Marriott Bonvoy is a leading loyalty program in India, offering numerous ways to earn points for hotel stays across its global portfolio, including popular brands like Four Points, Westin, and Le Meridien. Whether you’re booking a stay or using credit cards, this guide highlights how you can maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy a range of benefits.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points Through Hotel Stays
The primary way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is by booking stays directly through the Marriott website or app. Doing so not only earns you points but also counts toward achieving elite status, which can unlock additional benefits like bonus points and room upgrades.
Elite Status and Bonus Points
Achieving elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program rewards you with extra points on stays and spending at Marriott properties. You can also earn points by dining or using the spa services, even without an overnight stay.
| Elite Status | Eligibility | Bonus Points | Points Earned Per $1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 10 Nights | 10% | 10 + 1 = 11 |
| Gold | 20 Nights | 25% | 10 + 2.5 = 12.5 |
| Platinum | 50 Nights | 50% | 10 + 5 = 15 |
| Titanium | 75 Nights | 75% | 10 + 7.5 = 17.5 |
| Ambassador | 100 Nights + ₹19 Lacs Spend | 75% | 10 + 7.5 = 17.5 |
Credit Cards to Boost Your Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is the only co-branded credit card in India, offering exclusive rewards, bonus nights, and milestone benefits. It comes with an affordable joining fee of ₹3,000 + GST.
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers a high reward rate, especially after reaching milestone spends of ₹4 lakh. Points earned with the card can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio.
Transfer AmEx Points During Bonus Promotions
Occasionally, American Express offers bonus transfer promotions, allowing you to transfer Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy at a favorable 1:1.3 ratio. These offers are rare but can significantly enhance your point accumulation.
Buying Marriott Bonvoy Points
Purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points is usually not recommended unless you have a specific trip in mind. While buying points at ₹1.05 per point can sometimes be beneficial during promotions, it’s generally more cost-effective to earn them through eligible spending and offers.
Conclusion
By leveraging hotel stays, credit card spends, and strategic point transfers, you can quickly accumulate Marriott Bonvoy points for memorable stays and exclusive perks. Whether you’re using the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC card, the AmEx Platinum Travel card, or taking advantage of transfer bonuses, there are plenty of opportunities to maximize your loyalty rewards.