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Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to another account is a great feature of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Not all hotel programs allow point transfers between members. Pooling your points makes it easy to work together on a single redemption or to take advantage of one person's elite status.
Even better, Marriott makes it easy to transfer points between members courtesy of an online transfer tool. This tool simplifies the transfer process; previously, you had to call Marriott to transfer Bonvoy points to another account. Before we walk you through how to transfer points, you should know some key things about Marriott Bonvoy points transfers. Let's dive in.
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Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfers Overview
Here is what you should know about transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to another account:
- Bonvoy members can complete a maximum of two transfers per calendar month and up to six per calendar year.
- You can transfer a maximum of 100,000 points per calendar year from your account.
- You can receive a maximum of 500,000 points per calendar year.
- The minimum transfer amount is 1,000 points.
- Transfer in increments of 1,000 points.
- Both accounts involved in the transfer must be in good standing.
- Transfers are restricted to accounts open for at least 90 days.
- When you transfer points to an inactive account, the transaction will go through, but the points will then be canceled!
- If Marriott assumes transfers aren't made in good faith, it reserves the right to prevent or cancel transactions.
Marriott has special rules for accounts open less than 90 days:
- Accounts less than 30 days old aren't eligible to send or receive points.
- For accounts open longer than 30 days but fewer than 90 days, you can only initiate and receive transfers if some reward activity has been credited to the account. This includes a stay or any other points earned, such as from a card that earns Marriott points.
If you want to read the full details on Marriott points transfers, refer to Section 2.8 in the Bonvoy program's terms and conditions.
Do points transfers extend the expiration date of Marriott points?
Sadly, points transfers do not count as qualifying activity, meaning they do not extend the expiration date of your points. Similarly, gifted points will not extend the expiration of your Marriott Bonvoy points. However, buying Marriott Bonvoy points will extend the expiry of the points in your account.
Your Marriott Bonvoy points will expire after 24 months of inactivity. If your Marriott Bonvoy points are about to expire, you'll need to earn, redeem, or purchase points. Check out our post on Marriott points expiration to learn more about the policies and how to keep your account active. And of course, remember to track your Marriott Bonvoy account through AwardWallet to get a heads up before your points expire.
Related: How To Track Your Rewards Using AwardWallet
How To Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to Another Account
Assuming your account is eligible to transfer points (based on the criteria above), here's how to initiate a Bonvoy points transfer.
First, sign in using your Bonvoy account email and password at the points transfer page. You'll then see this screen:
Here, you'll enter the information for the person receiving the points. You must provide their first and last name, Bonvoy number, and the amount you wish to transfer. All of this must exactly match the receiving member's account details. Then, check the required confirmation, reading the fine print if you'd like. The gist is that you're relinquishing all rights to the points; they will become the recipient's points. Finally, click the “Transfer Now” button.
To reiterate, please don't make the mistake of transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to an inactive account. If you do, you will lose all the points!
Points transfers can take up to 24 hours. There is no fee to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another account.
Unlike other programs, you cannot initiate transfers from the receiving or “pooling” account. Also, note that the Marriott Bonvoy app does not offer points transfer functionality; you must use the website.
Related: How Many Points Can You Earn on Marriott Stays?
Can I call to transfer Marriott points?
Marriott isn't clear on this. It's likely that you can still call to transfer points, as this used to be the only way to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member. However, the online tool makes things far more straightforward, and this is what Marriott directs you to use.
If there is an issue with a transfer or the online tool isn't working, call Marriott Bonvoy Guest Services at the number listed in your account. You can also call the main service line at 800-627-7468. Make sure you have both sets of account information handy.
When should you transfer Marriott points?
Here are four situations where you should consider transferring Marriott points to another account:
- When points in the sending account are about to expire. You may have a friend or family member who has a small stash of Marriott points but rarely adds to them or redeems them. If they are about to expire, they can transfer them to you. Just don't do the reverse. Sending points to an inactive or soon-to-be inactive account will cause you to lose points.
- Consolidating points for redemption. Heading to an expensive resort that costs a ton of points? Consolidate points from multiple family members into one account to make a single redemption for your next vacation.
- To take advantage of one person's elite status. If one person has Marriott Platinum Elite status, for example, you can transfer points to their account to make the redemption. During your stay, you'll then receive their elite status benefits, such as complimentary breakfast and a potential room upgrade.
- To take advantage of the fifth night free. Have enough points for two vacation nights in one spouse's account and enough for two nights in the other? Don't make two reservations! Transfer your points to the other person's account and take advantage of the Marriott fifth-night free benefit. You'll pay for just four nights whenever you book a five-night award stay with points.
Related: The Complete Guide to Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
Final Thoughts
Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points between accounts is a program feature you'll want to keep in your back pocket. And there are several instances when transferring points will make sense. Freely topping off your account (or someone else's) via transfer is a quick and easy way to redeem for that next free night.
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