Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Pay with your card to stay at eligible hotels and earn the most points.
In early February 2019, Marriott merged its partnered rewards programs into one program called Marriott Bonvoy. This change standardized the point system and made both programs accessible through one account.
Despite the merger, staying at eligible hotels with cobranded Marriott Bonvoy cards is still the best way to accrue points. Here’s the nitty-gritty of earning points with Marriott Bonvoy.
Seven ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Compare cards with Marriott Bonvoy points
Making purchases with eligible credit cards is the most reliable way to earn points. Most cards also offer a signup bonus to jumpstart your points collection.
Our pick for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card is the most direct method of earning points to your Bonvoy account.
If you’re not interested in signing up for a Marriott Bonvoy cobranded card, other Chase and American Express cards can help you earn and transfer points to your Bonvoy account. These cards can be helpful if you only occasionally stay at Marriott branded hotels or if you prefer more diverse earning categories.
{"niche":"USCCF"}
Transfer rates
Chase Ultimate Rewards points and American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio.
Stay and spend at eligible hotels
Staying and spending at Marriott Bonvoy qualifying hotels is the other primary method of earning points. You’ll earn a certain number of points per dollar spent depending on which hotel brand you’re staying with.
Data obtained March 2019. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Qualifying charges, in this case, include charges related to your stays, such as dining, beverages, spa services and any activities associated with the hotel such as golf.
Elite status levels
You can boost the number of points you earn on hotel stays when you become a Silver Elite member or higher. Here’s the point bonus you’ll earn and how to qualify.
| Membership | Qualifying stays needed | Points bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Elite | 10–24 nights per year | 10% bonus |
| Gold Elite | 25–49 nights per year | 25% bonus |
| Platinum Elite | 50–74 nights per year | 50% bonus |
| Titanium Elite | 75–99 nights per year | 75% bonus |
| Ambassador Elite | 100+ nights per year and $20,000 in annual qualifying spending | 75% bonus |
Data obtained March 2019. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Car rentals with Hertz
You’ll earn 2,000 points for Hertz rentals of two or more days, or 500 points for one day at participating locations. Hertz also offers discounts on base rental rates to Marriott Bonvoy members.
Book cruises with CruisesOnly
Get 3 points for every dollar spent booking a cruise with CruisesOnly. CruisesOnly also offers extra point promotions on certain destinations.
Host meetings and events
Marriott Bonvoy lets you earn points on bookings made for meetings or other business events, even if you aren’t footing the whole bill. The maximum points you can earn depends on both the cost of the event and your Marriott Bonvoy member level.
Data obtained March 2019. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Participating brands
Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments don’t currently participate in this program.
Refer a friend
Certain credit cards offer bonus points for referring a friend to a card and having them sign up. Chase, for example, allows you to earn up to $500 in points each year — $50 for each friend who opens an account.
Purchase points
You can purchase up to 50,000 points per year in 1,000 point increments through the Marriott Bonvoy site if you need more points for an award. Each increment costs about $12.50 as of March 2019.
Back to topBottom line
Marriott Bonvoy remains a fairly standard hotel rewards program. Combining the Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards program offers members more consistent earnings overall.
However, if you want the most earning value, you’ll need to commit to earning Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, which might require some additional planning and effort for the highest tier levels. If you want to learn more, take a look at our guide on the Marriott Bonvoy program. And compare your redemption options to get the most value out of your hard-earned points.
Frequently asked questions
Images: Shutterstock
Ask an Expert