Buying Marriott Points - How Many Do?
Sep 26, 2011, 12:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Programs: Marriott Plat Premier/LT Plat; SPG Plat/LT Gold; Hilton Gold; Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,356
Buying Marriott Points - How Many Do?
Debating whether to purchase marriott points (as I would like to have extra for emergencies). Curious how many buy the 50k/yr for $600 or so?
I know for every $2500 I spend I roughly get 50k points, so I know it's not the greatest deal, but still not horrible deal.
I know for every $2500 I spend I roughly get 50k points, so I know it's not the greatest deal, but still not horrible deal.
Sep 26, 2011, 2:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Oklahoma
Programs: MR LT Platinum, HH Diamond, WN A-List,
Posts: 478
I have purchased points in the past to be able to redeem a "travel package" reward. The main reason that I went ahead and purchased the points was so I could be sure to get the flight that I wanted with the airline miles.
While it was nice to have the points available when I wanted them I doubt that I would purchase points to just have spares. That being said personally it is not likely I would have a emergency that required me using my Marriott points and could not be paid for in cash.
While it was nice to have the points available when I wanted them I doubt that I would purchase points to just have spares. That being said personally it is not likely I would have a emergency that required me using my Marriott points and could not be paid for in cash.
Sep 26, 2011, 3:19 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NC, USA
Programs: MR Plat, PC Plat
Posts: 163
I often buy points as I figure my redemption value is better than the $.125 ($.118 if you get the 5pt bonus from the CC) I pay for the points.
Basically -- $625 buys you anywhere from 5 nights at a cat 2 to 2 nights at a category 5 (and no lodging tax) which can often be a good deal.
If you get enough points from business travel, or need the nights to qualify for elite status, it's less of a good deal.
The points you purchase also count towards your point requirement for LT status, so that may be a benefit in some situations.
Basically -- $625 buys you anywhere from 5 nights at a cat 2 to 2 nights at a category 5 (and no lodging tax) which can often be a good deal.
If you get enough points from business travel, or need the nights to qualify for elite status, it's less of a good deal.
The points you purchase also count towards your point requirement for LT status, so that may be a benefit in some situations.
Sep 27, 2011, 12:57 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: AUS
Posts: 690
Does Marriott ever run “sales” on buying points?
(SPG points usually sell for 3.5¢ each, but once or twice a year they offer them at 20% off for 2.8¢ each.)
Also, does the purchase from points.com definitely qualify for the 5-point reward on a Marriott credit card?
(Points.com purchases of SPG points don't qualify for double Starpoints with an SPG AmEx.)
(SPG points usually sell for 3.5¢ each, but once or twice a year they offer them at 20% off for 2.8¢ each.)
Also, does the purchase from points.com definitely qualify for the 5-point reward on a Marriott credit card?
(Points.com purchases of SPG points don't qualify for double Starpoints with an SPG AmEx.)
Last edited by Moriens; Sep 27, 2011 at 12:59 am Reason: CC question
Sep 27, 2011, 1:36 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Plt 3MM; UA 1K 2 MM; MR Lifetime Plat; HH Lifetime Diamond; HH Diamond; IGH Spire Ambas; SPG Gold
Posts: 2,149
I did buy a bunch before the prices went up (I believe used to be $10 per 1,000), specifically to redeem for travel packages where the additional miles earned are extremely favorable.
But do the math for a specific stay or package. For example, if you are going to stay at a property in London where the rates are exorbitant but points redemption is available--it may well be worthwhile.
But do the math for a specific stay or package. For example, if you are going to stay at a property in London where the rates are exorbitant but points redemption is available--it may well be worthwhile.
Sep 27, 2011, 10:04 am
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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Cheers.
Sep 27, 2011, 6:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
I did buy a bunch before the prices went up (I believe used to be $10 per 1,000), specifically to redeem for travel packages where the additional miles earned are extremely favorable.
But do the math for a specific stay or package. For example, if you are going to stay at a property in London where the rates are exorbitant but points redemption is available--it may well be worthwhile.
But do the math for a specific stay or package. For example, if you are going to stay at a property in London where the rates are exorbitant but points redemption is available--it may well be worthwhile.
Now they are more expensive and limited!
Sep 28, 2011, 10:16 am
#8
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I don't ever remember them being unlimited.
Cheers.
Sep 28, 2011, 11:35 am
#9
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,726
Marriott used to allow you to buy an unlimited number of points. Per the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...enny-each.html thread, I think the limit came through back in 2007. (So it was quite a bit ago, but there was a time when there wasn't a limit.)
Sep 28, 2011, 3:36 pm
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2002
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Marriott used to allow you to buy an unlimited number of points. Per the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...enny-each.html thread, I think the limit came through back in 2007. (So it was quite a bit ago, but there was a time when there wasn't a limit.)
Cheers.
Sep 29, 2011, 3:57 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott Rewards Silver, Starwood Preferred Guest Plus, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 967
I had a reward stay booked for the Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff (UK) in August but was short of a few thousand points so purchased them rather than pay the cash rate. The points purchased cost around £140 and got me 2 extra nights where as the cash rate would have cost me £360.
Sep 29, 2011, 6:59 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, SPG Platinum
Posts: 1,990
I have never purchased a single Marriott point... I think if I were right on the cusp of an award, I might do it. But something about "buying points" just doesn't sit right with me!
Sep 29, 2011, 8:03 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Midwest USA
Programs: BA SIL, WN A, UA SIL, Marriott TIT (LT), Hilton DIA
Posts: 1,969
Sep 30, 2011, 12:03 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
Programs: UA 1K M, AA 2 MM PREM, AVIS First, HYATT Explorist, Marriott Lifetime Platinum., Hilton Gold.
Posts: 654
USAirways vs. Marriott
Like you, I have purchased US points but never again. Because I purchased about 100K within one year period, my account was in audit for a while. No points taken but when in audit they can easily lock your account. It is hassle at the airport or even buying a ticket.
What is the maximum points one can buy as far as Marriott points are concerned?
Also, has anyone had issues using the purchase points?
Thanks
What is the maximum points one can buy as far as Marriott points are concerned?
Also, has anyone had issues using the purchase points?
Thanks
Sep 30, 2011, 1:45 pm
#15
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
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Cheers.
