🥳 Can Spouses Share Marriott Points? Your Mega-Guide to the Ultimate Points Power Play! 🚀
Listen up, all you power-traveling partners out there! You've been crushing the credit card bonuses, clocking in those work trips, and racking up a mountain of Marriott Bonvoy points. But now you and your significant other are eyeing that swanky, overwater bungalow redemption, and your points are chilling in separate accounts like they've got some kind of pre-nup. What's the deal? Can spouses share Marriott points?
Spoiler alert: Yes, you totally can, but it’s not exactly like handing over the car keys. You can't merge your accounts into one giant points monster—Marriott Bonvoy memberships are strictly individual, like a secret handshake only you know. However, they've tossed a solid bone to couples and families with their free point transfer policy. It’s a game-changer! Think of it as a points stimulus package for your relationship goals. So, ditch the drama, grab your partner's Bonvoy number, and let’s dive into how to make that magic happen and snag that dream trip!
Step 1: 🧐 Get Your Ducks in a Row (Account Check-Up)
Before you start slinging points around like a high-roller in Vegas, you gotta make sure both accounts are squared away. This ain't amateur hour; we're talking about your hard-earned vacation currency!
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| Can Spouses Share Marriott Points |
1.1 Verify "Good Standing" and Account Age
This is the non-negotiable part. Marriott's got rules, and they are not playing.
Rule #1: Good Standing. Both your Marriott Bonvoy accounts need to be in what they call "good standing." That means no funny business, no violations of the T&Cs—you’re a reputable member of the club!
Rule #2: The Waiting Game. The receiving account (the one getting the points) has to be established. They need to have been open for at least thirty (30) days with Qualifying Activity (like a paid stay or point earning/redemption) or ninety (90) days without Qualifying Activity. If your partner just signed up five minutes ago, you’re gonna have to chill for a bit. Seriously, patience is a virtue, especially when free hotel stays are on the line.
1.2 Know the Limits: The 100K/500K Tango
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Marriott is generous, but not infinitely so. They’ve got a cap on how many points can be transferred between members annually.
The Sender's Limit (The Giver): You can transfer up to a maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year to other members. That's a good chunk of change!
The Receiver's Limit (The Taker): A member can receive up to a maximum of 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year from other member accounts. This is awesome because if you have a massive redemption planned, one partner can be the "bank" for a whole crew of point-transferring family or friends!
Step 2: 💻 Executing the Points Transfer (The Nitty-Gritty)
Alright, you've checked the boxes, your accounts are golden, and you’re ready to merge your points for that epic vacation—maybe a week in Paris or a jungle retreat in Bali! There are two main ways to make this happen, and they are both free, which is straight-up amazing.
2.1 The Digital High-Five: Transferring Online
This is the fastest, easiest way, and honestly, the only way a true digital nomad should operate. It’s so smooth, you’ll think you missed a step!
Log in: The person transferring the points (the sender) needs to log into their Marriott Bonvoy account.
Find the Tool: Navigate to the Points Transfer Tool on the Marriott website. Sometimes it’s buried a bit, so you might need to search for "Transfer Points" in their help center.
Fill in the Deets: You'll need some crucial information for the lucky recipient:
The recipient’s First and Last Name (It's gotta match their Bonvoy account, no nicknames!)
The recipient’s Marriott Bonvoy Member Number (Double-check this, you don't want to accidentally send points to your weird Uncle Bob).
The Amount you want to transfer (Remember: Minimum 1,000 points, and transfers must be in 1,000 point increments).
Confirm and Send: Follow the on-screen prompts for verification (like an email or text code), and hit that final "Transfer Points Now" button. Boom! The points should typically post to the recipient's account instantly, or at least within 24 hours.
2.2 The Old-School Approach: Calling in the Cavalry
If the website is giving you the side-eye, or you just prefer talking to a human (hey, no shade), you can call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Who Calls?: The person sending the points should make the call. They'll need to verify their own account security first.
What You Need: Just like the online process, have the Recipient’s Name and Bonvoy Number handy, plus the specific Point Amount you want to transfer in 1,000 point chunks.
The Transfer: The agent will process the transfer right then and there. Sometimes, the points will hit the other account before you even hang up the phone—now that’s service!
Step 3: 🥂 Redeem and Relax (The Payoff)
You’ve successfully executed the points heist, and now all your point eggs are in one Bonvoy basket! This is where the real fun begins: booking that epic, life-changing trip.
3.1 Go Big or Go Home: Maximize That Value
With your combined points, you can now aim for a much higher-tier redemption. Don't forget Marriott's "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" deal when booking award nights. This is where the combined points really shine—you can book a full week and essentially get a free night! That’s like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your old jeans.
3.2 The Reservation Name Game
Even though the points are in your partner’s account, you can still check-in. The member who holds the points (and the reservation) can typically add their spouse's name to the reservation as a second guest. This means your partner can technically check-in solo, which is super handy if your flight lands at a different time or you're doing some separate travel. Just make sure this step is done beforehand, either online during booking or with a quick call to the hotel.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
3.3 Keeping the Points Rolling
Remember, your Bonvoy points will expire if there are 24 months of inactivity. A point transfer receiving points doesn't count as "qualifying activity" to reset the clock for the receiver, but sending points generally does for the sender. The easiest way to keep those points alive? Book a stay, earn points through a partner (like their dining program), or just keep using your affiliated Marriott credit card! Keep earning, keep traveling, keep the dream alive!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to my spouse without a fee?
You can transfer points to your spouse for free by using the online Points Transfer tool on the Marriott Bonvoy website or by calling Member Support. Marriott allows free point transfers between any members, not just spouses.
What is the maximum number of points a member can send in a year?
A member can transfer a maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to other members per calendar year.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
How long does a Marriott Bonvoy point transfer typically take?
Transfers are generally instantaneous when done online, but the terms say to allow up to 24 hours for the points to show up in the recipient's account.
How do I ensure my spouse can check in if the reservation is in my name?
When booking the award stay, simply add your spouse's name as the second guest or additional guest on the reservation. This is usually enough for them to check in, but you can also call the hotel directly to confirm they are listed on the reservation.
Do transferred points count towards Elite Status qualification?
No. Points transferred between members do not count as points earned toward Elite Status qualification. Elite Status is earned through qualifying nights stayed or specific spending on co-branded credit cards.
Would you like me to find the direct link to the Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer Tool on their website?
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