Marriott Bonvoy: A Comprehensive Guide to Earning and Redeeming Points

The Marriott Bonvoy program is one of the largest and most popular hotel rewards programs in the world. With a portfolio of 30 brands across various price points, from budget-friendly properties to luxurious getaways, Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide range of options for travelers. While the program may seem daunting due to its size, it is relatively simple to navigate. From earning points to achieving elite status, Marriott has streamlined the program to make it accessible for all members. In this blog, we will delve into the various aspects of the Marriott Bonvoy program and provide you with a comprehensive guide to earning and redeeming points.

Is food your love language? Check out the unforgettable NYC Culinary Adventure these Marriott Bonvoy members had with @PhilRosenthal. #marriottbonvoy #marriottbonvoymoments pic.twitter.com/gs2oHW7e9B

— Marriott Bonvoy (@MarriottBonvoy) March 21, 2023

Determining the Value of Marriott Bonvoy Points

To assess the value of Marriott Bonvoy points, most will value the points at 0.25 to 0.8 cents each depending on how you redeem the points. The low end would be using points to buy gift cards and the high-end using points for reward nights.

It's important to note that it seems the value of Bonvoy points has decreased since 2019. While it's uncertain whether the value will increase or decrease in the future, it's advisable not to rely solely on the points maintaining their current value over time.

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, ranging from hotel stays to credit card spending. Let's explore the different methods:

Stay at Marriott hotels: You can earn 10 base Bonvoy rewards points per dollar spent at most Marriott properties. However, some budget brands offer lower base earning rates. Bonvoy elite status holders can earn additional points on top of the base rate, with Silver members earning 10% more, Gold members earning 25% more, Platinum members earning 50% more, and Titanium and Ambassador members earning 75% more.

Use a Marriott credit card: Marriott offers several credit cards that allow you to earn Bonvoy points. Each card offers different earning rates and welcome bonuses. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card earns up to 14 points per dollar spent at participating properties and has a $0 annual fee. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card earns up to 17 points per dollar spent and has a $95 annual fee. Choose a card that best aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences.

Book meetings at Marriott: If you're planning a meeting or event, you can earn Bonvoy points based on eligible room, food, beverages, and audio/visual charges. The number of points earned depends on your Bonvoy status, with Titanium and Ambassador members earning the most.

Refer friends to Marriott Bonvoy: By referring friends to join the Marriott Bonvoy program, you and your friends can earn 2,000 bonus points per stay for their first five stays. This referral program allows you to refer up to five friends and earn bonus points for each referral.

Use Marriott Card to book a cruise: When you book a cruise through the Cruise with Points program, you'll earn 3x Bonvoy points. Additionally, Chase Marriott Bonvoy card members receive an extra 2x points when they book through this program.

Buy Marriott points: Marriott Bonvoy points can be purchased in increments of 1,000 for $12.50. However, purchasing points is generally not recommended unless you have a specific redemption in mind.

Transfer credit card points: Marriott is a transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards® and American Express Membership Rewards. You can convert these points into Marriott Bonvoy points, but this may not be the most optimal use of these valuable credit card points.

Other promotions: Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points through select partners and programs, such as dining at participating restaurants or using specific services. Keep an eye out for these promotions to maximize your earning potential.

Using Marriott Bonvoy Points

Marriott Bonvoy points can be used in various ways, but the primary and most valuable use is for hotel stays. As of April 2022, Marriott uses dynamic awards pricing based on fluctuating demand. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to over 40 airline partners, with a transfer rate of 3 Marriott Bonvoy points for 1 airline frequent flyer mile. For every 60,000 points transferred, Marriott Bonvoy adds a 5,000-mile bonus.

While Marriott Bonvoy points can also be used for airfare, car rentals, Priority Pass membership, TSA PreCheck membership, shopping, or donations to charity, these options may not provide the best value compared to using points for hotel stays or transferring to frequent flyer miles.

To maximize the value of your Marriott Bonvoy points, consider the following:

PointSavers program: PointSaver awards cost approximately 30% fewer points than standard awards, allowing you to stretch your points further.

Fifth night free: When you book a five-night consecutive stay using points, the fifth night is free. This benefit can be used multiple times, providing additional value for longer stays.

Avoid poor redemption options: Some redemption options, such as air + car, cruises, gift cards, and merchandise, may not offer the best value for your points. It's generally recommended to prioritize hotel stays or transferring points to frequent flyer miles for higher-value redemptions.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

Marriott Bonvoy offers five elite status levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador. Elite status is determined by the number of nights stayed and the total number of years earning that status. Lifetime elite status can also be earned based on the number of years and nights accrued.

Members receive elite night credits for eligible paid and award reservations, with each night counting toward elite status. Elite night credits can also be earned through Marriott credit cards. The number of elite night credits varies based on the type of Marriott credit card you hold.

Maximizing Marriott Bonvoy Membership

To maximize your Marriott Bonvoy membership, consider the following strategies:

Best Rate Guarantee: Marriott offers a best-rate guarantee, ensuring that you receive the lowest prices when you book directly through Marriott's website, mobile app, or customer service. If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of booking, Marriott will match the lower rate and provide an additional discount or bonus points.

Use credit cards to earn elite status: Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer automatic elite status and additional benefits based on your spending. By using these credit cards strategically, you can earn elite night credits and enjoy enhanced benefits

While it may not be the best program in any particular category, it consistently performs well across different metrics. Marriott Bonvoy is known for its reliability and consistency, which can be crucial when planning a trip.  While I would recommend to get the best value out of your points by using it for reward stays, you have multiple other options for redemptions.