Just as a FYI, the benefit terms of this card can be found
here.
Here is what it says about the 15 EQN's specifically:
15 Elite Night Credit
For Card Accounts opened before 12/31/2018
Each calendar year a maximum of 15 Elite Night credits will be credited to one of your Marriott Loyalty Program accounts operated by Marriott International, Inc. (i.e., Marriott RewardsŪ, Starwood Preferred GuestŪ or The Ritz-Carlton RewardsŪ) (the "Marriott Loyalty Program") on or before March 1 in accordance with the Marriott Loyalty Program terms and conditions.
To be eligible to receive the 15 Elite Night credits with this Card, you must be the Basic Card Member, your Card Account must be open and not in default at the time of the 15 Elite Night credit deposit, and you must have an active Marriott Loyalty Program account. To receive the 15 Elite Night credit deposit, your Card Account must be linked to a Marriott Loyalty Program account in your name. This benefit is not exclusive to credit cards offered by American Express. You will receive a maximum of 15 Elite Night credits per calendar year even if you have more than one Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Consumer or Small Business credit card account or have more than one Marriott Loyalty Program account.
For Card Accounts opened on or after 1/1/2019
Upon opening your Card Account, a maximum of 15 Elite Night credits will be credited to one of your Marriott Loyalty Program accounts operated by Marriott International, Inc. (i.e., Marriott RewardsŪ, Starwood Preferred GuestŪ or The Ritz-Carlton RewardsŪ) (the "Marriott Loyalty Program"), within 60 days. On or before March 1 of each subsequent calendar year, 15 Elite Night credits will be credited to your Marriott Loyalty Program account operated by Marriott International, Inc. (i.e., Marriott RewardsŪ, Starwood Preferred GuestŪ or The Ritz-Carlton RewardsŪ) (the "Marriott Loyalty Program"), in accordance with the Marriott Loyalty Program terms and conditions.
To be eligible to receive the 15 Elite Night credits with this Card, you must be the Basic Card Member, your Card Account must be open and not in default at the time of the 15 Elite Night credit deposit, and you must have an active Marriott Loyalty Program account. To receive the 15 Elite Night credit deposit, your Card Account must be linked to a Marriott Loyalty Program account in your name. This benefit is not exclusive to credit cards offered by American Express. You will receive a maximum of 15 Elite Night credits per calendar year even if you have more than one Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Consumer or Small Business credit card account or have more than one Marriott Loyalty Program account.
So, to me, it looks like the timing might depend upon when the card account was actually opened.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Marriott International
[email protected]