Maximize Your Marriott Bonvoy Points: Stay, Earn, Redeem

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the world’s largest and most popular hotel loyalty programs, boasting more than 7,000 properties in over 130 countries. With a variety of hotel brands under its umbrella and multiple ways to earn and redeem points, Marriott Bonvoy can be incredibly rewarding—when used strategically.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to earn Bonvoy points, how to redeem them for the best value, and tips to unlock the full potential of the program.

What Is Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program for all Marriott International hotels, which include luxury, business, boutique, and budget brands such as:

• Ritz-Carlton
• JW Marriott
• St. Regis
• W Hotels
• Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien
• Moxy, Aloft, Courtyard
• Fairfield Inn & Suites

Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, flights, car rentals, experiences, and more.

How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

1. Hotel Stays

Earn base points by staying at Marriott hotels:

• 10 points per $1 spent at most properties
• 5 points per $1 at long-stay brands (e.g. Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites)

Elite members receive bonus points:

• Silver: +10%
• Gold: +25%
• Platinum: +50%
• Titanium: +75%
• Ambassador: +75% + personal assistant service

2. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Earn points from everyday spending using Marriott co-branded cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (Chase)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (American Express)
• Marriott Bonvoy Business (Amex)

These offer:

• Large welcome bonuses (often 50,000–150,000 points)
• Bonus points on travel, dining, and groceries
• Free night certificates and elite night credits annually

3. Transfer Points from Credit Cards

Marriott is a transfer partner for:

• American Express Membership Rewards (2:3 ratio)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (via Marriott co-branded cards only)

4. Travel & Shopping Partners

• Earn points with Hertz, Uber, cruise lines, and flights booked through Marriott’s travel partners.
• Earn with Marriott Moments: curated dining, concerts, and events.

5. Refer a Friend

Refer friends to Marriott Bonvoy and receive bonus points when they book qualifying stays.

How to Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points

1. Free Hotel Nights

Book nights directly through Marriott.com or the app. Pricing is dynamic, meaning point values fluctuate with demand.

Typical redemption range:

• Budget hotels: 7,000–20,000 points/night
• Upscale hotels: 30,000–60,000 points/night
• Luxury hotels: 70,000–120,000+ points/night

2. 5th Night Free

When you book a stay of 5 consecutive nights using points, the fifth night is free—one of the best ways to maximize your points.

3. PointSavers Deals

Marriott offers discounted redemptions at select properties through limited-time PointSavers promotions.

4. Upgrades and Suites

Use points to upgrade your room type during booking or check-in (availability varies).

5. Flights and Travel Packages

• Transfer points to over 40 airline programs (usually at a 3:1 ratio)
• Receive bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred
• Book flights, car rentals, and cruises through Marriott’s travel portal

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

You can achieve elite status based on the number of qualifying nights per calendar year:

• Silver Elite (10 nights): Late checkout, 10% bonus points
• Gold Elite (25 nights): Room upgrades, 25% bonus points
• Platinum Elite (50 nights): Lounge access, 50% bonus, welcome gift
• Titanium Elite (75 nights): Guaranteed room type, 75% bonus
• Ambassador Elite (100 nights + $23K spend): Personalized service, 24/7 ambassador contact

Status can also be earned through credit card perks.

Tips to Maximize Marriott Bonvoy Points

1. Book 5-Night Stays: Use the 5th night free benefit to get a 20% discount on redemptions.
2. Take Advantage of Promotions: Marriott frequently runs point multiplier promotions—register in your account.
3. Transfer Points Smartly: Convert 60,000 Marriott points to airline miles and get a 5,000-mile bonus.
4. Use Marriott Moments: Redeem points for experiences like concerts, chef-led dinners, or backstage access.
5. Book During Off-Peak Dates: Dynamic pricing means flexible dates can save you thousands of points.

Marriott Bonvoy Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large global footprint
• 5th night free offers real value
• Many airline transfer partners
• Elite perks available via credit cards

Cons:

• Dynamic pricing can be unpredictable
• High-end redemptions require lots of points
• Less value than fixed-chart programs like Hyatt

Final Thoughts

Marriott Bonvoy offers breadth, variety, and a massive global network that few hotel programs can match. Whether you’re a budget traveler or luxury seeker, you’ll find meaningful ways to earn and redeem points across a wide range of destinations.

With smart use of credit cards, 5-night stays, and bonus promotions, your Bonvoy points can go much further than expected.

Sign up today, and let Marriott Bonvoy turn your next trip into a memorable—and rewarding—experience.