Marriott Bonvoy has just launched its newest promotion on purchased points, which is only the second offer we’ve seen from the program this year. This has the potential to be a great deal, so let’s go over all the details.
In this post:
Promotion on purchased Marriott Bonvoy points
Through Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Marriott Bonvoy is offering a bonus on purchased points. This is being marketed as a mystery bonus, so different members are eligible for different offers.
There does seem to be quite a bit of variance in terms of what people are eligible for, as I just logged into three different accounts, and they were all eligible for different promotions — one account was eligible for a 35% bonus, one for a 45% bonus, and one for a 50% bonus. So you’ll want to log into your Bonvoy account and see what your account shows.
How much does it cost to buy Marriott Bonvoy points?
Ordinarily you can buy Marriott Bonvoy points for 1.25 cents each, before any discounts or bonuses. It seems that with these offers, you can receive the biggest bonus if you buy at least 10,000 points in one transaction, before the bonus (and then if you buy 2,000 to 9,000 points, you get a bonus that’s 10% smaller).
So, what’s the cost to purchase miles here?
- With a 50% bonus, you could purchase 150,000 Bonvoy points at a cost of $1,250, which is a rate of 0.83 cents per point
- With a 40% bonus, you could purchase 140,000 Bonvoy points at a cost of $1,250, which is a rate of 0.89 cents per point
- With a 35% bonus, you could purchase 135,000 Bonvoy points at a cost of $1,250, which is a rate of 0.93 cents per point
How many Marriott Bonvoy points can you buy?
Marriott Bonvoy ordinarily lets you buy up to 100,000 points per calendar year, before any bonuses. Do note that Marriott Bonvoy lets you share up to 100,000 points per year with another member, which could be an opportunity to potentially acquire even more points.
The terms suggest that it could take up to seven business days for purchased points to post. Furthermore, there are some eligibility restrictions to be aware of:
- A new member may purchase points 30 days after enrollment if they have some qualifying activity
- Without qualifying activity, a new member may purchase points only one year after enrollment
Which credit card should you buy Marriott Bonvoy points with?
Marriott Bonvoy points purchases are processed by points.com, meaning they don’t count as a hotel purchase for the purposes of credit card spending.
I’d recommend using a card with which you’re trying to reach a minimum spending requirement, or a credit card that maximizes your return on everyday spending, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (review), Citi Double Cash® Card (review), or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (review) (Rates & Fees).
When in doubt, review which credit cards are best for buying points and miles.
- Earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase, earn 1% cash back when you pay for that purchase
- $0
- Earn 3% Cash Back on Dining
- Earn 3% Cash Back at Drugstores
- Earn 1.5% Cash Back On All Other Purchases
- $0
- Earn 2x miles on every purchase
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
- $395
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check Credit
- $95
- 2x points on purchases up to $50k then 1x
- Access to Amex Offers
- No annual fee
Is buying Marriott Bonvoy points worth it?
While I’m not particularly loyal to Marriott as such, there’s no denying that Marriott Bonvoy has some phenomenal hotels around the world. At a low acquisition cost, there are situations where you can get outsized value for your Bonvoy points, especially if you’re topping off an account for a redemption.
Nowadays Marriott Bonvoy has dynamic award pricing, so there’s no longer an award chart that redemptions follow (though there is an unofficial award chart). However, there are still all kinds of properties where you can get a ton of value, ranging from the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, to many of the Luxury Collection properties in the Mediterranean in summer.
How many points do you need for a free night with Marriott?
In the past Marriott Bonvoy had an award chart, and hotels cost anywhere from 5,000 to 100,000 points per night, not factoring in a fifth night free when redeeming for five nights. Nowadays there are no longer maximum amounts that can be charged, though you will find that a vast majority of properties don’t charge more than what was previously in the pricing range.
Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?
Marriott Bonvoy points don’t expire as long as you have at least some account activity once every 24 months. This could include any activity whereby you earn or redeem points.
How much are Marriott Bonvoy points worth?
Everyone will value points differently, but personally I value Marriott Bonvoy points at ~0.7 cents each, and I tend to value points pretty conservatively. The purchase price is a bit higher than what I value the points, though like I said, there are ways to get much more value.
Does Marriott Bonvoy have blackout dates?
Marriott Bonvoy doesn’t have blackout dates on award nights, but the program does have capacity controls on a limited number of dates. While on most dates all standard rooms will be available for redemptions, on some dates hotels can limit the number of standard rooms that they make available using points.
How else can you earn Marriott Bonvoy points?
Aside from outright buying points or staying at a Marriott, the best way to earn Bonvoy points is with a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card. These cards offer big welcome bonuses and in some cases a decent return on spending.
Marriott Bonvoy is also transfer partners with Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, though I tend to think there are better ways to redeem those points, given the amount of flexibility they offer.
Bottom line
Marriott Bonvoy is offering a promotion on purchased points. This is being marketed as a mystery offer, and different accounts are eligible for different deals. It seems to me like the best offer may be for a 50% bonus, which would be an opportunity to pick up points for 0.83 cents each. While I wouldn’t proactively pick up points without a specific use in mind, this has the potential to represent a good value.
Do you plan on purchasing Marriott points with a bonus?
I bought the max in Marriott points last year at 40%, and I would have done it again at 50%, but they only offered me 25%. I'm actually kind of pissed off that they would have such different offers with the current promo.
2000 to 9000 25%
10000 and above 35%
Not worth it.
No way I’m buying Marriott points. Maybe with 100% bonus. MAYBE.
100K limit per year? that is a Night & a half at a decent place.
Ouch 25%. lol.
DP - 35 percent.