Are you seeking to unlock the full potential of your Marriott Bonvoy points? While redeeming these valuable rewards for complimentary award stays at Marriott’s extensive global portfolio of hotels is a popular choice, strategically transferring points to partner airline programs can be a good option in certain scenarios.
This article will guide you through the various ways to leverage and maximize your Marriott points, including hotel reservations, airline transfers, special events, and other redemption opportunities.
Redeeming Marriott Points for Hotel Stays
The best way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points is by booking a hotel stay at one of Marriott’s hotel brands.
Marriott eliminated its award chart, and now the number of points required for a booking can vary based on the location, how far in advance you book, demand for specific dates, and the time of year you are staying.
We value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.82 cents per point based on our data study. It is generally best to use points if you can find a hotel above this average, but if you find a hotel much lower than our value, then it’s best to use cash.
Additionally, you can take advantage of the Cash + Points option, which allows you to book stays by combining points and cash. This option is ideal for those who do not have enough points to cover the full cost of the stay or who prefer to save some points for future use.
Marriott Fifth Night Free
One of the best perks of the Marriott Bonvoy program is that you can get the fifth night free when you redeem your Marriott points.
If the nightly points rate varies, Marriott will apply the free night to the lowest points level of your stay.
It also works for every fifth night (i.e. 10, 15, 20 nights), which can be a great way to save points on longer stays.
Marriott’s fifth night free also works with free night certificates you get from Marriott credit cards:
You can also use a combination of points and cash for part of the stay as long as you redeem points for five of the nights.
In the six night stay below, I am redeeming points for five nights and cash for one night.
But if I tried to redeem cash for two nights and points for four nights, the fifth night free would not work.
To unlock this points and cash option, click “Customize Payment” on the room choice screen.
PointSavers
Marriott PointSavers is a program that allows you to book hotel stays at select properties for fewer points than normally required. Depending on availability and the property, this can result in savings of up to 20% off the regular points redemption rates.
The PointSavers program features a rotating list of hotels and resorts worldwide, allowing you to stretch your points further. To take advantage of these deals, you should check the PointSavers page regularly and be flexible with travel dates, as the best points deals are often available on select dates.
Marriott Airline Transfer Partners
Another option to use your Marriott points is to transfer to airline points programs. Marriott has the most transfer partners of any transferrable points program, which allows you to transfer to many unique programs.
The transfer rate is three (3) Marriott points to one (1) airline mile for most programs. There is also a transfer bonus of 5,000 airline miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points.
You should always try to transfer in increments of 60,000 Marriott points to take advantage of the bonus. If you do, the effective transfer rate is 2.4 Marriott points to 1 airline mile instead of 3 to 1. Below are all of Marriott’s airline transfer partners:
Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer Partners
|
|
|---|---|
| Marriott points transfer at a rate of 3 Marriott points to 1 airline mile with a transfer bonus of 5,000 airline miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points. | |
Aegean
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Aer Lingus
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Aeromexico
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Air Canada
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Air China
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Air France/KLM
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Air New Zealand [200 to 1 Ratio]
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Alaska Airlines
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American Airlines*
|
ANA
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Asiana
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Avianca Lifemiles*
|
British Airways
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Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
|
China Southern Airlines
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Copa Airlines
|
Delta*
|
Emirates
|
Etihad
|
Frontier Airlines
|
Hainan Airlines
|
Hawaiian Airlines
|
Iberia
|
Intermiles
|
Japan Airlines
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Korean Air*
|
LATAM Airlines
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Qantas
|
Qatar Airways
|
Saudia
|
Singapore Airlines
|
Southwest
|
TAP Air Portugal
|
Thai Airways
|
Turkish Airlines
|
United**
|
Virgin Atlantic
|
Virgin Australia
|
Vueling
|
|
| * No Transfer Bonus | |
| ** 10,000 Mile Transfer Bonus | |
Marriott Bonvoy Moments
Marriott Bonvoy Moments is an exclusive program for Marriott Bonvoy members, offering the chance to redeem points for unique experiences beyond hotel stays. These experiences range from VIP access to concerts, culinary events, and premier sporting events, to intimate meet-and-greets with celebrities and athletes.
The program allows members to create memorable moments that might be otherwise inaccessible. By leveraging the points earned through hotel stays, credit card spending, and other Marriott partnerships, members can enjoy these one-of-a-kind experiences.
Marriott Bonvoy Moments is continually updated with new and exciting opportunities, making it a dynamic benefit for members looking to use their points for more than travel.
Marriott's Air and Car Program
You can book a flight or rental car with Marriott’s Air and Car Program and redeem points at around 0.38 cents per point, which is far below our points value when redeeming points for hotel stays.
Cruises with Marriott Points
You can redeem Marriott points for certificates toward a cruise, but you only receive 0.4 cents per point in value when using your points.
| Marriott Points | Cruise Certificate |
|---|---|
| 63,000 | $250 |
| 125,000 | $500 |
| 250,000 | $1,000 |
| 625,000 | $2,500 |
| 1,250,000 | $5,000 |
You will still earn 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on the cash portion of the cruise when using your points.
To book a cruise with points:
- Visit Marriott’s Cruise With Points website.
- Search for your preferred cruise.
- Call 800-596-0452 Monday-Friday from 8 am to 8 pm EST to make a reservation with your Marriott points.
Shop for Merchandise
You can redeem your Marriott points for merchandise such as electronics, kitchen items, sports equipment, and fashion items.
However, the points cost is generally way too high to justify the item.
For example, the Apple AirPods Pro retail for $199. If you were to redeem 85,000 points, you would only receive 0.23 cents per point in value.
Donate Marriot Points
Another option is to donate your Marriott points to one of the many charities that Marriott has a partnership with.
You can donate between $10 (2,500 points) and $500 (125,000 points), which is at 0.4 cents per point.
Best Credit Cards to Earn Marriott Points
Credit cards are among the best ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points. Here are all the Marriott’s co-branded credit cards:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review) offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status and valuable perks like an annual free night certificate that can be used at many premium Marriott properties. The card includes generous monthly restaurant credits and provides elite nights toward status each year, making it a strong choice for Marriott travelers. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Points: 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points on restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines; and 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases. Benefits: Marriott Platinum elite status, 25 elite night credits, $300 dining credit (up to $25 per month) at restaurants worldwide, free anniversary free night award (up to 85,000 points), Priority Pass™ airport lounge access, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit, cell phone protection, travel insurance (trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage insurance, and secondary rental car), and return protection.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review) provides solid value through its annual free night award and automatic Gold Elite status benefits like room upgrades and late checkout. Though its bonus categories could be more rewarding, this card serves as an excellent complement to a personal Marriott card for stacking elite night credits. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Points: 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®; 4x points at restaurants, US gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers, and US shipping; 2 Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card points per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Benefits: Anniversary free night (up to 35,000 points), additional free night (up to 35,000 points) after spending $60,000 in purchases in a calendar year, 7% discount off standard rates, Marriott Gold elite status, 15 elite night credits, baggage insurance plan, secondary rental car insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (review) offers valuable rewards for Marriott stays plus an annual free night certificate valid at properties costing up to 35,000 points. While the card provides good baseline benefits for Marriott guests, its true strength lies in helping you achieve higher elite status tiers through its 15 annual elite night credits. Welcome Bonus:6x points at Marriott Hotels; 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants; 2x points on all other purchases. Earning Rewards: 6x points at Marriott Hotels; 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants; 2x points on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Free annual hotel night after each account anniversary (up to 35,000 points), Marriott Silver elite status, 15 elite night credits, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip delay, baggage delay, and lost luggage), and purchase protection.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (review) provides automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status and rewards generously for Marriott stays. While it includes 15 elite night credits annually, you’ll need to spend $15,000 in a calendar year to earn a free night certificate worth up to 50,000 points. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy; 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the US) and at US supermarkets up to $15,000 in combined purchases, then 2x points; and 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: 1,000 Bonus points per stay on stays booked directly with Marriott, free night award up to 50,000 points when spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year, Marriott Gold elite status, 15 elite night credits, secondary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™
The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ offers automatic Gold Elite status and strong rewards at Marriott properties, restaurants, and grocery stores. While it requires $15,000 in spending to earn a free night certificate, this mid-tier card falls short of delivering premium benefits that justify its price point. Welcome Bonus: Earn 85,000 Bonus Points After Spending $4,000 in Purchases in the First Three Months. Earning Points: 6x points for purchases at Marriott hotels; 4x points at grocery stores and dining, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year; 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: Marriott Gold elite status, 1,000 bonus points per eligible paid stay, free night up to 50,000 points when you spend $15,000 in eligible purchases during a cardmember year, 15 elite night credits, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay insurance, secondary rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (review) serves as Marriott’s entry-level credit card option with bonus points on hotel stays and travel purchases. While it provides useful benefits like Silver Elite status and travel protections, you’ll find more limited earning potential compared to Marriott’s premium card options. Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Earning Points: 3x points for purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 2x points on other travel purchases (including flights, rental cars, cruises, etc.); 1x points on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status, 15 elite night credits (ending 7/11/2024), no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip delay, baggage delay, and lost luggage), and purchase protection.
The Verdict
In summary, the best way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points is for hotel stays or for transferring to airline partners. Staying at Marriott properties can provide exceptional value, particularly when leveraging PointSavers deals or securing a fifth night free during longer stays. For those looking to fly, transferring points to one of Marriott’s numerous airline partners can unlock travel to destinations around the globe
For the rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For the rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
