Do Marriott Points Expire?

Publish date: 2024-05-04

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Do Marriott Points Expire?

If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member or considering becoming one, you may be wondering: Do Marriott points expire? The answer is not a simple yes or no. The expiration policy for Marriott points has changed over the years, and understanding the current policy is essential for maximizing the value of your loyalty points. In this article, we will delve into the details of Marriott’s point expiration policy, offer tips to keep your points from expiring, and address frequently asked questions regarding this topic.

Understanding Marriott’s Point Expiration Policy

Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program by Marriott International, previously had a strict policy where points would expire after 24 months of inactivity. However, as of February 2016, Marriott introduced a significant policy change, extending the expiration of points if members keep their account active. Currently, Marriott Bonvoy points do not expire as long as there is qualifying activity in the account within a 24-month period.

What is qualifying activity?

Qualifying activity refers to any transaction that earns or spends Marriott Bonvoy points. This includes staying at Marriott hotels, redeeming points, earning points through credit card spending, participating in promotions, and even purchasing airline miles or donating points to charity. Any of these activities within a 24-month period will reset the expiration clock for your points.

What happens if I have no qualifying activity for 24 months?

If you fail to have any qualifying activity within a 24-month period, your Marriott Bonvoy points will expire. This means you will lose all your accumulated points, and they cannot be reinstated.

Do hotel stays reset the expiration clock?

Yes, hotel stays at Marriott properties are considered qualifying activity and will reset the expiration clock for your Marriott Bonvoy points. Whether you pay for the stay in cash or redeem points, the activity will prevent your points from expiring.

How can I prevent my points from expiring?

To prevent your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring, you need to have qualifying activity in your account within every 24-month period. Here are a few ways to keep your account active:

1. Stay at a Marriott hotel: Booking a night or more at any Marriott property is a surefire way to keep your points from expiring.

2. Redeem points: Using your points for award stays, gift cards, or other rewards will reset the expiration clock.

3. Use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card: Many credit cards affiliated with Marriott Bonvoy can earn points on everyday spending, ensuring your account remains active.

4. Participate in promotions: Keep an eye out for Marriott’s promotions that can earn you bonus points or other perks. Taking advantage of these offers will easily reset the expiration clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I extend the expiration of my expired points?

Unfortunately, once your Marriott Bonvoy points expire, there is no way to reinstate them or extend their expiration.

2. Are there any fees associated with extending the expiration of points?

No, there are no fees to extend the expiration of Marriott Bonvoy points. Simply engaging in qualifying activity within a 24-month period is sufficient to keep your points active.

3. Do all Marriott Bonvoy members need to worry about point expiration?

No, only members who have not engaged in qualifying activity within the last 24 months should be concerned about their points expiring.

4. Will owning a Marriott timeshare prevent my points from expiring?

While owning a Marriott timeshare does not automatically prevent points from expiring, if you use your timeshare regularly or rent it out, the associated activity can keep your points active.

5. Do transferred points also expire?

Transferred points are subject to the same expiration policy. If you receive transferred points in your account, they will follow the expiration timeline based on the original point holder’s qualifying activity.

6. Can earning points from partners reset the expiration clock?

Yes, earning points through Marriott Bonvoy’s travel and non-travel partners, such as car rentals, shopping portals, or dining programs, can reset the expiration clock for your points.

7. How do I check the expiration date of my Marriott Bonvoy points?

You can easily check the expiration date of your Marriott Bonvoy points by logging into your Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or mobile app.

8. Can I merge points from different family members to avoid expiration?

No, Marriott Bonvoy does not allow the merging of points between different members. Each member’s points are subject to the individual’s qualifying activity for expiration purposes.

9. Will my points ever expire if I maintain Elite status?

Maintaining Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy does not exempt your points from expiration. Even if you have Elite status, you still need to engage in qualifying activity to keep your points active.

10. Are there any plans to change the point expiration policy in the future?

While the current policy does not indicate any imminent changes, loyalty programs are subject to revisions. It is always advisable to stay updated on Marriott Bonvoy’s terms and conditions regarding point expiration.

In conclusion, Marriott Bonvoy points do not expire as long as there is qualifying activity in the account within a 24-month period. Engaging in activities such as hotel stays, earning or redeeming points, using Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, and participating in promotions can easily reset the expiration clock for your points. Avoiding the expiration of points allows you to accumulate and redeem them for fabulous hotel stays and other rewards, ensuring the maximum value from your loyalty program membership.

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