5 reasons to strive for Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status
Editor's Note
When you look at the Marriott Bonvoy elite status requirements and benefits, it's clear Platinum Elite status is the sweet spot. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status offers many valuable perks that can enhance your stays, including:
- Room upgrades: Upgrades, including suites, based on availability upon arrival and as determined by participating properties
- Lounge access: Lounge access for you and a guest staying in your room at select Marriott Bonvoy brands
- Late checkout at 4 p.m.: Guaranteed late checkout at most Marriott Bonvoy properties (primarily excluding resort and convention hotels, where it is based on availability)
Because of these three perks, my husband and I focus on getting each of us to at least Platinum Elite status every year. However, once we both qualify for Platinum Elite status and satisfy our other hotel elite status goals for the year, we focus on getting one of us to Titanium Elite status. Then, if we still have more hotel nights left in the year, we also try to get the other person to Titanium Elite status.
We've each reached Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status during the last few years. Here's a look at why I think it's worth going for Titanium Elite status instead of stopping at Platinum Elite status if you can accrue the necessary elite nights.
You don't have to stay 75 nights
The posted requirement for Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status is 75 nights, while Platinum Elite status requires 50 nights. But there's a shortcut: Select Marriott Bonvoy credit cards give you elite night credits each year as a perk of holding the card.
You can earn elite night credits from, at most, one business card and one personal card. I have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, so I get 30 elite night credits each year from my cards. This means I only need to stay 20 nights for Platinum Elite status or 45 nights for Titanium Elite status.
You can also earn one elite night credit for every $5,000 you spend on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy periodically offers double elite night promotions. In short, I've never actually stayed 75 nights within a calendar year when earning Titanium Elite status.
Related: The complete guide to earning Marriott elite status with credit cards
You'll get a valuable 75-night Annual Choice Benefit
You can earn Marriott Annual Choice Benefits by reaching 50 and 75 eligible elite night credits in a calendar year. At the 75-night milestone, you can choose from the following options:
- Five Nightly Upgrade Awards
- A $1,000 discount when you purchase a bed from Marriott retail brands
- A $100 charity donation
- The ability to gift Gold Elite status to a friend or family member
- Five elite night credits
- One free night award with a redemption value of up to 40,000 points
I've chosen the free night award worth up to 40,000 points most years at the 75-night milestone. TPG's April 2025 valuations peg the value of 40,000 Marriott points at $280, and I've always found a good use for this free night award.
Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them
You'll receive United Premier Silver status
Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members can register for complimentary United MileagePlus Premier Silver status. Although Premier Silver is the lowest tier of United elite status, it is still valuable because it offers:
- Preferred seating at booking (for you and up to eight travel companions) and Economy Plus seating at check-in (for you and up to one travel companion; not available on United basic economy tickets) when flying on United Airlines
- Priority Group 2 boarding when flying on United
- Space-available upgrades on the day of departure (not available on basic economy fares and economy fares that have a first bag charge and don't allow changes)
- One complimentary checked bag of up to 70 pounds when flying in economy on United (three when flying in a premium cabin on United)
- Priority check-in when flying on United
- Additional economy award availability through United MileagePlus
- Star Alliance Silver status
I don't get value from most of these benefits, as I have Star Alliance Gold status through another airline. However, access to expanded United economy-class saver awards is a valuable perk.
Related: How Marriott and United elite members can use RewardsPlus to status match and convert rewards
You'll get increased earnings on stays
Since Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic award pricing, I often find myself booking paid rates for stays that would provide a low redemption rate if I used Marriott points. As such, the higher points-earning rate Marriott gives to Titanium Elite members provides true value to me.
You'll earn Marriott points at different rates depending on the brand you stay with. Here's a comparison of earning rates based on qualified spending at Marriott Bonvoy brands:
| Brand | Members | Silver Elite members | Gold Elite members | Platinum Elite members | Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Delta Hotels, Design Hotels, Edition, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Gaylord Hotels, JW Marriott, Le Meridien, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Vacation Clubs, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, Moxy Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy (Hotels), SpringHill Suites, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels and Westin Hotels & Resorts | 10 points per dollar | 11 points per dollar | 12.5 points per dollar | 15 points per dollar | 17.5 points per dollar |
| Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, City Express by Marriott, Element, Four Points Flex by Sheraton, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Protea Hotels, Residence Inn, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy (Apartments) and TownePlace Suites | 5 points per dollar | 5.5 points per dollar | 6.25 points per dollar | 7.5 points per dollar | 8.75 points per dollar |
| StudioRes | 4 points per dollar | 4.4 points per dollar | 5 points per dollar | 6 points per dollar | 7 points per dollar |
| Marriott Executive Apartments | 2.5 points per dollar | 2.75 points per dollar | 3.125 points per dollar | 3.75 points per dollar | 4.375 points per dollar |
Let's assume I typically pay $100 in qualified spending when I book a paid night at a Marriott hotel. Let's also assume I book 20 paid nights each year, all at Marriott brands that don't earn at lower rates. As a Platinum Elite member, I'd earn 30,000 points (worth $210 based on TPG's April 2025 valuations), but as a Titanium Elite member, I'd earn 35,000 points (worth $245).
This slight boost in earnings makes a difference, even when considering the low rates I tend to snag in destinations where the dollar can go far. If you stay mostly in expensive markets, you'll see a much more significant boost from increased earning rates.
Of course, these earning rates are before any additional points I'll accrue when using my Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card to pay for my stay. Plus, I can leverage a shopping portal aggregator to select an online shopping portal to earn extra points, miles or cash-back rewards on my Marriott stays.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Which credit card should you use for Marriott stays?
You'll have better upgrade chances
According to the Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions, those who hold Platinum Elite status and above receive the same upgrade benefits (except at Ritz-Carlton properties, where only Titanium Elite and above members are eligible for suites).
However, upgrades are "identified by each participating property." So, although the terms and conditions don't say properties will prioritize Titanium Elite upgrades over Platinum Elite ones, I believe this is often the case based on my experience chatting with other Marriott Bonvoy elite members during stays.
Related: How to redeem Marriott points for upgraded rooms
Bottom line
Earning Marriott Titanium Elite status requires 75 elite night credits each year — 25 more nights than what you'd need for Platinum Elite status. The incremental perks of Titanium Elite status compared to Platinum Elite status are minimal. But, especially as more Marriott members gain Platinum Elite status just by having the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, snagging Titanium Elite status may help unlock better upgrades and soft perks.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.