Your complete guide to earning Marriott Bonvoy points
Editor's Note
Redeeming Marriott points for stays can provide a lot of value, but first, you have to earn the points.
I earn most of my Marriott Bonvoy points from credit cards and stays at participating hotels and resorts. But, as you'll learn in this story, you can earn Marriott points in many ways. Let's dive in.
Earn Marriott points at participating properties
You can earn points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts on qualifying stays and events. But you can also occasionally earn Marriott points at a participating property even if you're not a guest.
Earn Marriott points on qualifying stays
Marriott Bonvoy members earn as follows at participating properties when staying on a qualifying rate:
- 10 base points per dollar of qualifying charges at most properties
- 5 base points per dollar of qualifying charges at Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Protea Hotels, City Express, Four Points Express, Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Sonder Apartments and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
- 4 base points per dollar of qualifying charges at StudioRes
- 2.5 base points per dollar of qualifying rates at Marriott Executive Apartments
Related: An overview of the 35 Marriott hotel brands
The Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions state, "Qualifying rates include most business and leisure rates, such as rates found on Marriott.com without an application of a discount code, standard and premium retail rates, advanced purchase rates, corporate negotiated rates, and national/regional/local government rates." You'll only earn Marriott points on qualifying rates, so you will usually want to book directly with Marriott.
You can include charges for your room and up to two additional guest rooms with the same check-in and checkout dates on your folio if you provide your Marriott Bonvoy number at the time of reservation or check-in. Qualifying charges include:
- Qualifying rates for stays
- Food and beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages or tobacco where prohibited by law; may exclude charges incurred at some outlets)
- Direct-dialed in-room telephone and fax
- In-room movies and video games
- Select charges incurred as part of an all-inclusive package
Related: Which credit card should you use for Marriott stays?
If you have Marriott elite status, you'll also earn bonus points on stays as follows:
- Silver Elite: 10% more points
- Gold Elite: 25% more points
- Platinum Elite®: 50% more points
- Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite: 75% more points
As such, if you have Platinum Elite® status, you'll earn 10,000 base points and 5,000 bonus points on $1,000 of qualifying charges at most Marriott brands.
Related: 30 best Marriott hotels in the world
Host an event at a Marriott hotel
Bonvoy members can earn Marriott points when they book and hold qualifying group meetings and events at participating properties through the Marriott Bonvoy Events program.
You can earn 2 points per dollar spent on actualized qualifying event charges. Marriott Bonvoy caps your base earnings at 60,000 points per event, and it caps your total earnings after promotions, elite bonuses and incentives at 200,000 points per event. You can split your event earnings with another member if both are recorded in the qualifying event agreement.
Earn Marriott points without staying
You can sometimes earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible purchases at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel or resort without a stay (see this page for participating properties and outlets). When paying at a participating outlet, provide your Marriott Bonvoy number to earn points. Be prepared to show picture identification matching the name tied to your number.
Earn Marriott points with cobranded cards
Cobranded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards make it easy to earn points on purchases. Here's a quick look at how you can earn points with these cards, including current Marriott credit card offers:
| Card | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Earn up to 150,000 bonus points: 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases (for a total of $8,000) in the first six months of card membership. | 6 points per dollar for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines 2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases | $650 (see rates and fees) | |
Earn up to 135,000 bonus points: 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases (for a total of $7,000) in the first six months of card membership. | 6 points per dollar for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and supermarkets per calendar year, then 2 points per dollar) 2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases | $250 (see rates and fees) | |
Earn three free night awards* after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award* after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
*Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees. | 6 points per dollar at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores and dining 2 points per dollar on all other purchases | $95 | |
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | 3 points per dollar at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
2 points per dollar on purchases at grocery stores, for rideshare and select food delivery and for select streaming, internet, cable and phone service purchases 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | No annual fee | |
Earn 150,000 bonus points and a $125 statement credit after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
4 points per dollar on purchases at restaurants worldwide, gas at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping 2 points per dollar on other purchases | $125 (see rates and fees) |
I have the Marriott Boundless and Marriott Business Amex, primarily for the annual elite night credits and free night awards these cards provide. I often use my Marriott Business Amex when paying for stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties, especially since doing so is required when I book the Marriott Business discount rate. However, it's also nice to boost my Marriott points balance by putting everyday purchases on these cards.
Related: Best time to apply for Marriott cards based on offer history
Transfer rewards to Marriott Bonvoy
You can also earn points by transferring rewards from other programs to Marriott Bonvoy. I usually save my transferable points for higher-value uses, but it can occasionally make sense to transfer rewards to Marriott Bonvoy. Here's a look at your options.
Transfer Amex points to Marriott
You can transfer Amex points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio, although you must transfer at least 1,000 points.
According to our Amex transfer times research, transfers from American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy usually occur instantly.
Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value
Transfer Bilt Points to Marriott
You can transfer Bilt Points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio, but you must transfer at least 1,000 points. For every increment of 20,000 Bilt points you convert to Marriott points in a single transaction, you'll get a bonus of 5,000 additional Marriott points. According to our Bilt Rewards transfer times research, transfers from Bilt Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy usually occur within minutes.
Transfer Chase points to Marriott
You can transfer Chase points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio, although you must transfer at least 1,000 points. According to our research on Chase transfer times, transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy usually occur instantly.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
Convert MGM Rewards points to Marriott points
You can convert MGM Rewards points to Marriott points at a ratio of 10:8. You must convert at least 1,000 points per transaction and can't convert more than 30,000 points per calendar year.
Once you've linked your accounts, you can also convert BetMGM Rewards points to Marriott points. You can convert points at a 1:1 ratio in increments of 1.
Transfer United miles to Marriott
You can transfer United miles to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio if you have United Premier status. You can transfer up to 100,000 United miles into Marriott points each calendar year.
Transfer other airline miles to Marriott
You can transfer the following types of airline miles to Marriott:
- Air Canada Aeroplan: 1:1 ratio
- ANA Mileage Club: 1:1 ratio for up to two transfers of 10,000 miles per April 1 to March 31 period, then 2:1 ratio for subsequent transfers
- Cathay Pacific Cathay: 2:1 ratio
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles: 2:1 ratio
- JAL Mileage Bank: 4:3 ratio
- Qatar Privilege Club: 2:1 ratio
- Singapore KrisFlyer: 2:1 ratio
Related: What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
Transfer points between Marriott accounts
You can also earn Marriott points by getting another member to transfer you some of their points. It's possible to transfer Marriott points between accounts online in increments of 1,000 points without paying fees.
Both Marriott accounts must be in good standing and open for at least 90 days without qualifying activity or 30 days with qualifying activity. However, each member can only transfer up to 100,000 Marriott points per calendar year to other accounts, and you can only receive up to 500,000 Marriott points per calendar year from other members. Additionally, you can only give or receive points up to two times per month and six times per calendar year.
Related: 27 airlines that allow families to pool miles
Buy Marriott points
Another way to earn Marriott points is to buy them. The standard rate for buying Marriott points is 1.25 cents per point. However, some promotions will bring the purchase rate as low as 0.83 cents per point, which may be worth considering in some situations.
Related: When does it make sense to buy points and miles?
Other ways to earn Marriott points
You can also earn Marriott points in many other ways. Here's a look at some of them.
Marriott Eat Around Town
Marriott Eat Around Town is a dining rewards program that lets you earn points when you use an enrolled payment card to pay for a qualifying meal at participating bars, restaurants and clubs. Marriott elite members earn 6 points per dollar, while others earn 4 points per dollar.
You can only enroll each one of your payment cards into one dining rewards program. But, to earn more Marriott points, you may want to enroll all your favorite rewards cards for dining purchases into the Eat Around Town program.
Related: Can you earn rewards with a dining rewards program and a credit card at the same time?
Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty rental cars
You can earn Marriott points when renting a vehicle with Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty and providing your Marriott Bonvoy account number. Specifically, you can earn 500 points per Hertz rental and 250 points per Dollar or Thrifty rental. Plus, Marriott elite members earn 200 more points per Hertz rental and 250 more per Dollar or Thrifty rental.
Starbucks purchases
Through the Marriott and Starbucks partnership, you can earn 100 Marriott points when you make three qualifying purchases at Starbucks during any Marriott Bonvoy Week. Of course, you must have your Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks Rewards accounts linked to earn points.
Qualifying purchases must be at least $2, made via an eligible method and made at a U.S. location where you can earn Starbucks Stars.
Related: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
Cruises
You can earn 3 base Marriott points per dollar when you book a new cruise through Cruise with Points. Only the booking member who pays for the cruise can earn points. To do so, they must be a U.S. resident with a U.S. billing address and provide their Marriott Bonvoy number when they make their cruise deposit.
Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles
Vacation packages
Through Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy, you can book vacation packages that combine hotel stays with flights and car rentals.
The vacation package savings alone may not always be lucrative, but you can often find some compelling bonus point offers. For example, while writing this guide, I saw an offer for 25,000 bonus points if you book a Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy package with a four-night or longer stay in Hawaii or Florida.
Ride or order food with Uber
You can also link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts to earn points on qualifying rides and Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders throughout the U.S. Specifically, you can earn
- 3 points per dollar on Uber Premium (UberXL, Uber Black, Uber SUV and Uber Comfort) rides, including those booked with Reserve
- 2 points per dollar on UberX Reserve rides
- 2 points per dollar on Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders of $40 or more delivered to Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites or Element hotels
- 1 point per dollar on Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders of $40 or more
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you
Bottom line
As you can see, you have plenty of options for earning Marriott points. I highly recommend enrolling in Marriott Bonvoy promotions to maximize your stay earnings. I also recommend getting one or more Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. These cards offer useful perks — including elite night credits, free night awards and elite status — but also let you earn Marriott points on everyday purchases.
Of course, earning Marriott points isn't worthwhile if you don't redeem them. So, check out the following guides about redeeming Marriott points for inspiration:
- 5 ways to maximize Marriott Bonvoy award night redemptions
- How much are Marriott points worth? We analyzed nearly 15,000 data points to find out
- How and why to book a Marriott cash and points reservation
- Marriott PointSavers: What it is and how to use it to book less expensive award stays
- How to redeem Marriott points for upgraded rooms
- When does it make sense to transfer Marriott points to airlines?
For rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card, click here
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.