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There are changes coming for the Marriott Bonvoy points program. The most notable change is replacing the current peak, standard, and off-peak pricing with a variable rate closely tied to the cash nightly rate. The loyalty program is also ditching its hotel categories. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Marriott Bonvoy point redemption changes.
Upcoming Marriott Bonvoy Point Redemption Changes: Flexible Point Redemption Rates
Starting March 29, 2022, Marriott Bonvoy is switching to a brand-new Flexible Point Redemption Rates system. The changes will gradually roll out on the 29th and 30th of March, 2022. If you’re comparing award nights on April 1, 2022, all redemption rates will be under the Flexible Point program.
Under the new award night pricing, the number of points you need per night depends on several factors:
- Cash value of the hotel rate
- Availability
- Seasonality
So, hotels at a less-traveled destination can be cheaper than the most popular destinations. The loyalty brand states that the new award night rates won’t directly reflect the cash price. As a result, Marriott Bonvoy points won’t have a fixed redemption value.
No longer having a defined category system or peak/off-peak travel season can make it harder to find redemption sweet spots.
Marriott also states that the minimum redemption rate is increasing at approximately 200 properties worldwide.
PointSavers and Cash & Points Bookings Remain
You can still pay fewer points with the PointSavers and Cash & Points booking options. Other hotel brands have discounted their equivalent of the PointSavers program (i.e., IHG Pointbreaks).
The Stay for 5, Pay for 4 loyalty benefit is also still active. When you use points to book 5 consecutive nights, one of them is free.
Free Night Award Redemptions
Starting in April 2022, you can contribute up to 15,000 points along with your Free Night Award to use this loyalty benefit.
This Free Night Award Top Off applies to standard and PointSavers reward nights only.
Related: Credit Cards With an Annual Free Hotel Night Reward
Old Marriott Bonvoy Point System
Through March 28, 2022, the number of Bonvoy points you need for a reward night depends on two factors:
- Peak, Off-Peak, or Standard award night pricing
- Hotel Category
On the above date, the category-based redemption rate goes away. One potential downside is that it can be more difficult to estimate your award night pricing.
While the luxury hotels will still probably require more points than a mid-tier property at the same destination, the gap can be different than before.
If you’re planning on using Marriott Bonvoy points soon, you may book your travel nights now to hedge against potentially higher prices under the new redemption program.
You won’t have to contribute any additional points if the property costs more on your travel nights after the Flexible Rates implementation. That is unless you modify an existing reservation.
It’s Still Easy to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
Despite these recent award program changes, you can still earn Bonvoy points in a typical fashion.
The easiest way can be a co-brand Marriott Bonvoy credit card where each purchase earns points. Paid stays and partner offers are another way.
The Marriott Bonvoy cards are also some of the best hotel credit cards.
You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards® points or Chase Ultimate Rewards® points at a 1:1 ratio.
Summary
Unfortunately, these Marriott Bonvoy point redemption changes can change your Marriott Bonvoy point redemption strategy. You will need to start looking for destinations with less travel frequency to potentially find the best redemption values.
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