All Your Questions Answered in One Place

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Have questions about getting started, earning or redeeming Marriott points?

This comprehensive Marriott Bonvoy FAQ goes over everything you should know with answers to all of your questions.

If you still have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to add them to the list.

Marriott Bonvoy hotel brands

General Marriott Bonvoy Program

What is Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program for Marriott International and covers over 6,700 hotels around the world.

The program allows you to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays and more.

 

Learn more about the program’s ins and outs in our in-depth guide to Marriott Bonvoy.

 

Is Marriott Bonvoy free?

Yes, Marriott Bonvoy is free to join.

How do Marriott points work?

With the Marriott program, you earn points on Marriott stays, by using Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, and certain other activities like shopping with partners. Points can be redeemed for free Marriott stays, experiences, and more.

Why did Marriott change its name to Bonvoy?

Marriott debuted the Bonvoy program in 2019 after a major merger. The Marriott Bonvoy program was introduced to combine three loyalty brands: Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Marriott Rewards.

What hotels does Marriott own? What are the brands?

Thanks to the Marriott-SPG-Ritz-Carlton merger, the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio is now quite extensive:

  • Ritz-Carlton
  • St. Regis
  • JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
  • W Hotels
  • The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
  • Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
  • EDITION Hotels
  • Marriott Hotels
  • Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
  • Westin Hotels & Resorts
  • Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts
  • Renaissance Hotels
  • Tribute Portfolio
  • Autograph Collection
  • Design Hotels
  • Delta Hotels & Resorts
  • Marriott Executive Apartments
  • Courtyard by Marriott
  • Residence Inn by Marriott
  • SpringHill Suites
  • Gaylord Hotels
  • Element
  • AC Hotels by Marriott
  • Fairfield Inn by Marriott
  • TownPlace Suites
  • Protea Hotels by Marriott
  • Moxy Hotels
  • Aloft Hotels
  • Four Points by Sheraton

What are Marriott luxury brands?

Marriott focuses on luxury and upscale properties, but some properties are considered budget-friendly. The portfolio of luxury Marriott brands includes:

  • Ritz-Carlton
  • St. Regis
  • JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
  • W Hotels
  • The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
  • Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
  • EDITION Hotels

 

Related: An In-Depth Guide to All 29 Marriott Hotel Brands

 

How do I check my Marriott points?

You can always view your Marriott Bonvoy balance by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account or using the Marriott Bonvoy app.

You can also find out your balance by calling Marriott Bonvoy customer service at 1-800-627-7468.

When do Marriott points expire?

Your Marriott points expire if your account is inactive for 24 months. You need to earn or redeem Marriott points to keep your account active.

This can be done by using a Marriott Bonvoy card, staying at Marriott, earning with partners, or redeeming points for anything, not just Marriott stays.

Which Marriott’s have executive lounges?

With Platinum Elite status or higher, you can access Marriott executive lounges for free.

The following Marriott Bonvoy brands have executive lounges:

  • JW Marriott
  • Sheraton
  • Marriott
  • Le Meridien
  • Delta
  • Westin
  • Autograph Collection
  • Renaissance

How do I find out my Marriott Rewards number?

You can view your Marriott Bonvoy member number by logging into your Marriott account and navigating to your profile.

How can I contact Marriott customer service?

The Marriott Bonvoy customer service number is 1-800-627-7468.

Does Marriott offer late checkout?

You can get late checkout at Marriott properties with elite status starting at Silver Elite status when available.

At Gold Elite status, you get 2pm late checkout, when available.

With Platinum Elite status and higher, you can always get 4pm late checkout, regardless of availability.

What is the Marriott Vacation Club?

Marriott Vacation Club is Marriott’s timeshare brand that’s comprised of 70+ properties in the U.S., Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe.

As a Marriott Vacation Club Owner, you receive an annual amount of Vacation Club Points that are used as currency for vacations. Packages start at around $22,000 plus closing costs, club dues, and annual ownership association fees.

What is Marriott Club Lounge?

M Club Lounges are executive lounges in select Marriott hotels. Marriott Club Lounges began opening in 2014.

M Club Lounges offer free high-speed internet, printers, tablets, charging stations, and work areas as well as complimentary food and beverages.

What are the Marriott Bonvoy benefits?

As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can earn Marriott points that can be redeemed for free stays at Marriott properties around the world.

You can also earn elite status benefits like late checkout, free breakfast, and lounge access to get more out of your Marriott stays.

 

Learn more about Marriott Bonvoy elite status benefits.

 

marriott bonvoy elite status benefits

Marriott Credit Cards

Does Marriott have a credit card?

There are Marriott Bonvoy credit cards issued by Chase and American Express:

What credit cards earn Marriott points?

All Marriott Bonvoy credit cards earn Marriott points on Marriott stays and everyday spending. Here’s what you can earn with each card:

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

  • 3x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2x points on travel purchases
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

  • 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2x points on all other purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees

  • 6x points at Marriott hotels
  • 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on airfare booked directly with airlines
  • 2x points on all other purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees

  • 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • 4x points at US restaurants, US gas stations, US mobile service providers, and on US shipping purchases
  • 2x points on all other purchases

How does the Marriott Bonvoy credit card work?

When you sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, it’s linked to your Marriott account and allows you to earn Marriott bonus points on Marriott stays and all other purchases. Marriott cards also come with other perks like complimentary elite status (up to Gold status with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees) and Free Night Awards on your account anniversary good for a free stay at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.

What credit score do I need for a Marriott credit card?

The credit score you need for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card depends on which card you want. As a general rule, you will usually need a credit score of 640 or higher to get approved, although some cards may require a score of at least 670.

Remember your credit score isn’t the only factor that’s considered: you should also have sufficient income to pay your debt obligations, a fairly low debt-to-income ratio, and no recent derogatory marks on your credit. Chase also has a 24/5 rule to consider if you want a Chase Marriott Bonvoy credit card: if you have opened 5+ credit cards from any issuing bank in the last 24 months, you can’t get approved for a new Chase card.

Is there a no annual fee Marriott credit card?

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card from Chase has $0 annual fee and earns 3x Marriott Bonvoy points at Marriott hotels (half the rate of other Marriott credit cards) plus 2x Marriott points on travel expenses and 1x points on everything else.

Do points earned with Marriott Rewards cards count toward elite status?

Yes. Marriott Bonvoy credit cards often come with automatic elite status and you can reach a higher elite status tier with spending on your Marriott card. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees, you can spend $35,000 in a year to reach Gold status. With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees, you can hit Platinum status with $75,000 in card spendings in a year.

Can you have more than 1 Marriott credit card?

Yes, you can have several Marriott Bonvoy credit cards if you want. This may make sense to get the free night certificates each year which can more than make up for the annual fees.

What is the best Marriott Rewards credit card?

This depends on your spending habits and how frequently you stay with Marriott. For many people, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase is the best choice because it comes with an annual free night certificate that can more than make up for the annual fee. If you stay with Marriott frequently, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees can be worth it.

Are the Marriott Bonvoy credits card worth it?

A Marriott Bonvoy credit card is definitely worth having if you stay with Marriott fairly often and want to earn free stays more frequently. Even the $450 annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees is worth it for frequent Marriott guests thanks to the $300 annual Marriott credit and free night certificate which already more than make up for the annual fee.

Are Marriott Bonvoy credit cards metal?

Yes, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees is stainless steel.

Earning Marriott Points

How do you earn Marriott Rewards points?

There are many ways to earn Marriott points in the program:

  • Use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card for Marriott stays or everyday purchases
  • Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Marriott
  • Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott
  • Stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • Take advantage of Marriott Amex Offers on a qualifying American Express card
  • Rent a car with Hertz
  • Book a cruise
  • Choose the Green Choice option when you check into Marriott
  • Buy a Marriott vacation package
  • Earn refer-a-friend bonuses
  • Buy Marriott points

 

Learn more about earning Marriott points here.

 

How many points do you earn per night at Marriott?

How many points you earn per stay depends on whether you use a Marriott credit card, your elite status, how much the stay costs, and whether you qualify for a promotion that offers bonus points. On a $200 night stay, you will earn 2,000 base points plus 200 to 1,500 elite status bonus points and 1,200 bonus points for using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card.

How do I buy Marriott Bonvoy points?

You can buy Marriott points here at $12.50 per 1,000 points in 1,000-point increments. You can buy up to 50,000 points per year.

How long does it take to get Marriott bonus points?

Marriott points usually post to your account within 3-5 business days.

Where can I find Marriott promotions?

Want to earn more Marriott points on your next stay? Check for promotions at the Marriott Promotion Center.

Can I earn points on multiple rooms?

You can earn Marriott points on up to 3 rooms as long as you are staying in at least one of the rooms and your membership number is attached to each room and you are paying for all of the rooms.

Can I earn airline miles instead of points?

Yes, you can earn airline miles instead of Marriott Bonvoy points with more than 40 participating loyalty programs. You will earn 2x miles on qualifying charges at many Marriott brands, but some brands like Courtyard by Marriott and TownePlace Suites only earn 1x miles. To earn miles, you need to update your profile to choose miles instead of points and select a loyalty program.

Can I earn points other ways than hotel stays?

There are plenty of ways to earn Marriott points outside of hotel stays including regular spending with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards points into the program, booking travel with partners, booking destination activities, signing up for offers, and transferring miles or points from other loyalty programs.

How long does it take for points to post to my account?

Marriott points typically post to your account within a few days. Points earned with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card usually post within a few days of your billing cycle ending.

How do I earn free night certificates or suite night awards?

As a Marriott Bonvoy cardholder, you earn free night certificates on your account anniversary. Of the 4 Marriott credit cards, only the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card does not offer a free night certificate, but therefor has $0 annual fee. You can earn suite night awards by staying 50 nights in a year to qualify for Platinum status or 75 nights in a year to qualify for Titanium status.

Using Marriott Points

How much is a Marriott point worth?

Marriott Bonvoy points are worth about 0.8 cents each, although you can get a higher value with strategic redemption.

What can you do with Marriott Bonvoy points?

You can redeem Marriott points for:

  • Free Marriott stays
  • Transfer to 40+ airline partners
  • Experiences and activities through Marriott Moments
  • Hotel and airfare packages
  • Gift cards and merchandise

 

Learn more about ways to use Marriott Bonvoy points here.

 

How many Marriott points for a free night?

For a standard award stay, you need between 7,500 and 85,000 points based on the hotel category. Free nights can cost as low as 4,000 to 5,000 once Marriott Bonvoy rolls out its peak and off-peak pricing. You can also snag standard award stays starting at just 6,000 points per night with a PointSavers award.

How do I redeem my Marriott points for a free night?

To redeem Marriott points, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and search for a hotel with the “Use Points” option selected. Points will be deducted from your account automatically. You can use all points to book a free night, a combination of points and cash, or you can book an award stay with Points Advance if you don’t have enough points yet.

How do I get a Marriott e certificate?

With a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you can earn Marriott e-certificates on your account anniversary that can be used for a free night stay at most Marriott properties. Here’s how to earn a Marrriott free night certificate with each credit card:

Certificates are automatically deposited in your Marriott Bonvoy account several weeks after your account anniversary.

You can also earn a free night certificate by staying at Marriott properties 75 nights in a year for an Annual Choice Benefit.

How do I use my Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate?

Free night certificates are automatically added to your account. To redeem a certificate, search for a hotel using points as you would normally and choose one for 35,000 points or less (or 50,000 points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Terms Apply; Rates and Fees). At checkout, you will have the option to pay using the certificate.

How much are 100k Marriott points worth?

With Marriott Bonvoy points valued at 0.8 cents each, 100,000 Marriott points will be worth around $800. You can get a better value for your points if you’re strategic, however. It’s possible to get well over $1,000 in value for the points by staying at hotels that offer a great value and using the 5th night free benefit for a longer stay.

Can Marriott points be transferred to airlines?

You can transfer your Marriott points to more than 40 airline loyalty programs. In most cases, the transfer ratio is 3 Marriott points to 1 mile. For every 60,000 points, you get 15,000 bonus points. That equals 25,000 miles with most partners.

Can I convert airline miles to Marriott points?

Very few frequent flyer programs allow you to transfer miles to Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott and United have a partnership that allows elite members to transfer points/miles between programs once the accounts are linked. You need to have Premier Silver status or higher with United to transfer miles to Marriott points at a 1:1 ratio.

What is Marriott Points Advance?

Points Advance is a feature that allows you to book a free award stay before you have the necessary number of points.

What are Marriott Travel Packages?

With Travel Packages, you can use Marriott points for hotel and airfare packages.

Can you book Marriott with points and cash?

With Cash + Points, you can combine cash and points to book award stays. Cash + Points redemptions start at $55 + 3,500 points.

What is Marriott PointsSavers?

PointSavers are promotions on select Marriott properties that give you a discount on award stays. For example, you can book a category 1 hotel for 6,000 with the PointSavers rate instead of 7,500 points.

Can you upgrade your room with Marriott points?

You can upgrade paid Marriott stays with points in 5,000-point increments. Points can also be used to book upgraded award stays in suites.

Can you use Marriott points for all inclusive hotels?

You can use Marriott points to book stays at all-inclusive resorts like The Westin Golf Resort & Spa in Costa Rica. This includes the new all-inclusive resorts Marriott has announced within the Elegant Hotels Group.

Westin Golf Resort & Spa Playa Conchal in Costa Rica, one of Marriott’s all-inclusive resorts.

Can you sell Marriott points?

While you can technically sell Marriott points at a very low rate to third-party brokers, as a general rule, you cannot sell Marriott points.

Can you use Marriott points for cruises?

You can book a cruise with Marriott Cruise with Points using your Marriott Bonvoy points.

Can you redeem Marriott points for cash?

No, Marriott points can be redeemed for cash.

Can I transfer Marriott points to someone else?

You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another Marriott account, but it must be done over the phone by calling Marriott Rewards Guest Services at (801) 468-4000. You can transfer up to 100,000 points per year. Any account can receive up to 500,000 transferred points per year.

How long does it take for Marriott points to transfer?

When transferring Marriott points to partner airlines, the transfer time ranges from less than one day to one week or longer, depending on the partner. Transfers between Marriott accounts typically take a few minutes to a few hours.

Can I cancel an award reservation?

You can cancel an award stay and receive a refund of your points if you cancel 48 hours or more before your arrival.

Can I use my points to make a reservation for family or friends?

Yes, but you will need to either call Marriott Bonvoy customer service at 800-627-7468 to make the reservation or book the award stay online and add your friend or family member to the reservation as a guest.

Can you transfer Marriott free night certificate?

You can’t transfer a free night certificate to another account, but you can use it for someone else if you add them to the hotel reservation as a guest.

What are Marriott hotel categories?

Marriott hotels range from category 1 (7,500 points per night for a standard redemption) to category 8 (85,000 points per night for a standard redemption).

How do I get the fifth night free at Marriott?

The Marriott Bonvoy 5th night free benefit is only available when you book an award stay. This benefit applies to all standard award rates plus PointSavers rates, but only for standard rooms.

Do Marriott free night certificates expire?

Anniversary free night e-certificates always expire after 12 months. You need to book and complete your award stay before the certificate expires.

Can I combine points with a free night certificate?

While a Marriott free night certificate can be used with points to book a multi-night award stay, you can’t combine a certificate and points for a single redemption night. For example, if your certificate is good for a property up to 35,000 points and you want to book an award stay at a hotel that costs 50,000 points, you can’t use 15,000 points along with the certificate.

What is a suite night award?

With a Suite Night Award, you can confirm a Marriott room upgrade before check-in. They can be used on Points + Cash stays, award stays, and paid stays, but not Advance Purchase rates.

Marriott Elite Status

What is Marriott elite status?

Once you stay with Marriott for a certain number of qualifying nights in a year — or have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card — you become an elite member. Elite status comes with additional benefits and perks like late checkout, free breakfast, bonus points on Marriott stays, and complimentary room upgrades.

What are the Marriott Bonvoy elite status levels?

There are five elite status tiers in the program:

  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum
  • Titanium
  • Ambassador

What are Marriott Bonvoy elite night credits?

To reach Marriott Bonvoy elite status, you need to stay a certain number of elite qualifying nights. All Marriott Bonvoy credit cards also offer 15 elite night credits to help you reach the next elite level faster.

How long do you keep your Marriott status?

Once you reach elite status in Marriott Bonvoy, you will keep your status for the rest of the calendar year plus an extra 14 months. If you reach Platinum status in 2020, it will be valid through February 2022.

How do I choose Marriott choice benefits?

Once you qualify for a Choice Benefit, you can select your benefit here. If you forget, Marriott will choose the Suite Night Awards for you. You need to make a choice by January 15 for the previous year’s benefit.

How do I get a room upgrade with Marriott?

With elite status of at least Gold level, you can qualify for free room upgrades at Marriott. For Platinum and higher elite status members, rooms can be upgraded to Select Suites. You can also book an upgraded room with points. All elite status room upgrades are based on availability and not guaranteed.

How do you get free breakfast at Marriott?

You can either use lounge access as a Platinum elite member to get free breakfast at Marriott hotels with a lounge or use the complimentary breakfast welcome gift.

How do you get lounge access at Marriott?

Once you reach Platinum elite status, you can enjoy lounge access with Marriott. Many Marriott properties have club or executive lounges. Platinum status grants guaranteed access to lounges at many but not all brands.

What does Marriott Silver elite get you?

Marriott Bonvoy Silver status comes with the following perks over standard membership:

  • 10% bonus on base points earned
  • Late checkout, when available

What does Marriott Gold elite get you?

Marriott Bonvoy Gold status comes with the benefits above plus:

  • 20% bonus on base points
  • 2pm late checkout, based on availability
  • Welcome gift at check-in of 250-500 points
  • Room-available upgrades

What does Marriott Platinum status get you?

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status comes with the benefits above plus:

  • 50% bonus on base points
  • Guaranteed 4pm late checkout
  • Welcome gift at check-in of an amenity, points, or breakfast
  • Room-available upgrades up to Select Suite
  • Marriott lounge access for you and a guest (only guaranteed at select brands)
  • Guaranteed room type and preferences
  • Annual Choice Benefit once you reach 50 qualifying nights in a year

What does Marriott Titanium status get you?

Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status comes with the benefits above plus:

  • 75% bonus on base points
  • Second Annual Choice Benefit once you reach 75 qualifying nights in a year
  • 48-hour guaranteed availability
  • Complimentary United MileagePlus Silver status

What does Marriott Ambassador status get you?

Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador status comes with the benefits above plus:

  • Concierge Ambassador service
  • Your24 benefit with a flexible 24-hour stay with hours of your choosing, based on availability and hotel discretion

Does Marriott do status match?

You can enjoy a status match with United and Hertz as a Marriott Bonvoy member.

United status match:

  • If you have United Premier Gold status or higher, you get free Marriott Gold Elite status.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Titanium or Ambassador Elite status, you get free United Premier Silver status.

Hertz status match:

  • All Marriott Bonvoy members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status, you get free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status, you get free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle status

What is Marriott’s Annual Choice Benefit?

If you reach 50 or 75 night stays at Marriott within the year, you can qualify for an Annual Choice Benefit. For the 75-night Choice Benefit, you must also spend at least $20,000 during the year.

The Choice Benefit options for 50 nights are:

  • 5 Elite Night Credits
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status gifted to someone else
  • $100 donation to UNICEF
  • 40% off a hotel bed
  • 5 Suite Night Awards **Typically the best option

The Choice Benefit options for 75 nights are:

  • 5 Elite Night Credits
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status gifted to someone else
  • $100 donation to UNICEF
  • 5 Suite Night Awards
  • 40% off a hotel bed
  • 1 free night award (worth up to 40,000 points) **Typically the best option

Do award nights count towards elite status?

Yes, when Marriott points are used for an award stay, you will get Elite Night Credit toward earning elite status in Marriott Bonvoy.