Quick Points: Redeem for sports events, concerts and more through Marriott Bonvoy Moments
To get the most value from your travel rewards, the firm rule is to use them for their intended purpose — in other words, use airline miles for free flights and use hotel points for free hotels.
However, there's an exception to every rule.
Enter Marriott Bonvoy Moments, a program that allows you to spend your Marriott points for much more than just travel. You can book culinary experiences, sporting events, concerts and more. And if you're prudent with your redemption, you can get significant value for your points.
But when does it make sense to use Marriott points with Marriott Bonvoy Moments?
When to book experiences with Marriott points
The answer is simple. TPG estimates Marriott points value to be worth 0.84 cents, on average. If you're getting more value than that, it's a good deal.
As an example, two tickets in a Luxury Suite at Wrigley Field sold for 55,000 Marriott points. That's $467 in Marriott points, per TPG valuations. The package even offers free food and drinks while in the suite.
A similar suite for the same game costs $8,000 and includes 21 suite tickets. Because Marriott's package includes just two tickets, we can better assess the value by dividing the $8,000 cash price of the suite by the number of tickets included.
$8,000 / 21 tickets = $380 per ticket.
For 55,000 Marriott points, you're getting two tickets valued at $380 each. That means you're getting a value of 1.38 cents per Marriott point. That's 64% higher than the average Marriott points value — an excellent deal.
Related: Ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy Moments
If you monitor Marriott Bonvoy Moments with regularity, you'll see some even more incredible deals pop up. Some you must bid on and some you can "buy now" with points. In the past, we've seen things like Super Bowl tickets and outlandish travel packages including suite nights, special culinary experiences and local tours.
You'll also find things that money can't exactly buy, such as:
- In-person master classes with Michelin Star chefs.
- Sports playoff tickets to events that are otherwise sold out.
- Exclusive backstage passes to various musical events.
Those are the truly intriguing offers, as they're "priceless" in a sense. If you see something you've always wanted to do, like throw out the first pitch at a baseball game, your Marriott points are worth more than cash.
Bottom line
Marriott Bonvoy Moments aren't always a good deal — but you'll find some doozies if you monitor them regularly.
TPG valuations peg Marriott point value at 0.84 cents each, on average. If you're getting a worse deal than that, you're better off purchasing your experience with cash (if possible). Keep that 0.84-cent value in mind if you enter a bidding war for a particular experience.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.