The Fastest and CHEAPEST Way to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

How do you prefer to travel?

©Marriott

Do you go all-out on the nicest, most luxurious vacations? Or maybe you’re the type to save up so you can splurge just a little. Even if you’re balling on a budget, there are still ways it can FEEL like you’re splurging when you’re not. One of the easiest ways to do that is by taking advantage of hotel rewards programs like Marriott Bonvoy – and we’re sharing the fastest and cheapest ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points!

What is the Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program?

Before we get into how you can quickly and cheaply earn points with this program, let’s go over the basics. The Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program essentially functions like similar programs that allow members to earn points that can then be redeemed on stays at Marriott properties and more.

Swan and Dolphin Resort, Owned by Marriott Bonvoy

There are multiple different membership tiers, each with their own benefits and perks. Anyone can sign up online and become a Marriott Bonvoy Member and start earning points — but the real benefits kick in once you reach Elite Status. There are five different Elite Tiers in the program: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador. The next level is reached after staying at Marriott-owned properties for qualifying nights.

All members receive free standard WiFi, member rates, points bonuses and mobile check in. Elite Tier benefits can include late checkout, enhanced rooms, welcome gifts, free breakfast, guaranteed room availability, and more.

Swan Reserve

And, once you earn those points — they can be redeemed for hotel stays, airline tickets with Marriott partners, discounts on shopping, dining, and more. Which begs the question…

How do you earn points?

Hotel Stays

There are a TON of ways to earn points with the Marriott Bonvoy Program, but the fastest way to do so is by staying at Marriott hotels! Members and Elite Members earn a set number of points per stay. You do have to book directly with Marriott in order to take advantage of the membership, so keep that in mind.

Room at Swan Reserve

But, there are occasionally special promotions that offer bonus points and give you the ability to earn more points per stay. Not only that, but remember those “welcome gifts” we mentioned earlier? You can choose more points as your gift option. Plus, depending on the hotel you may have the option of declining housekeeping services to earn even more points during your stay.

Swan Reserve Room

If you’re someone who travels frequently and enjoys staying at Marriott-owned properties, you can literally earn points while you sleep!

The BEST Disney World Hotels for 2023

Credit Card Bonuses and Spending

Another easy way to rack up Marriott Bonvoy points is by signing up for one of the many different Marriott Credit Cards or card partnerships out there. American Express and Chase both offer multiple different types of credit cards that allow cardholders to earn points for their purchases.

©Chase

Many cards also offer welcome bonuses and in some cases you can earn up to 150,000 points after making a qualifying purchase. Depending on the card, it’s pretty easy to start earning too — dining, flights, gas, and more purchases can qualify.

Disney Visa Cardmembers Can SAVE on Hotel Stays in 2023

Transfer Credit Card Points

If you’re a Chase or Amex Cardholder, you also have the option to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points or American Express Membership Points to your Marriott account for free. Not only that, but they also transfer at a 1:1 ratio so you don’t have to worry about losing out on any value.

©JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort

This can be a super easy and cheap(ish) way to earn those Marriott points if you’re already using any of these cards regularly. You’re earning points, might as well reward yourself with a stay at a Marriott hotel!

Check Your Credit Cards for a FREE Vacation

Refer a Friend

The absolute CHEAPEST way to earn Marriott Bonvoy Points (okay, it’s technically free but that makes it CHEAP) is by referring friends to the program! Each member is able to refer up to five new members each calendar year.

Mickey and Minnie

After that, you can earn 2,000 points for up to five of their paid stays — meaning you could earn 50,000 points in one year if five of your friends sign up and stay at Marriott hotels for five nights.

Shopping and Dining

It’s no secret that we know a thing or two about dining here at DFB — we are Disney FOOD Blog, after all — and that means we know a good dining deal when we see one. With Marriott’s Eat Around Town program, members can earn points for every dollar spent at participating restaurants. Additionally, you’ll often find special bonus deals like 8x points per dollar spent.

Amare at the Swan Reserve

You can also earn points by buying a new mattress — yes, you read that correctly. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn up to 10,000 bonus points when you purchase a mattress from Marriott International’s online retail websites. Fall in love with a mattress on your last Marriott stay? You can bring it home and earn points towards your next stay, too.

The BEST Disney World Restaurants in 2023

Order Food or Rides with Uber

And finally, another super easy (and relatively cheap) way to rack up Marriott points is to order food or a ride with Uber. Members can earn points when ordering food delivery to a Marriott Bonvoy hotel or another location (though you’ll earn more points if you’re at a Marriott!). Plus, Uber Premium rides are another way to earn points.

©Disney

The Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program could be right for you if you travel a lot for work (or just for fun!) and typically stay in Marriott properties. And, with several Marriott hotels located near Disney World (and even on property in some cases) it might even be a way to save on your trips to the Most Magical Place on Earth, too.