If you enjoy staying at hotels and want to maximize your travel rewards, Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program worth knowing. 

With over 8,500 properties in 140 countries, Marriott offers members the opportunity to earn points, redeem free nights, and unlock elite status benefits that can make every stay more rewarding.

But how do you earn Bonvoy points quickly? 

What are the best ways to redeem them for maximum value? 

And how can you take advantage of elite status perks like room upgrades and late checkout?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy program, from earning and redeeming points to elite status benefits and the best credit cards to boost your rewards. 

Whether you are new to hotel loyalty programs or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this ultimate guide will help you get the most out of Marriott Bonvoy.

Let’s dive in!

Marriott Bonvoy Brands

One of the biggest advantages of the Marriott Bonvoy program is its diverse portfolio of hotel brands. 

With over 30 unique brands and more than 8,500 properties across approximately 140 countries and territories, Marriott offers something for every type of traveler. 

Whether you are looking for an affordable stay on a road trip, a stylish boutique hotel in the city, or a five-star resort on a tropical island, there is a Marriott property that fits your needs.

Marriott Bonvoy was created in 2018 when Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), and Ritz-Carlton Rewards merged into a single loyalty program. 

This combination brought together some of the most well-known hotel brands in the world, giving members access to an even larger network of properties and a more unified rewards system.

Understanding the different Marriott Bonvoy brands can help you make smarter booking decisions and maximize your points:

• Luxury: EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott
• Premium: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, The Marriott Vacation Clubs, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Westin, Le Meridien, Renaissance Hotels, Gaylord Hotels
• Select: Courtyard, Four Points, Springhill Suites, Fairfield by Marriott, AC Hotels, aloft Hotels, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels, City Express by Marriott, Four Points Flex by Sheraton
• Longer Stays: Residence Inn, Towneplace Suites, element by Westin, Marriott Executive Apartments, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy, StudioRes
• Collections: Autograph Collection Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Partners

Marriott Bonvoy is not just about hotel stays – it also offers valuable partnerships that allow members to earn and redeem points in everyday life. 

Whether you are grabbing a coffee, booking a rental car, or taking a ride across town, these partnerships provide more ways to boost your rewards.

Uber & Uber Eats

Through the Marriott partnership with Uber, members can earn points on eligible rides and food deliveries. 

By linking your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts, you can earn:

• 6 points per dollar on Uber Eats orders delivered to Marriott properties.
• 3 points per dollar on other Uber Eats orders of $25 or more.
• 2 points per dollar on Uber XL, Uber Comfort, and other premium ride services.

Starbucks

Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks have teamed up to offer bonus points on coffee purchases. Members can earn 100 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $10 spent at Starbucks when using a linked payment method.

Hertz

If you need a rental car, booking through Hertz can help you earn extra Marriott Bonvoy points. Members receive:

• 500 points per rental when booking directly through the Marriott Bonvoy Hertz portal.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

Earning elite status with Marriott Bonvoy provides valuable perks such as bonus points, late checkout, room upgrades, and lounge access at thousands of Marriott properties worldwide. 

Marriott offers five elite tiers beyond the standard Member level: Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite. Each status level comes with increasing benefits, making it worthwhile to stay loyal to Marriott if you frequently travel.

Here is a breakdown of each tier and what you can expect:

Silver Elite

Silver Elite status is the entry-level tier in the Marriott Bonvoy program, offering a few extra perks for travelers who stay with Marriott regularly. You can earn Silver Elite status by staying 10 nights per year at Marriott properties. It is also granted automatically with certain Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

While the benefits are limited compared to higher tiers, Silver Elite members still enjoy:

• Free standard Wi-Fi
• Discounted member rates
• Mobile check-in
• Points and elite night credits earned on paid stays
• Fifth night free on award stays
• 10% points-earning bonus on stays and eligible hotel purchases
• Late checkout, based on availability

This status is a good starting point for those beginning their Marriott Bonvoy journey.

Gold Elite

Gold Elite status is the second tier in the Marriott Bonvoy program, offering more valuable benefits than Silver Elite. You can earn Gold Elite status by staying 25 nights per year at Marriott properties. However, a major shortcut is available. 

Certain credit cards provide automatic Gold Elite status without requiring any hotel stays:

• The Platinum Card® From American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card

TPA Pro Tip: The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card is no longer open to new applications, but existing Marriott Bonvoy cardholders may still be able to upgrade to this card. If you have a Chase-issued Marriott Bonvoy card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, you can check with Chase to see if you are eligible for an upgrade.

While Gold Elite does not include lounge access or guaranteed suite upgrades, it offers meaningful perks that make Marriott stays more rewarding, especially for travelers who stay at Marriott properties several times a year. 

The perks include all the benefits of Silver status, plus:

• 25% points-earning bonus on stays and eligible hotel purchases
• 2 p.m. late checkout, based on availability
• Space-available upgrades to “enhanced rooms” (excluding suites)
• A welcome gift of points each time you stay
• Reciprocal earnings with Emirates Skyward (earn Skyward miles on Marriott stays and Bonvoy points on Emirates flights)

Platinum Elite

Platinum Elite status is where the most valuable perks of the Marriott Bonvoy program begin, making it a highly desirable tier for frequent travelers. You can earn Platinum Elite status by staying 50 nights per year at Marriott properties. 

However, there is a shortcut: holding the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card grants automatic Platinum Elite status.

For those who stay with Marriott frequently, Platinum Elite is the best balance between effort and rewards, offering meaningful benefits that enhance both business and leisure travel. 

This level offers additional benefits beyond Gold Elite, including:

• 50% points-earning bonus on stays and eligible hotel purchases
• Space-available room upgrades (including select suites)
• Lounge access at brands with lounges
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, subject to availability at resort and convention hotels
• Choice of welcome gift during each stay (varies by brand but often includes points, free breakfast or an amenity)
• 24/7 dedicated support line
• Fast track to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status

Titanium Elite

Titanium Elite status is designed for frequent Marriott guests who stay enough to unlock premium perks beyond Platinum Elite. You can earn Titanium Elite status by staying 75 nights per year at Marriott properties. 

Unlike Platinum Elite, and other lower status tiers, there is no credit card that grants automatic Titanium status, so reaching this level requires a significant commitment to Marriott stays.

For travelers who frequently stay at full-service Marriott brands, Titanium Elite offers valuable perks and a higher level of service, making it an attractive goal for those who want enhanced recognition and benefits. 

The benefits are similar to those of Platinum Elite, with a few additions:

• 75% points-earning bonus on stays and eligible hotel purchases
• 48-hour guaranteed room availability
• Complimentary Hertz Five Star status
• United MileagePlus Premier Silver status through Marriott’s RewardsPlus partnership with United Airlines

Ambassador Elite

Ambassador Elite is the highest and most exclusive status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, offering personalized service and customized travel experiences. Earning Ambassador Elite requires staying 100 nights per year at Marriott properties and spending at least $23,000 per year on eligible charges. 

Unlike other tiers, this status is not achievable through credit cards alone, making it truly reserved for the most loyal and high-spending Marriott guests.

In addition to Titanium Elite benefits, Ambassador Elite members receive:

• Dedicated Ambassador service to help you out with booking and managing stays
• Choose the 24-hour period you want to stay (e.g., if you arrive on a 10 p.m. flight for a one-night stay, you could check out the following night at 10 p.m.)

For those who travel extensively and prefer VIP treatment, Ambassador Elite provides unmatched service and flexibility within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Does Marriott Bonvoy Status Expire

Marriott Bonvoy elite status is earned based on the number of nights stayed within a calendar year and remains valid through February of the second year after qualification. For example, if you earn Platinum Elite in 2025, your status is valid until February 2027. 

To maintain status, you must requalify each year by meeting the required nights. Marriott does not offer automatic extensions, but credit cards, promotions, and lifetime status can help retain elite benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Status

Marriott Bonvoy offers Lifetime Elite Status to members who meet specific thresholds of elite nights and years at a status level, allowing them to keep their benefits permanently without needing to requalify each year.

There are three lifetime tiers:

• Lifetime Silver Elite: 250 lifetime nights + 5 years as Silver Elite or higher
• Lifetime Gold Elite: 400 lifetime nights + 7 years as Gold Elite or higher
• Lifetime Platinum Elite: 600 lifetime nights + 10 years as Platinum Elite or higher

Once earned, Lifetime Elite Status never expires, making it a valuable goal for frequent Marriott guests looking for long-term perks.

How To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

Earning Marriott Bonvoy points is the key to unlocking free hotel stays, elite status perks, and valuable travel redemptions. Points can be earned in several ways, including hotel stays, credit cards, dining programs, and travel partners. 

Whether you are a frequent guest or looking to maximize everyday spending, knowing the best ways to accumulate Bonvoy points will help you reach your travel goals faster. 

Here is a breakdown of the top ways to earn points efficiently.

Earn Points With Hotel Stays

Staying at Marriott and partner properties is the most straightforward way to earn points. 

Members earn base points on eligible charges, with bonus multipliers based on elite status and the specific Marriott brand.

• Base Earning Rate: Most Marriott brands award 10 points per dollar spent on eligible charges, while extended stay brands like Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites earn 5 points per dollar.
• Elite Status Bonuses: Higher elite tiers receive extra points, ranging from 10% for Silver Elite to 75% for Titanium and Ambassador Elite.
• Promotions & Bonus Offers: Marriott frequently offers double points promotions or targeted bonus offers that can significantly boost earnings.

Booking directly through the Marriott website or app ensures you receive full points and elite benefits, making it the best way to maximize rewards on hotel stays.

TPA Pro Tip: When booking a Marriott stay through third-party sites like Expedia, Priceline, or Hotels.com, you will often not earn Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits.

Earn Points With Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Cards

Using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card is one of the fastest ways to accumulate points, whether you are staying at a Marriott hotel or making everyday purchases. 

Marriott offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase and American Express, each providing valuable perks like bonus points on spending, automatic elite status, and free night awards.

Some of the most popular Marriott Bonvoy credit cards include:

• Chase
  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card
  • The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card
• American Express
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card 
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Transferring Points From Partners

Marriott allows members to earn points by transferring rewards from select travel partners, including airline programs and credit card rewards. 

One of the most valuable options is transferring American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, or Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio to Marriott Bonvoy.

Here are some of the best flexible rewards credit cards which transfer to Marriott Bonvoy: 

American Express

• The Platinum Card® From American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• American Express® Gold Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card From American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• The Business Green Rewards Card From American Express

Bilt

• BILT Mastercard®

Chase

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Chase Freedom Flex®

Eat Around Town

The Eat Around Town program by Marriott Bonvoy allows members to earn bonus points when dining at participating restaurants, bars, and cafes in the U.S. 

By linking a credit or debit card to your Eat Around Town account and paying with that card, you can earn up to 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent as an elite member or 4 points per dollar as a general member. 

This is a great way to earn extra points on everyday dining purchases without staying at a Marriott hotel.

Earning Points With Travel Partners

Marriott partners with several travel and lifestyle programs, allowing members to earn points beyond hotel stays. 

These partnerships provide great opportunities to boost your Bonvoy balance while booking rentals, cruises, rideshares, and dining purchases.

• Car Rentals: Earn 500 Bonvoy points per rental at Hertz or 250 points per rental at Dollar and Thrifty when booking through the Marriott car rental portal. Elite members may also receive special discounts and perks.
• Cruises: Book a cruise through Cruise with Points and earn 3 Bonvoy points per dollar spent; or 5 points per dollar when paying with a Chase Marriott Bonvoy credit card (up to 30,000 points per cruise).
• Starbucks: In 2024, Marriott partnered with Starbucks, allowing members to link accounts and earn 100 Bonvoy points when making three qualifying purchases during any Marriott Bonvoy Week.
• Uber & UberEats: Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts to earn points on qualifying Uber rides and UberEats orders. Additionally, members who subscribe to Uber One (annual plan) receive complimentary Marriott Silver Elite status.

By taking advantage of these travel partnerships, you can accelerate your Marriott Bonvoy earnings while making everyday purchases.

Purchasing Points

Marriott allows members to purchase points directly, which can be useful for topping off an account for a specific redemption. Points can be bought in increments of 1,000, with a standard price of $12.50 per 1,000 points. 

Members can purchase up to 100,000 points per calendar year, though Marriott frequently offers bonus promotions, sometimes increasing the purchase limit or adding a 25% to 50% bonus on points.

While buying points is generally not the best way to earn them, it can make sense when redeeming for high-value hotel stays, especially when the cash price of a room is significantly higher than the cost of buying points. 

Checking for discounted point sales can help maximize value when purchasing points.

Do Marriott Bonvoy Points Expire

Marriott Bonvoy points expire if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months. To keep your points from expiring, you must have qualifying account activity, such as earning or redeeming points. 

Common ways to maintain activity include:

• Staying at a Marriott property
• Earning points through Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
• Dining with the Eat Around Town program
• Transferring points from partners
• Redeeming points for free nights, upgrades, or experiences

If your points expire, they cannot be reinstated unless you have Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, which may offer an exception. 

Keeping your account active is easy, even with occasional activity, so you do not have to lose your hard-earned points.

Combining Marriott Bonvoy Points Between Members

Marriott Bonvoy makes it possible for members to share points with one another, which can be a great way to unlock more valuable redemptions. This feature is especially helpful for families, couples, or friends who are planning a trip together and want to maximize their rewards.

How It Works

Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer points to another member’s account by submitting a simple request through the Marriott website or by calling customer service. Once approved, the points move directly into the recipient’s account.

Rules to Know

• Members can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member.
• Each member can receive up to 500,000 points per calendar year.
• Both accounts must be active and in good standing.
• There are no fees to transfer points.
• Transfers usually process quickly, but it is best to allow a few days for the transaction to complete.

Best Uses

• Pooling points to book high-value stays such as luxury properties or all-inclusive resorts.
• Helping a family member or friend reach the number of points needed for a specific redemption.
• Combining balances into one account to make booking award nights easier and more straightforward.

How To Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points

Marriott Bonvoy points offer a variety of redemption options, but some provide much better value than others. The best way to use points is typically for free hotel stays, though Marriott also allows redemptions for experiences, flights, gift cards, and more. 

Understanding how to maximize your points will help you get the most out of the program.

Redeem For Award Nights

The best way to redeem Bonvoy points is for free hotel stays at over 8,000 Marriott properties worldwide. 

Marriott uses a dynamic pricing model within a band, meaning the number of points required for a stay fluctuates based on demand, location, and hotel category. While dynamic pricing means rates vary, it also creates opportunities to find high-value redemptions when demand is lower.

Award nights start at 5,000 points per night for budget-friendly hotels but can go well over 200,000 points per night for luxury properties like the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya. 

In addition to booking standard rooms, Bonvoy points can also be used for room upgrades at select properties. Some hotels allow members to redeem points for premium rooms or suites, which can be a great way to enhance a stay without paying cash.

For even more value, Marriott offers a Fifth Night Free benefit, where members booking five consecutive award nights receive the fifth night at no additional points cost. 

This is one of the best ways to maximize your Bonvoy points for longer stays.

Cash + Points Bookings

If you do not have enough points for a full award night, Marriott allows Cash + Points bookings, where you can pay partially with points and the rest in cash. This option provides flexibility and can be useful when you want to stretch your points for more stays. 

However, the cash portion varies by hotel and may not always be the best value, so comparing rates is essential.

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

Marriott Bonvoy Moments is a unique redemption option that lets members use points for exclusive experiences like concerts, sporting events, private dining, and VIP travel packages. 

Many of these experiences are not available for cash purchase, making them a great way to use points if you are looking for something special beyond hotel stays.

Other Redemption Options

While free nights and experiences provide the best value, Bonvoy points can also be redeemed in other ways:

• Transfer To Airlines: Marriott partners with over 35 airline loyalty programs, allowing you to convert points into airline miles at a 3:1 ratio. When transferring 60,000 points, you receive a 5,000-mile bonus, making this a decent option for topping off an airline account.
• Gift Cards: Points can be used for gift cards from major retailers and restaurants, but the redemption value is typically low compared to hotel stays.
• Merchandise: The Marriott shopping portal allows you to redeem points for electronics, home goods, and other merchandise, but like gift cards, the value per point is generally poor.

While these alternative redemptions exist, using Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights or unique experiences remains the best way to maximize their value.

Final Thoughts

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most versatile and rewarding hotel loyalty programs, offering valuable perks, elite status benefits, and multiple ways to earn and redeem points. 

Whether you stay at Marriott properties frequently or use co-branded credit cards and travel partners, there are many ways to accumulate points and unlock free nights, upgrades, and exclusive experiences.

To get the most out of Marriott Bonvoy, focus on booking directly with Marriott, leveraging elite status benefits, and redeeming points strategically for high-value stays. 

With careful planning, you can turn Bonvoy points into memorable travel experiences while maximizing every stay.

Are you ready to elevate your Marriott strategy? 

Start earning points today and explore the best ways to redeem them for your next adventure!

Kevin Zanes