Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program: A Complete Breakdown

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is the largest hotel rewards program in the world, spanning over 9,700 properties across 30+ brands in more than 143 countries. Whether you stay at a Courtyard by Marriott on a business trip or check into The Ritz-Carlton for a special occasion, every qualifying dollar spent feeds into a single points ecosystem with real, tangible value. This guide breaks down every layer of the program — from earning rates and elite status tiers to credit card strategies and airline transfer partners — so you can decide whether Marriott Bonvoy deserves your loyalty and, if so, how to extract maximum value from it.

Key Takeaways

• Marriott Bonvoy offers six elite status tiers, from basic Member to Ambassador Elite, each unlocked by qualifying nights (and spend, at the top level).
• Base earning rates range from 2.5 to 10 points per dollar depending on the hotel brand, with elite bonuses adding up to 75% more.
• Points are worth approximately 0.7 to 0.9 cents each when redeemed for free hotel nights — the highest-value redemption option.
• Co-branded credit cards from Chase and American Express can shortcut elite status and generate tens of thousands of bonus points annually.
• Marriott Bonvoy partners with 40+ airlines for point-to-mile transfers at a 3:1 ratio, with bonus miles available on larger transfers.
• For 2026, Marriott has increased free night certificate top-off limits to 25,000 points and introduced a soft landing policy for elite status.

Table of Contents

1. What Is the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program?
2. Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Tiers
3. How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
4. What Are Marriott Bonvoy Points Worth?
5. Best Ways to Redeem Marriott Points
6. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards Compared
7. Airline Transfer Partners
8. 2026 Program Changes and Updates
9. How Marriott Bonvoy Compares to Other Hotel Programs
10. Lessons From Marriott Bonvoy for Ecommerce Loyalty
11. FAQ
12. Final Verdict

What Is the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program?

Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International's unified loyalty program, created in 2019 after the merger of three predecessor programs: Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards. The consolidation brought all of Marriott's hotel brands under one points currency and one elite status ladder.

Today, the program covers a portfolio that includes luxury brands like St. Regis, W Hotels, and The Ritz-Carlton; premium brands like Westin, Sheraton, and Marriott Hotels; select-service brands like Courtyard, Fairfield, and Four Points; and extended-stay brands like Residence Inn and Element.

Marriott Bonvoy by the Numbers

• Total hotel brands: 30+
• Properties worldwide: 9,000+
• Countries and territories: 140+
• Total rooms: 1.7 million+
• Loyalty program members: 210 million+
• Year program launche: 2019 (merger of Marriott Rewards, SPG, Ritz-Carlton Rewards)

Membership is free and open to anyone. You earn points on qualifying hotel stays, and those points can be redeemed for free nights, airline miles, experiences, and gift cards. The program also features a tiered elite status system that unlocks progressively better perks — room upgrades, late checkout, lounge access, and bonus point earning — based on how many nights you stay per calendar year.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Tiers

The elite status structure is the backbone of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. There are six tiers in total, each requiring a specific number of qualifying nights within a calendar year. This VIP tier structure is a model that many modern loyalty programs across industries have adopted.

Member (0 nights)

Every Marriott Bonvoy member gets free Wi-Fi at participating properties, access to member-exclusive rates (often 2-5% below public rates), and the ability to earn and redeem points. Mobile check-in and the Marriott Bonvoy app are included at this level.

• Qualifying Nights: 0
• Points Bonus: None
• Key Benefits: Free Wi-Fi, member rates, mobile check-in

Silver Elite (10 nights)

 The entry point to elite status. Silver members earn a 10% bonus on base points and get priority late checkout when available. This tier is easily attainable for moderate business travelers or anyone who takes a couple of multi-night vacations per year. Several Marriott co-branded credit cards also grant automatic Silver Elite status.

• Qualifying Nights: 10 nights
• Points Bonus: +10%
• Key Benefits: Priority late checkout, 10% bonus points

Gold Elite (25 nights)

Gold is where benefits start to feel meaningful. The 25% points bonus accelerates earning, and enhanced room upgrades can land you on a higher floor or in a room with a better view. At check-in, Gold members receive a welcome gift of bonus points (typically 250-500 points depending on the property). Late checkout until 2 PM is available when the hotel can accommodate it.

• Qualifying Nights: 25 nights
• Points Bonus: +25%
• Key Benefits: Enhanced room upgrades, 2 PM late checkout, welcome gift (points)

Platinum Elite (50 nights)

Platinum is widely considered the sweet spot of the program. The 50% points bonus is substantial, and Platinum members are eligible for suite upgrades at check-in based on availability. Executive lounge access is included at properties that have lounges, providing complimentary breakfast, evening appetizers, and beverages. Platinum members also receive an Annual Choice Benefit — options typically include five Suite Night Awards, a gift of bonus points, or a charitable donation.

• Qualifying Nights: 50 nights
• Points Bonus: +50%
• Key Benefits: Suite upgrades (select), lounge access, 4 PM late checkout, welcome gift choice, Annual Choice Benefit

Titanium Elite (75 nights)

Titanium adds a 75% points bonus and a second Annual Choice Benefit selection. The 48-hour booking guarantee means Marriott will find you a room even when the hotel shows as sold out, as long as you book at least 48 hours in advance. Titanium members may also be eligible for a United Airlines Silver status match.

• Qualifying Nights: 75 nights
• Points Bonus: +75%
• Key Benefits: All Platinum benefits plus 48-hour booking guarantee, additional Annual Choice Benefit, United Silver status match option

Ambassador Elite (100 nights + $23,000 annual spend)

The top tier of the program combines a high night count with a significant spend requirement. Ambassador members receive a dedicated ambassador — a personal concierge who handles reservations, special requests, and itinerary planning. The Your24 benefit lets Ambassador members set their own 24-hour check-in and checkout window (for example, check in at 9 AM and check out at 9 AM the next day).

Elite Status Duration

When you earn Marriott Bonvoy elite status, it remains valid for the rest of the calendar year in which you earned it, plus an additional 14 months. For example, status earned at any point during 2025 lasts through the end of February 2027.

• Qualifying Nights: 100 nights + $23,000 spend
• Points Bonus: +75%
• Key Benefits: Dedicated ambassador, Your24 (choose check-in/checkout times), all Titanium benefits 

How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

Earning Marriott Bonvoy points happens through multiple channels: hotel stays, credit card spending, and partner activities.

Hotel Stay Earning Rates

Understanding how points programs work is essential for maximizing value. Not all Marriott brands earn at the same rate. Here is how the base earning rates break down:

Full earning (10 pts/$1)

• Points per $1 Spent: 10
• Brands: Most participating brands, except the lower-earning exceptions listed in Marriott’s terms.

Reduced earning (5 pts/$1)

• Points per $1 Spent: 5
• Brands specifically listed in Marriott’s terms: Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Protea Hotels, City Express, Four Points Express/Four Points Flex, Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Series by Marriott, and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.

Special case: Marriott Executive Apartments

• Points per $1 Spent: 5
• Important note: Earns 5 base points per U.S. dollar on qualifying rates, not on qualifying charges.

Special case: StudioRes

• Points per $1 Spent: 4
• Important note: StudioRes is separately listed in Marriott’s terms.

These are base rates before elite bonuses are applied. A Platinum Elite member staying at a Westin, for example, would earn 10 base points + 5 bonus points (50% of 10) = 15 points per dollar spent. 

Credit Card Earning

Co-branded Marriott credit cards are one of the fastest ways to accumulate points outside of hotel stays. Cards from both Chase and American Express earn bonus points on everyday spending categories:

• At Marriott properties: Up to 6X-17X points per dollar (varies by card)
• At restaurants: Up to 4X points per dollar (Bevy card)
• On groceries and gas: Up to 3X points per dollar (Boundless card, capped at $6,000/year)
• On all other purchases: 1X-2X points per dollar

Other Earning Methods

• Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Bid on or buy exclusive experiences using points
• Car rentals: Earn points with Hertz, National, and other partners
• Dining: Earn points through Marriott Bonvoy Dining partnerships at participating restaurants
• Shopping portals: Earn bonus points through the Marriott Bonvoy marketplace

What Are Marriott Bonvoy Points Worth?

Free night awards

• Estimated Value per Point: Often the best value
• Notes: Especially strong at luxury properties or during lower-demand periods

Points + Cash

• Estimated Value per Point: Varies
• Notes: Good option when short on points

Airline transfers (3:1)

• Estimated Value per Point: Varies
• Notes: Better in select cases, especially when transfer bonuses improve the value

Gift cards

• Estimated Value per Point: Usually low
• Notes: Poor value; avoid when possible

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

• Estimated Value per Point: Varies widely
• Notes: Value depends on the experience

Maximizing Point Value

The highest-value redemptions tend to come from booking free nights at luxury properties during lower-demand periods. Understanding loyalty redemption dynamics helps travelers and program operators alike. For example, redeeming 50,000 points for a night at a JW Marriott that would otherwise cost $400+ yields a value of 0.8 cents per point or higher.

Conversely, using points for gift cards or merchandise typically delivers lower value than free night awards.

Dynamic Pricing

Marriott moved away from fixed award charts in 2022 and now uses dynamic pricing for most award stays. This means the number of points required for a free night fluctuates based on demand, season, and cash rate. While this has introduced some unpredictability, it also means savvy travelers can find deals during low-demand periods.

Best Ways to Redeem Marriott Points

1. Free Night Awards

The flagship redemption. Free night award pricing varies by property and date, with most nights falling between 15,000 and 100,000+ points. As of 2026, Marriott has increased the free night certificate top-off limit to 25,000 points, meaning you can add up to 25,000 points to a free night certificate to book properties that would otherwise exceed the certificate's value.

2. Points + Cash

If you do not have enough points for a full free night, the Points + Cash option lets you combine a partial points payment with cash. This is useful for stretching your balance further and can offer reasonable value depending on the property.

3. Fifth Night Free on Award Stays

One of the most valuable features: when you book a free night award stay of five consecutive nights, the fifth night is free. This effectively gives you a 20% discount on five-night point redemptions and is one of the best ways to maximize value during extended trips.

4. Airline Mile Transfers

Transfer points to over 40 airline partners at a base ratio of 3:1 (3 Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile). Transferring in increments of 60,000 points earns a 5,000-mile bonus with most partners, improving the effective ratio. United Airlines offers a 10,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred, making it the strongest transfer partner.

5. Marriott Bonvoy Moments

Bid on or purchase curated experiences — concert tickets, culinary events, exclusive access — using points. Value varies widely, but unique experiences can be worth the investment for the right traveler.

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards Compared

Co-branded credit cards are one of the most powerful tools in the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem. They accelerate point earning, provide automatic elite status, and offer free night certificates.

Bonvoy Bold

• Annual fee: $0
• Earn at Marriott: Up to 14X total
• Auto elite status: Silver
• Elite night credits: 5
• Free night award: No annual free night award listed on the current public page

Bonvoy Boundless

• Annual fee: $95
• Earn at Marriott: Up to 17X total / 6X on card spending at Marriott
• Auto elite status: Silver
• Elite night credits: 15
• Free night award: Anniversary Free Night Award; current new-cardmember offer is separate and currently framed around free night awards up to 50,000 points each

Bonvoy Bountiful

• Annual fee: $250
• Earn at Marriott: 6X
• Auto elite status: Gold
• Elite night credits: 15
• Free night award: Yes, after $15,000 in annual spend, up to 50,000 points

Bonvoy Bevy

• Annual fee: $250
• Earn at Marriott: 6X
• Auto elite status: Gold
• Elite night credits: 15
• Free night award: Yes, subject to card terms and current offer details

Bonvoy Brilliant

• Annual fee: $650
• Earn at Marriott: 6X
• Auto elite status: Platinum
• Elite night credits: 25
• Free night award: Yes, up to 85,000 points
• Other perks: Includes dining credits and lounge-related travel perks per current Amex terms

Which Card Is Right for You?

• Casual traveler on a budget: The Bonvoy Bold is the best choice if you want a $0 annual fee card and simple Marriott rewards.
• Regular Marriott guest: The Bonvoy Boundless is a strong all-around option because it has a $95 annual fee, 15 Elite Night Credits, and an anniversary Free Night Award. The Bonvoy Bevy is another option if you want Gold Elite status, but its free night award requires $15,000 in annual spend.
• Frequent traveler seeking elite status: The Bonvoy Brilliant is the best fit if you want premium Marriott perks. It gives you automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 Elite Night Credits.

Airline Transfer Partners

Marriott Bonvoy lets members transfer points to airline miles with 38 participating airlines. The standard transfer ratio is 3:1 with most airline programs, meaning 3 Marriott Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile. Marriott also states that, for most airline partners, transferring 60,000 points earns a 5,000-mile bonus. Important exceptions apply: the bonus does not apply to American Airlines AAdvantage, Avianca LifeMiles, and Delta SkyMiles. Marriott’s United partnership offers 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred.

Top Airline Transfer Partners

United MileagePlus

• Transfer Ratio: 3:1
• Bonus per 60,000 points: 10,000 miles
• Effective Ratio: About 2:1
• Note: United receives a higher transfer bonus than most other partners.

Air Canada Aeroplan

• Transfer Ratio: 3:1
• Bonus per 60,000 points: 5,000 miles
• Effective Ratio: About 2.4:1

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

• Transfer Ratio: 3:1
• Bonus per 60,000 points: 5,000 miles
• Effective Ratio: About 2.4:1

Alaska Mileage Plan

• Transfer Ratio: 3:1
• Bonus per 60,000 points: 5,000 miles
• Effective Ratio: About 2.4:1

American Airlines AAdvantage

• Transfer Ratio: 3:1
• Bonus per 60,000 points: No bonus
• Effective Ratio: 3:1

Emirates Skywards

• Transfer Ratio: 3:1
• Bonus per 60,000 points: 5,000 miles
• Effective Ratio: About 2.4:1

When Airline Transfers Make Sense

Airline transfers usually provide less predictable value than hotel night redemptions, but they can still make sense in a few situations:

• You need a small top-up for an airline award booking
• You are transferring to a partner with a better bonus structure, such as United
• You have a large Marriott Bonvoy balance and no near-term hotel use for it
• You are targeting a specific flight redemption where airline miles will be more useful than a hotel stay 

2026 Program Changes and Updates

Marriott Bonvoy has introduced several notable updates heading into and during 2026:

Free Night Certificate Top-Off Increase

Members can now add up to 25,000 additional points to free night certificates for eligible stays, increased from the previous 15,000-point limit. This expands the range of hotels that can be booked using certificates earned from credit cards or Annual Choice Benefits.

Elite Status Soft Landing Policy

Marriott has implemented a soft landing policy, meaning members who do not requalify for their current elite tier will drop down by one level instead of losing status entirely.

Examples:

• Ambassador Elite → Titanium Elite
• Titanium Elite → Platinum Elite
• Platinum Elite → Gold Elite
• Gold Elite → Silver Elite

The downgraded (soft-landed) status is valid through February 2027.

Brand and Partner Changes

• Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy is no longer participating in the program (effective November 2025).
• Marriott Executive Apartments now earn elite bonus points on qualifying stays (effective February 2026).
• Select limited-service brands (including City Express and Protea Hotels) now earn 0.5 elite night credits per night instead of 1 full credit.

2026 Promotions

Promotional offers vary, but Marriott has run a global promotion in early 2026 where registered members can earn:

• 2,500 bonus points per stay, and
• 1 bonus elite night credit per new brand stayed

Promotions require registration and may vary by account and region.

Marriott–Lufthansa Partnership Update

The Marriott Bonvoy and Lufthansa Miles & More partnership has been updated so that single-night qualifying stays now earn Miles & More miles, replacing the previous two-night minimum requirement.

How Marriott Bonvoy Compares to Other Hotel Programs

Understanding where Marriott Bonvoy stands relative to competitors helps put its value proposition in context.

Marriott Bonvoy

• Properties: 9,700+
• Brands: 30+
• Base earn rate: Usually 5 to 10 points per $1, depending on brand
• Point value: About 0.7 to 0.8 cents per point based on recent analyst valuations
• Elite entry: 10 nights
• Top tier: Ambassador Elite at 100 nights + $23,000 in qualifying spend
• Free night benefit: Fifth night free on award stays
• Pricing model: Dynamic pricing

Hilton Honors

• Properties: 9,100+
• Brands: 27
• Base earn rate: Usually 10 points per $1 at most brands
• Point value: About 0.4 to 0.5 cents per point based on recent analyst valuations
• Elite entry: Silver at 10 nights
• Top published tiers: Diamond at 60 nights, with Diamond Reserve newly added above Diamond
• Free night benefit: Fifth night free on standard room reward stays for eligible elite members and eligible cardmembers
• Pricing model: Dynamic pricing

IHG One Rewards

• Properties: 6,900+
• Brands: 20
• Base earn rate: Usually 10 points per $1 at most brands
• Point value: About 0.6 cents per point based on recent analyst valuations
• Elite entry: Silver Elite at 10 nights
• Top tier: Diamond Elite at 70 nights
• Free night benefit: Fourth reward night free is available through certain IHG co-branded credit cards, not as a standard program-wide benefit
• Pricing model: Dynamic pricing

World of Hyatt

• Hotels: 1,000+
• Point value: About 1.8 cents per point based on recent analyst valuations
• Elite entry: Discoverist at 10 qualifying nights
• Top tier: Globalist at 60 qualifying nights
• Free night benefit: No standard fifth-night-free award benefit
• Pricing model: Hyatt still uses an award chart, but pricing is becoming more demand-sensitive and is expanding to more tiers in 2026

Bottom line

Marriott Bonvoy still stands out for its global footprint and broad brand coverage, which makes it a strong choice for travelers who want lots of hotel options around the world. Hyatt generally offers better point value, but with a much smaller footprint. Hilton is easier to earn with at many properties, but its points are usually worth less. IHG sits in the middle with a large network, decent point value, and useful credit-card perks.

Lessons From Marriott Bonvoy for Ecommerce Loyalty

Marriott Bonvoy is not just a hotel program — it is a case study in loyalty architecture. Whether you run a direct-to-consumer brand, a Shopify store, or a subscription business, there are structural lessons worth borrowing.

Tiered Status Drives Aspiration

Marriott's six-tier system creates visible milestones that motivate members to increase engagement. Research on customer loyalty strategies confirms this approach works across industries. The jump from Gold to Platinum — where suite upgrades and lounge access kick in — is a particularly powerful motivator. Ecommerce brands can replicate this by structuring VIP tiers with clear, desirable benefit thresholds.

Points Flexibility Increases Perceived Value

Bonvoy points can be used for hotel stays, airline miles, experiences, and gift cards. The more redemption options available, the more valuable the currency feels — even if some options deliver less actual value. Offering multiple redemption paths (discounts, free products, exclusive access, store credit) makes an ecommerce loyalty currency feel more versatile.

Co-Branded Partnerships Expand Reach

Marriott's credit card partnerships with Chase and Amex generate billions of points outside of hotel stays, keeping the program top-of-mind even when members are not traveling. Ecommerce brands can create similar effects through integration partnerships — for example, connecting loyalty programs with email platforms, subscription tools, and review systems.

If you are building or optimizing a loyalty program for your Shopify store, Rivo — the retention platform built for Shopify — enables you to create tiered VIP programs, points-based rewards, referral incentives, and paid memberships within a Shopify-native platform. With 150+ features, 50+ integrations, and 8 checkout extensions (the most in the category), Rivo mirrors the structural principles that make programs like Marriott Bonvoy effective. Over 9,000 Shopify brands use Rivo to convert one-time buyers into repeat customers, achieving results like HexClad's 92x referral ROI ($450K in 90 days) and OSEA's 77% repeat purchase rate. 100% bootstrapped with zero venture capital, Rivo ships weekly product updates and maintains sub-100ms load times — so your loyalty program never slows your store.

Personalization at Scale

Marriott uses stay history, preferences, and spending patterns to personalize offers and room assignments. Ecommerce loyalty programs that leverage purchase data to tailor rewards — birthday bonuses, category-specific offers, early access to new products — see higher engagement and redemption rates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for getting real loyalty program ROI.

• Letting points expire. Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity — a hotel stay, credit card transaction, or partner earning — resets the clock.
• Redeeming for gift cards or merchandise. These redemptions typically yield 0.3-0.4 cents per point, less than half the value of free night awards.
• Ignoring the fifth night free benefit. Booking four nights on points instead of five means missing a 20% effective discount.
• Not registering for promotions. Marriott frequently runs bonus point promotions, but most require manual registration before the stay. Check your Marriott Bonvoy account before every trip.
• Chasing elite status without the stay volume. If you stay fewer than 25 nights per year, Gold Elite via credit card status grants may be more practical than trying to earn it through stays.
• Transferring points to airlines without doing the math. The 3:1 base ratio means you need a high-value flight redemption to justify the transfer. Always compare the cost in Bonvoy points versus booking the hotel night directly.
• Overlooking the Annual Choice Benefit. Platinum and above members receive this benefit yearly, but some forget to select their option. Suite Night Awards, in particular, can add hundreds of dollars in value when used at the right property.
• Booking through third-party sites. Stays booked through OTAs like Expedia or Booking.com typically do not earn Marriott Bonvoy points or count toward elite status. Always book directly through Marriott.

Final Verdict

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program earns its position as the dominant hotel rewards program through sheer scale, a well-structured tier system, and a versatile points currency. With 9,000+ properties worldwide, over 40 airline transfer partners, and co-branded credit cards that accelerate earning, it offers genuine value to anyone who stays at hotels regularly.

Marriott Bonvoy is best for:

• Business travelers who need global hotel coverage across multiple brands
• Points enthusiasts who value airline transfer flexibility
• Travelers who can reach Platinum Elite status (50 nights) for the strongest benefit package
• Credit card optimizers who want to earn hotel currency on everyday spending

Marriott Bonvoy may not be ideal for:

• Infrequent travelers who stay fewer than 10 nights per year (limited elite benefits)
• Travelers who prioritize per-point value above all else (World of Hyatt offers higher redemption value)
• Budget travelers focused primarily on one region (regional programs may offer better targeted value)

The program's evolution continues in 2026 with the soft landing policy, expanded certificate top-off limits, and ongoing promotional opportunities. For travelers with the stay volume to support it, Marriott Bonvoy remains one of the most rewarding loyalty ecosystems available.

For businesses looking to build loyalty programs with the same structural principles that make Marriott Bonvoy effective — tiered status, flexible rewards, and deep integrations — Rivo gives Shopify brands the tools to design, launch, and optimize retention programs. 

With loyalty, referrals, paid memberships, and customer accounts in one Shopify-native platform, Rivo helps brands turn one-time buyers into repeat customers. Rivo reports a 52x median ROI, a 4.8/5 rating from 1,400+ Shopify App Store reviews, and customer results like Fresh Chile Co increasing AOV by 156% with paid memberships

FAQ

Is the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program free to join?

Yes. Marriott Bonvoy membership is free and open to anyone. There is no cost to sign up, and you immediately start earning points on qualifying stays. The only paid elements are co-branded credit cards, which are optional.

Can you earn Marriott Bonvoy points without staying at a hotel?

Yes. Co-branded credit cards from Chase and American Express earn Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday purchases. You can also earn points through dining partnerships, car rental partners, and the Marriott Bonvoy shopping portal.

Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?

Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any earning or redemption activity resets the expiration clock. If you hold a Marriott co-branded credit card, regular credit card use keeps your account active.

What is the best Marriott Bonvoy credit card?

It depends on your travel patterns. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (American Express) is best for frequent travelers who want automatic Platinum Elite status and a high-value free night certificate. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (Chase) offers the best value for moderate travelers with its $95 annual fee, 15 elite night credits, and annual free night award. The Bonvoy Bold is best if you want no annual fee.

What happens if you do not requalify for Marriott elite status?

As of 2026, Marriott has implemented a soft landing policy. Members who do not requalify drop by only one tier rather than losing status entirely. For example, a Platinum Elite member who does not requalify would become Gold Elite rather than reverting to basic Member status. The soft-landed status is valid through February 2027.