Mar 4, 2019, 1:50 pm
Last edit by: mahasamatman
NOTE: this thread is for discussing promotions and discounts on gift card purchases and cash-back rebate sites etc.
Discussion about gift card usage can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html
For more details, see the first post of this thread: New to this thread? Start here: Intro - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18858149-post1.html
You can use Marriott gift cards to pay for Marriott stays (not applicable for discounted prepaid rates), resort fees and parking fees, treatments at the spa, dining at Marriott properties and more. Keep in mind, however, that some Marriott brands do not accept Marriott gift cards. This includes Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and possibly more.
Historical portal earning and noticeable deals and discounts (July-2020):
Rakuten: 1.5%
MrRebates: 0%
TopCashBack & BeFrugal:
Discussion about gift card usage can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html
For more details, see the first post of this thread: New to this thread? Start here: Intro - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18858149-post1.html
You can use Marriott gift cards to pay for Marriott stays (not applicable for discounted prepaid rates), resort fees and parking fees, treatments at the spa, dining at Marriott properties and more. Keep in mind, however, that some Marriott brands do not accept Marriott gift cards. This includes Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and possibly more.
Historical portal earning and noticeable deals and discounts (July-2020):
Rakuten: 1.5%
MrRebates: 0%
TopCashBack & BeFrugal:
Asia Pacific: 5%
Europe, Africa, etc: 5%
US/Canada Properties: 3%
US/Canada Properties: 3%
There are others as well. See evreward.com and cashbackmonitor.com for other current deals.
Pros and cons of buying hotel Gift Cards:
Pros:
1. 15% discount. We do not get additional earning from credit card since we would have earned the same points by paying with cash (credit card)
2. Good for mattress runs at reduced costs. Assume score lower room rates.
Cons:
1. Commitment to a single brand Marriott. Eliminate the flexibility of stays with Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and other brands.
2. GCs are prepaid funds. The funds do not earn anything (interest). We lose the time value of money. The longer we do not use the GCs, we more we lose.
3. GC values are not protected (perishable). The physical GCs can get lost or stolen. We may forget to use the GCs. The GCs can be hacked and value drained. After the GC purchases, the credit card protection is gone.
4. GCs are not accepted at all hotels. Marriott hotels are more decentralized and it carries so many brands. Some do not follow Marriott rules and they may not accept those GCs even though they should. A lot hotels overseas do not accept the GCs.
5. GCs have limitation. At current time, they can't be used to book prepaid hotel stays. This defeats the main purpose of buying the GCs. The GC holders are not entitled for the discounted hotel rates.
6. GCs are dominated in US $ only. Even if they are accepted at foreign location, GC holders lose further more from foreign exchange. With credit card, we may get to choose to charge in USD $ or local currency.
7. GCs can't be redeemed for cash. If GC holders ever want to get the cash out of the GCs due to financial hardship, they can only be sold at the secondary markets like eBay etc. at steep costs.
To check card balance, visit gifts.marriott.com.
For Customer Service call +1 800.442.6132 or email [email protected].
Gift Card Registration: Lost, stolen or damaged cards will be replaced only if previously registered on gifts.marriott.com. Value of replaced card will equal balance on card at the time it was reported lost, stolen or damaged.
Notes:
1) If you make an LNF/BRG adjustment to your reservation you will still get cash back.
DIRECTIONS FOR A HOTEL TO PROCESS A GIFT CARD
Click on Givex icon
Enter login and password info at 2 levels
- property info
- employee info (password is birthdate MMDD, at least at this property)
Enter gift card number
Click on Check Balance (other 2 options are Activate and Redeem)
Click on Redeem
Enter amount to use
Enter card number again
Click Calculate
Click Submit
I used an e-gift card and a plastic one. It’s the same process for both. No swiping.
Enter login and password info at 2 levels
- property info
- employee info (password is birthdate MMDD, at least at this property)
Enter gift card number
Click on Check Balance (other 2 options are Activate and Redeem)
Click on Redeem
Enter amount to use
Enter card number again
Click Calculate
Click Submit
I used an e-gift card and a plastic one. It’s the same process for both. No swiping.
MASTER THREAD: Current Marriott Gift Card, Cash Back, Tricks & Promos
Apr 3, 2019, 3:36 am
#1501
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Ambassador, AA Platinum, Avis Pres Club, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 563
Ebates booking with BRG adjustment
Has anyone booked via Ebates, then used BRG to adjust the room rate? After the stay is complete, does Ebates still provide a rebate? Thanks
Apr 3, 2019, 12:51 pm
#1502
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,017
Apr 16, 2019, 3:27 pm
#1507
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 142
What is the best CC to get for Marriott in terms of points bonus with minimum annual fee. I am with Hilton and close to achieve diamond status. Would like to stay in Marriott (Sheraton which is close to work place) for few weeks. Between Marriott and Hilton, which points are better in terms of value. I have close to million Hilton points. Thinking of getting some Marriott points before my project ends in 2 months.
Apr 16, 2019, 4:03 pm
#1508
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
What is the best CC to get for Marriott in terms of points bonus with minimum annual fee. I am with Hilton and close to achieve diamond status. Would like to stay in Marriott (Sheraton which is close to work place) for few weeks. Between Marriott and Hilton, which points are better in terms of value. I have close to million Hilton points. Thinking of getting some Marriott points before my project ends in 2 months.
Apr 17, 2019, 1:51 am
#1510
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 132
I received a promo email yesterday offering Marriott Bonvoy points purchase at 25% off when you buy 5,000 - 50,000.
Coming from the Starwood side where the discount was occasionally higher, I was wondering if historically Marriott has offered discounts on points purchase and if it was ever higher than 25%.
Thank you.
Coming from the Starwood side where the discount was occasionally higher, I was wondering if historically Marriott has offered discounts on points purchase and if it was ever higher than 25%.
Thank you.
Apr 21, 2019, 6:59 pm
#1511
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: IND
Programs: LT Marriott Uber Titanium; From US CP to dirt (Its been a while)
Posts: 292
The cheapest 6x card is Bonvoy Boundless at $95.
The 3x point card might be free. Don't recall.
https://creditcards.chase.com/marrio...dless_benefits
Both Amex and Chase business cards are slightly more.
Amex 100K signup bonus ends this week.
The Amex Brilliant card is solid if you can utilize the extra perks. Effective rate is $150.
The 3x point card might be free. Don't recall.
https://creditcards.chase.com/marrio...dless_benefits
Both Amex and Chase business cards are slightly more.
Amex 100K signup bonus ends this week.
The Amex Brilliant card is solid if you can utilize the extra perks. Effective rate is $150.
Apr 22, 2019, 12:17 am
#1512
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 142
The cheapest 6x card is Bonvoy Boundless at $95.
The 3x point card might be free. Don't recall.
https://creditcards.chase.com/marrio...dless_benefits
Both Amex and Chase business cards are slightly more.
Amex 100K signup bonus ends this week.
The Amex Brilliant card is solid if you can utilize the extra perks. Effective rate is $150.
The 3x point card might be free. Don't recall.
https://creditcards.chase.com/marrio...dless_benefits
Both Amex and Chase business cards are slightly more.
Amex 100K signup bonus ends this week.
The Amex Brilliant card is solid if you can utilize the extra perks. Effective rate is $150.
Apr 22, 2019, 8:46 pm
#1515
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Taiwan
Programs: IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, oneworld Emerald
Posts: 1,164
I received a promo email yesterday offering Marriott Bonvoy points purchase at 25% off when you buy 5,000 - 50,000.
Coming from the Starwood side where the discount was occasionally higher, I was wondering if historically Marriott has offered discounts on points purchase and if it was ever higher than 25%.
Thank you.
Coming from the Starwood side where the discount was occasionally higher, I was wondering if historically Marriott has offered discounts on points purchase and if it was ever higher than 25%.
Thank you.