Yes, Marriott Bonvoy points do expire if there is no qualifying activity in your account for 24 consecutive months. This policy ensures members remain engaged with the loyalty program.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Point Expiration
Marriott Bonvoy's policy on point expiration is explicitly stated in their terms and conditions. If your account shows no qualifying activity—meaning no earning or redeeming of points—for a continuous period of two years, your entire accumulated point balance will be forfeited. This applies regardless of the number of points you have.
How to Keep Your Marriott Bonvoy Points Active
Fortunately, it is easy to prevent your Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring. Any qualifying activity will reset the 24-month expiration clock from the date of that activity. Here are several common ways to ensure your points remain active:
- Earning Points:
- Complete a paid stay at any Marriott Bonvoy participating hotel.
- Make purchases using a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card.
- Earn points through partner programs, such as dining, car rentals, or cruises.
- Participate in any ongoing Marriott Bonvoy promotions that award points.
- Transfer points into your Marriott Bonvoy account from a partner program (e.g., American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards).
- Redeeming Points:
- Book a free night stay at a Marriott property using your points.
- Redeem points for other rewards like merchandise, experiences, or gift cards.
- Convert points to airline miles with a participating airline partner.
- Transferring Points:
- Transfer points to another Marriott Bonvoy member's account. Note that there are typically minimum transfer amounts and annual limits for point transfers.
Practical Examples of Activity That Reset the Clock
To illustrate, consider these scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Regular Traveler
If you stay at a Marriott hotel once every year, or even once every 23 months, your points will never expire because each stay counts as an activity that resets the 24-month countdown. - Scenario 2: Infrequent Traveler
If you haven't stayed at a Marriott property in 20 months and are worried about your points expiring, a simple solution would be to make a small purchase on a co-branded Marriott credit card, or redeem a small number of points for a gift card or a small portion of a hotel stay. Either action would reset the clock for another 24 months.
Key Takeaway
The most important aspect to remember is that consistent engagement, even minimal, is key to maintaining your Marriott Bonvoy point balance. Always refer to the official Marriott Bonvoy Terms and Conditions for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding point expiration and account activity.
