Dan Whitmer, Rewards Programs Analyst
@dan_whitmer
No, Marriott points are not worth buying because each point costs 1.25 cents, while they can be redeemed for an average value of only 0.8 cents per point. For example, 1,000 points cost $12.50 to buy but have a redemption value of just $8 in hotel stays.
Marriott Points Purchase vs. Redemption Value
Number of Points | Cost | Value When Redeemed for Hotel Stays |
1,000 | $12.50 | $8 |
5,000 | $62.50 | $43 |
10,000 | $125.00 | $80 |
20,000 | $250.00 | $160 |
50,000 | $625.00 | $400 |
The best way to use your Marriott points is to save them up until you can cover the full cost of a hotel stay. You can earn points by using a Marriott credit card or by joining the Marriott Eat Around Town program to earn points when you dine at participating restaurants.
Ways to Earn Marriott Points Without Buying Them
- Use the Marriott credit card. You can earn points on eligible purchases with a Marriott credit card. These cards offer more points for paying for hotel stays with the card than if you don’t use one, plus rewards for everyday spending.
- Book hotel stays with a Marriott Bonvoy number. One of the best ways to earn points without purchasing them is by staying at Marriott. Be sure to sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program before booking your hotel stay to earn points on each stay.
- Leverage Marriott's Eat Around Town program and link your Bonvoy account to Uber. You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points by dining at participating restaurants through the Eat Around Town program. Additionally, linking your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Uber account lets you earn points with every Uber ride or Uber Eats order.
- Partner offers. Marriott has partnerships with a range of businesses, allowing you to earn extra points when you use their services or make purchases. These partners include Hertz, cruises, Uber Eats and Uber rides.
After earning Marriott points, you can use them to pay for hotel stays, flights, cruises, and more. However, the best value you’ll get from your points is when you redeem them for free hotel stays.
Sometimes, buying points can be worth it. Marriott occasionally runs promotions with bonus points—up to 45%—making purchases more valuable. It can also help if you just need a few extra points to book a award stay.
When to Buy Marriott Points
- To top off your account – If you're just short on points for an award stay, buying a few can help secure a deal.
- During promotions – Marriott often offers bonus points, making purchases more worthwhile.
- For flexibility – Booking with points allows free cancellations and refunds.
You can check out WalletHub’s guide to the Marriott Bonvoy program for a full breakdown.
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