Knowledge Hub · Program Reference
Marriott Bonvoy Complete Guide
Marriott Bonvoy is the largest hotel loyalty program after the SPG/Marriott/Ritz-Carlton merger, covering 7,000+ properties across 30+ brands. Bonvoy points transfer to 40+ airline programs (typically at 3:1 with a 5,000-point bonus per 60,000 transferred), making them flexible but lower-value per point. Sellers with massive Bonvoy balances from credit card sign-ups or business travel often find cash conversion better than chasing transfer ratios.
By iBuyPoints Editorial TeamUpdated September 22, 2026
Key facts
- Parent company
- Marriott International
- Launched
- 2019
- Currency
- points, transferable
- TPG valuation
- 0.8¢
- NerdWallet valuation
- 0.8¢
- Expiration
- 24 mo inactivity
How Marriott Bonvoy works
Marriott runs identity verification on award redemptions and point transfers, especially for large balances. Our specialists coordinate every Bonvoy transaction with the account holder by phone, working within Marriott standard authentication flow.
Transferable to 40+ Airlines
Bonvoy points transfer to most major airline loyalty programs, including United, Delta, American, and many international carriers. Our buyer network values balances suitable for these airline conversions.
Fifth-Night-Free Multiplier
On four-night Marriott award stays, the fifth night is free. This benefit raises effective per-point value at category 5 and above properties.
Sign-Up Bonus Velocity
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer aggressive sign-up bonuses (100,000+ points common). Members often hold 500,000+ point balances after multiple card cycles, balances that exceed practical travel use.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points
Ritz-Carlton Maldives, 1 night · Top-tier Marriott portfolio property
Luxury overwater stay
100,000 to 180,000 points · via Ritz-Carlton
St. Regis property, 1 night · Marriott luxury brand
Premium luxury hotel
75,000 to 130,000 points · via St. Regis
Partner airline transfer with bonus · 140,000 to 160,000 miles after transfer bonus
Partner premium cabin booking
320,000 to 380,000 points · via Marriott airline transfers
Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners
| Partner | Ratio | Sweet spot |
|---|---|---|
| United MileagePlus | 3:1 | Polaris Business via partner |
| American AAdvantage | 3:1 | Qatar Qsuite, Cathay First |
| Delta SkyMiles | 3:1 | Delta One Suites |
| Alaska Mileage Plan | 3:1 | JAL First, Cathay First |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 3:1 | Star Alliance premium |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | 3:1 | Trans-Atlantic Promo |
| British Airways Avios | 3:1 | Short-haul European Business |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 3:1 | JAL First, Cathay First |
| Emirates Skywards | 3:1 | Emirates First A380 |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 3:1 | Singapore Suites and Business |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 3:1 | Cathay First via Qantas |
| Turkish Miles&Smiles | 3:1 | ANA First Class |
Program history & changes
SPG/Marriott Merger Award Chart Changes
The Marriott/SPG merger restructured award pricing, generally raising costs on top-tier properties compared to the legacy SPG chart.
Move to Dynamic Pricing
Marriott transitioned to dynamic award pricing for most properties. Peak-period stays became significantly more expensive.
Continued Pricing Pressure
Marriott award pricing continues to trend upward, especially at top-tier brands. Effective per-point value compresses year over year.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, answered straight.
Yes. We work with all Bonvoy tiers equally. Status does not affect per-point sale price.
The 5th-night-free benefit raises effective per-point value at category 5+ properties. We factor this into per-property buyer pricing.
Marriott's 3:1 ratio plus the 5,000-mile bonus on 60,000-point chunks makes airline transfers viable. We can coordinate the transfer if that produces better value than a direct hotel redemption.
No. Card relationships do not change the per-point sale price.
We pay top-tier market rates based on demand for premium Marriott property redemptions and airline transfer destinations.
Most transactions complete within 1 to 2 business days.
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