Basic Guide to Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

Marriott Bonvoy has over 7200+ properties worldwide, which makes it one of the biggest hotel chains in the world encompassing over 30 brands. The great news with this, is it’s incredibly easy to earn points towards major redemptions. There are a myriad of opportunities and ways to earn which we will list below.

Paid Stays at Marriott Bonvoy Properties 

The most obvious method for earning Marriott Bonvoy points, is the tried and true “butt in bed” method.

The default points earning structure for Marriott Bonvoy stays are 10 Points for every $1. Marriott Bonvoy members who hold status can earn an additional bonus broken down below. 

As a caveat, the following properties only offer half the typical earned rate at only $5 points per dollar. 

Residence Inn

Towneplace Suites by Marriott

Element Hotels

Marriott Dining Program 

Earn Marriott Rewards points for eating out at restaurants throughout the United States. Simply create an account, link a credit card(s), and dine at a participating restaurant. There are three different points-earning structures listed below. 

• 2 Bonus Points per $1 when you don’t opt-in for email notifications. 
• 5 Bonus Points per $1 when you dine 10 or fewer times in a year, and opt-in for email notifications from Hilton Honors Dining.
• 8 Bonus Points per $1 when you dine 11 or more times in a year, and opt-in for email notifications from Hilton Honors Dining.

Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points with Rental Cars

When you rent through Hertz, Marriott Bonvoy members receive a special rate discount with code

Members enjoy the benefits of reserving now, paying later, and even canceling their reservation for free. Use code 154080 during booking for discount and benefits. Members can earn up to 3,000 Marriott points for Hertz car rentals of 2 days or more.

Transfer Points from Amex Membership Rewards

American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points can be transferred to the Marriott Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio. For example, 25,000 Membership Rewards points will equal 25,000 Marriott Rewards points. It’s easy to transfer, simply login to an Amex MR account and click transfer rewards points. 

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Marriott Bonvoy Business AMEX Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Terms Apply. Learn More Here.

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Transfer Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy

Another great way to earn Marriott points is by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points earned from several Chase credit cards. The transfer is simple, has a 1:1 transfer ratio, and takes about 2 days.

In terms of pure redemption value for your Ultimate Rewards points, you will find this has a generally poor transfer opportunity. If you happen to find a low end property, however, that the points transfer outweighs the cash value (which can start at 4,000 Marriott points for a level 1 off-peak night) then this can have some great opportunities.

The following Chase credit cards allow you to transfer Ultimate Rewards Points directly:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Ink Business Preferred

The below Ultimate Rewards-earning credit cards do not allow direct transfers to Marriott Bonvoy. You can, however, transfer your Ultimate Rewards Points earned on these credit cards first to one of the premium Chase cards listed above and then to Marriott Bonvoy.

• Chase Freedom®
• Chase Freedom Unlimited℠
• Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points from Credit Cards 

One of the easiest ways to snag a big lot of Marriott Bonvoy points is through a cobranded credit card. These are issued by both American Express and Chase. Sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to earn Marriott points, but there are also plenty of every day spending options that help you reach your goals faster.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

• 6 points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott hotels
• 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

• 6 points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott hotels
• 4 points for every $1 spent on gas station, restaurant, shipping, internet, cable, and phone service purchases
• 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

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Marriott Bonvoy Business AMEX Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Terms Apply. Learn More Here.

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

• 6 points per $1 at Marriott hotels
• 3 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines
• 2 points per $1 all other purchases

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Marriott Bonvoy Business AMEX Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Terms Apply. Learn More Here.

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Gain Points by Booking Events

Marriott also has a very generous structure on event booking when it comes to earning points. You can both nights and elite credits by booking meetings, and special events. You can earn 2 points per dollar spent at each event.

Basic Breakdown

From organic earning with paid stays, to credit card bonus, to transfer partners, Marriott Bonvoy offers a myriad of earning opportunities towards either a dream vacation, like a honeymoon, to just a basic weekend getaway. 

I’d love to hear your favorite strategy to earning Marriott Bonvoy points down in the comments below or over in the 4,000 + Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!