When Do Marriott Points Expire? Answer is – Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity in your account. Inactivity means no points were earned or redeemed during that period. However, there are many ways to keep your account active, such as staying at Marriott hotels, using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, or transferring points to airline partners.

When Do Marriott Points Expire?

Marriott Bonvoy points are the digital currency of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, the world’s largest hotel loyalty program with over 140 million members.

These points can be earned in various ways, such as by staying at Marriott properties, using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, or through partner activities like dining or renting cars. The points can then be redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels, flights, experiences, and more.

But, like many loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy points come with an expiration date. This is a crucial aspect to understand for anyone who participates in the program and wants to maximize the value of their hard-earned points.

What are Marriott Bonvoy points?

Marriott Bonvoy points are reward points that you earn by staying at Marriott properties or using Marriott co-branded credit cards.

You can also earn points through other activities like dining out, booking rental cars, or shopping with Marriott partners.

These points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels, flights, experiences, and more. The more points you have, the more valuable rewards you can access.

Why do points expire?

According to Marriott, points expiration is a standard practice in loyalty programs. It encourages members to stay engaged with the program and use their points, which helps to keep the program sustainable.

From a business perspective, expired points can be seen as a liability on the balance sheet, so their expiration can improve the company’s financial position.

“Points expiration is a common practice in loyalty programs,” says Sarah Porter, a travel rewards expert and founder of the travel blog Points to Travel. “It incentivizes members to remain active and use their points, which is ultimately beneficial for both the members and the company.”

Marriott Points Expiration Policy

1. 24-Month Inactivity Rule

The core of Marriott’s points expiration policy is the 24-month inactivity rule. This means that if there is no qualifying activity on your Marriott Bonvoy account for 24 consecutive months, all accumulated points will expire. The clock starts ticking from the date of your last qualifying activity.

It’s important to note that this rule applies to all members, regardless of their elite status level. Even if you’ve earned a coveted lifetime status, your points are still subject to this expiration policy.

2. Qualifying Activities to Maintain Activity

Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your account active and prevent your points from expiring:

Stays at Marriott Properties: The most straightforward way to keep your points active is by staying at any of Marriott’s 30 hotel brands worldwide. This includes brands like Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, and many more. Each stay, regardless of its length or cost, will reset the 24-month inactivity clock.

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Usage: If you have a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, using it for purchases is another easy way to keep your points from expiring. Every purchase you make will earn you points and reset the clock.

Points Transfers to Airline Partners: Marriott Bonvoy has partnerships with over 40 airline frequent flyer programs. Transferring your points to one of these partners, even in small increments, will reset the expiration date.

Other Activities: Marriott Bonvoy also offers various other ways to earn and redeem points, such as dining at participating restaurants, booking rental cars with Hertz, or shopping with Marriott’s retail partners. These activities can also help maintain your account’s active status.

“Even small activities like transferring a few points to an airline partner or making a small purchase on your Marriott Bonvoy credit card can be enough to reset the clock and keep your points alive,” says Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, a popular travel rewards website.

How to Avoid Points Expiration

Keeping your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring is easier than you might think. Here are some practical and effective ways to maintain your account activity:

1. Regular Stays at Marriott Hotels

The most direct way to keep your points active is to stay at Marriott hotels. Every stay, whether it’s for business or leisure, will reset your inactivity clock.

You can earn points for each stay and even more if you have elite status. The points you earn from stays will also help you reach higher tiers of membership, unlocking more benefits.

2. Using a Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Card:

If you frequently use credit cards, consider getting a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card.

These cards offer various benefits, including earning points on everyday purchases, bonus points for spending at Marriott properties, and elite night credits towards elite status.

Even small purchases can reset your expiration clock and keep your points alive.

“Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are a valuable tool for frequent travelers,” says Julian Kheel, a senior editor at The Points Guy. “Not only do they help you earn points faster, but they also offer benefits like free night awards and elite status, which can enhance your travel experience.”

3. Transferring Points to Airline Partners:

Marriott Bonvoy has a robust network of airline partners. If you’re not planning a Marriott stay anytime soon, you can transfer your points to an airline frequent flyer program.

Most transfers are at a 3:1 ratio, meaning that three Marriott Bonvoy points equal one airline mile. This strategy is particularly useful if you’re saving up for a flight.

4.Participating in Marriott Bonvoy Promotions:

Marriott Bonvoy frequently runs promotions that allow you to earn bonus points.

These promotions can include double or triple points for stays, bonus points for dining or shopping, or even limited-time offers for specific activities.

By participating in these promotions, you can quickly rack up points and maintain your account activity. You can find the latest promotions on the Marriott Bonvoy website’s promotions page.

Checking Your Points Expiration Date

Marriott Bonvoy makes it easy for members to track their points and stay informed about their expiration date. You have several convenient options to check this crucial information:

1. Online Account Dashboard

The most straightforward way to check your points expiration date is by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official website.

Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “Activity” section of your account dashboard. Here, you’ll find a detailed overview of all your recent transactions, including points earned, redeemed, and transferred.

The expiration date of your points is typically displayed prominently within this section. It will show the exact date on which your points will expire if no qualifying activity occurs before then. This allows you to plan accordingly and take any necessary actions to keep your points active.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App

For those who prefer to manage their loyalty program on the go, the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app offers a convenient way to check your points expiration date.

Simply log into the app and navigate to your account overview. Similar to the online dashboard, the app will display your points expiration date along with your recent activity.

3. Contacting Customer Service

If you’re unable to find your points expiration date through the online dashboard or mobile app, you can always reach out to Marriott Bonvoy customer service.

They can provide you with the exact expiration date of your points and answer any questions you may have about the expiration policy.

Gary Leff Expert Tip

“It’s essential to regularly check your Marriott Bonvoy account to stay updated on your points expiration date,” advises Gary Leff, founder of the travel blog View from the Wing. “By proactively monitoring your account, you can ensure that your hard-earned points don’t go to waste.”

Reinstating Expired Points

1. Is it possible?

Unfortunately, Marriott Bonvoy’s official policy states that once points have expired, they cannot be reinstated.

This is clearly outlined in their terms and conditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining activity in your account to prevent point expiration.

“Marriott’s policy is very clear on this matter,” says John Ollila, a loyalty program expert and co-founder of LoyaltyLobby. “Once your points expire, they’re gone for good. There’s no way to get them back, so it’s crucial to stay active in the program.”

2. Marriott’s Policy on Point Reinstatement

Marriott’s official stance on point reinstatement is as follows:

“Once Marriott Bonvoy® Points are forfeited, the Points cannot be reinstated, but a Member can earn new Marriott Bonvoy® Points, unless that Member’s Account has been deactivated.”

This policy underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to the program’s activity requirements. While it may seem harsh, it’s designed to ensure the program’s sustainability and fairness to all members.

Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Points

Now that you understand how to keep your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring, let’s explore some strategies to maximize their value.

1. Understanding Point Redemption Options

Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide range of redemption options, from free hotel nights to flights, car rentals, experiences, and merchandise. The value you get from your points can vary significantly depending on how you redeem them.

Free Nights: This is the most popular way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. The number of points required for a free night varies depending on the hotel’s category and demand. You can use the Marriott Bonvoy website or app to search for hotels and their point requirements.

Flights: You can transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline partners. The transfer ratio is typically 3:1, meaning three Marriott points equal one airline mile. However, Marriott often runs promotions where you can earn bonus miles for transferring points.

Experiences: Marriott Bonvoy Moments offers a curated selection of experiences, such as concerts, sporting events, culinary classes, and more. You can use your points to bid on these experiences or redeem them directly.

Other Redemption Options: Marriott Bonvoy also allows you to redeem points for car rentals, merchandise, gift cards, and even charitable donations.

2. Planning Stays to Maximize Point Accrual

To get the most out of your Marriott Bonvoy membership, it’s important to plan your stays strategically. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Hotel: Marriott has hotels across a wide range of categories, each with different point earning rates. If you’re looking to maximize your points, consider staying at higher category hotels, which typically offer more points per dollar spent.

Take Advantage of Promotions: Marriott Bonvoy frequently offers promotions that allow you to earn bonus points for stays. These promotions can be a great way to boost your points balance.

Consider Off-Peak Travel: Hotels often offer lower rates during off-peak seasons. This means you can get more value for your points by booking during these times.

3. Utilizing Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Benefits

If you frequently stay at Marriott hotels, you can earn elite status, which comes with a host of benefits, including bonus points on stays, room upgrades, late checkout, and more. The higher your elite status, the more benefits you’ll receive.

Summer Hull Expert Tip

“One of the best ways to maximize the value of your Marriott Bonvoy points is to redeem them for high-end hotels or experiences that would otherwise be out of your price range,” says Summer Hull, founder of the travel blog Mommy Points. “This allows you to get a luxury experience at a fraction of the cost.”

Conclusion

Understanding the Marriott Bonvoy points expiration policy is crucial for anyone who participates in the program. By staying active and utilizing various strategies, you can ensure that your hard-earned points don’t go to waste.

Whether it’s planning your next Marriott stay, using your Marriott Bonvoy credit card, transferring points to an airline partner, or participating in promotions, there are numerous ways to keep your points active and maximize their value.

Remember, the key is to be proactive and stay informed about your points expiration date. By doing so, you can unlock a world of travel possibilities and create unforgettable memories with Marriott Bonvoy.

FAQs

Q: Can I reinstate my Marriott Bonvoy points after they expire?

No, according to Marriott’s official policy, expired points cannot be reinstated.

Q: How can I check my points expiration date?

You can check your points expiration date by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account online or through the mobile app.

Q: What are some easy ways to keep my points active?

You can keep your points active by staying at Marriott hotels, using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card, transferring points to airline partners, participating in promotions, or engaging in other qualifying activities.

Q: Can I transfer my points to a family member or friend?

Yes, you can transfer points to another Marriott Bonvoy member, but there might be a fee associated with the transfer.

Q: What happens to my points if I cancel my Marriott Bonvoy membership?

If you cancel your membership, your points will be forfeited.