a vast network of over 8,000 hotels and 30 brands worldwide, catering to various budgets and preferences.
Can I redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for upgraded rooms?
Yes, you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for upgraded rooms, enhancing your hotel experience with premium accommodations.
Is it possible to book award stays for others using Marriott Bonvoy points?
Yes, you can book award stays for other individuals using your Marriott Bonvoy points, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy Marriott properties.
