Nov 2, 2016, 8:04 am
Last edit by: SkiAdcock
Hat tip to ohmark for the reminder:
Points from your account used to buy back status are deducted from your lifetime total.
Points from your account used to buy back status are deducted from your lifetime total.
Buying back status with points
Mar 3, 2016 | 1:43 pm
#31
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: STL
Programs: AA, UA Gold, SPG, Marriott Gold
Posts: 120
So I finally got around to calling Marriott and it was confirmed by the person I spoke with that the points used to buy back status are deducted from your current balance as well as your lifetime balance. Her words were, "It is treated as if you never earned those points." Just an FYI for those who weren't aware.
For me, I could buy 40,000K points to keep my status for $500. If I were to spend that same $500 points at a hotel it would yield 5,000 points. For the same $500 to maintain Plat status I will more than earn that potential 5,000 points in the 50% platinum bonus I would earn over the year. Plus, by buying the points I don't go backwards at all towards my lifetime platinum status pursuit. I'm currently 70 nights and 210,000 points away from qualification.
For me, I could buy 40,000K points to keep my status for $500. If I were to spend that same $500 points at a hotel it would yield 5,000 points. For the same $500 to maintain Plat status I will more than earn that potential 5,000 points in the 50% platinum bonus I would earn over the year. Plus, by buying the points I don't go backwards at all towards my lifetime platinum status pursuit. I'm currently 70 nights and 210,000 points away from qualification.
The 5k earning versus plat bonus is meaningless data. You would get the additional accrual with 40k points or $500. Keep it simple. Always give your miles a $$$ value and that will lead you to the best decision.
Oct 4, 2016 | 1:43 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: YUL
Posts: 11
has marriott consistently offered this buy back every year? I'm wondering if they will next year considering the SPG merger.
I'm asking because I've been status matched to Gold from SPG. Am considering doing the Road to Platinum challenge (Marriott has told me I'm eligible) for 9 stays...then hoping to be able to buy back the platinum yearly...as it's unlikely I'd ever be able to reach the 75 nights a year needed for requalification. anyone have input on this / in a similar situation?
I'm asking because I've been status matched to Gold from SPG. Am considering doing the Road to Platinum challenge (Marriott has told me I'm eligible) for 9 stays...then hoping to be able to buy back the platinum yearly...as it's unlikely I'd ever be able to reach the 75 nights a year needed for requalification. anyone have input on this / in a similar situation?
Nov 1, 2016 | 4:16 pm
#33
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, Bonvoy Titanium, United Silver, various other midtier rankings
Posts: 64
Buying back status with points
Every now and again, I've had a slow year and slipped from Gold to Silver. Marriott routinely offered me the chance to buy back my Gold status via paying a certain amount of Marriott points to reclaim it. I'll be slipping from Platinum after the end of the year, and I'd be interested in buying it back next year in the same manner. Does anyone know if Marriott has offered this in the past? Would anyone know about how many points it's run?
Nov 1, 2016 | 4:20 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: AA Plat Pro, United Silver, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton lowly Silver, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,152
Every now and again, I've had a slow year and slipped from Gold to Silver. Marriott routinely offered me the chance to buy back my Gold status via paying a certain amount of Marriott points to reclaim it. I'll be slipping from Platinum after the end of the year, and I'd be interested in buying it back next year in the same manner. Does anyone know if Marriott has offered this in the past? Would anyone know about how many points it's run?
Nov 1, 2016 | 4:27 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, Bonvoy Titanium, United Silver, various other midtier rankings
Posts: 64
Nov 1, 2016 | 5:42 pm
#36
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: S Cal
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, United Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,142
http://www.marriott.com/marriott/elitebuyback.mi has the amount needed for 2016 status buyback:
Until April 1, 2016, you can retain your status at an exclusive rate:
Don't automatically assume you will lose Plat. If you are close, there's still a chance that Marriott might allow you to retain your status. I have friends who fell short of 50 nights but were allowed to retain Gold. But I don't know if they offer the same for Plats who fall a bit short of 75.
Until April 1, 2016, you can retain your status at an exclusive rate:
- Buy back your Platinum status – only 40,000 points
- Buy back your Gold status – only 25,000 points
- Buy back your Silver status – only 7,500 points
Don't automatically assume you will lose Plat. If you are close, there's still a chance that Marriott might allow you to retain your status. I have friends who fell short of 50 nights but were allowed to retain Gold. But I don't know if they offer the same for Plats who fall a bit short of 75.
Nov 1, 2016 | 6:11 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, Bonvoy Titanium, United Silver, various other midtier rankings
Posts: 64
http://www.marriott.com/marriott/elitebuyback.mi has the amount needed for 2016 status buyback:
Until April 1, 2016, you can retain your status at an exclusive rate:
Don't automatically assume you will lose Plat. If you are close, there's still a chance that Marriott might allow you to retain your status. I have friends who fell short of 50 nights but were allowed to retain Gold. But I don't know if they offer the same for Plats who fall a bit short of 75.
Until April 1, 2016, you can retain your status at an exclusive rate:
- Buy back your Platinum status – only 40,000 points
- Buy back your Gold status – only 25,000 points
- Buy back your Silver status – only 7,500 points
Don't automatically assume you will lose Plat. If you are close, there's still a chance that Marriott might allow you to retain your status. I have friends who fell short of 50 nights but were allowed to retain Gold. But I don't know if they offer the same for Plats who fall a bit short of 75.
Dec 30, 2016 | 9:21 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 748
I called the Marriott Platinum Line today (I only stayed 22 nights, yes 22 nights, I had a few deaths in the family, stayed at a lot of homes for that reason) because I expect to get back at traveling a little more in 2017.
The main reason I want the Marriott Platinum is for the United Silver, as I’m 6 foot 6 inches, and have fallen in love with the free Economy Plus, and the Premier Access and Priority phone line over there has helped me a lot.
Anyway, I called, and the guy seemed to be new or un-educated about the buy-back, and quoted me a price of 60,000 points for Platinum, but says that it’s because the early redemption promo rate of 40,000 pts ended on April 1st. He did say that it might go back to 40,000 in January, but if they don’t renew the promotion, I might run the risk of having no UA Status and pointless Marriott Silver.
I didn’t pay the 60,000 points, mainly because I didn’t have that many points in my Marriott Bank at the time (but I could through RewardsPlus transfer if I want to).
Any thoughts on what I should do? When does Marriott typically announce the buy-back rates?
The main reason I want the Marriott Platinum is for the United Silver, as I’m 6 foot 6 inches, and have fallen in love with the free Economy Plus, and the Premier Access and Priority phone line over there has helped me a lot.
Anyway, I called, and the guy seemed to be new or un-educated about the buy-back, and quoted me a price of 60,000 points for Platinum, but says that it’s because the early redemption promo rate of 40,000 pts ended on April 1st. He did say that it might go back to 40,000 in January, but if they don’t renew the promotion, I might run the risk of having no UA Status and pointless Marriott Silver.
I didn’t pay the 60,000 points, mainly because I didn’t have that many points in my Marriott Bank at the time (but I could through RewardsPlus transfer if I want to).
Any thoughts on what I should do? When does Marriott typically announce the buy-back rates?
Jan 6, 2017 | 7:52 pm
#39
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, IC Plat Amb, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,299
I called the Marriott Platinum Line today (I only stayed 22 nights, yes 22 nights, I had a few deaths in the family, stayed at a lot of homes for that reason) because I expect to get back at traveling a little more in 2017.
The main reason I want the Marriott Platinum is for the United Silver, as Im 6 foot 6 inches, and have fallen in love with the free Economy Plus, and the Premier Access and Priority phone line over there has helped me a lot.
Anyway, I called, and the guy seemed to be new or un-educated about the buy-back, and quoted me a price of 60,000 points for Platinum, but says that its because the early redemption promo rate of 40,000 pts ended on April 1st. He did say that it might go back to 40,000 in January, but if they dont renew the promotion, I might run the risk of having no UA Status and pointless Marriott Silver.
I didnt pay the 60,000 points, mainly because I didnt have that many points in my Marriott Bank at the time (but I could through RewardsPlus transfer if I want to).
Any thoughts on what I should do? When does Marriott typically announce the buy-back rates?
The main reason I want the Marriott Platinum is for the United Silver, as Im 6 foot 6 inches, and have fallen in love with the free Economy Plus, and the Premier Access and Priority phone line over there has helped me a lot.
Anyway, I called, and the guy seemed to be new or un-educated about the buy-back, and quoted me a price of 60,000 points for Platinum, but says that its because the early redemption promo rate of 40,000 pts ended on April 1st. He did say that it might go back to 40,000 in January, but if they dont renew the promotion, I might run the risk of having no UA Status and pointless Marriott Silver.
I didnt pay the 60,000 points, mainly because I didnt have that many points in my Marriott Bank at the time (but I could through RewardsPlus transfer if I want to).
Any thoughts on what I should do? When does Marriott typically announce the buy-back rates?
Jan 7, 2017 | 6:56 am
#40
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HH Gold, Marriott Gold, PC Plat, Emirates Silver
Posts: 2,729
I was just a few nights short from re-qualifying. My YTD nights counter online has not reset yet. I thought it reset on 1/1. Is there a way to determine if they gave it to me for being close?
I do not see the option to buy it back but that could be because 1) hopefully they gave it to me so it is not needed or 2) it was because I got it initially through linking to SPG which doesn't qualify for buyback.
I do not see the option to buy it back but that could be because 1) hopefully they gave it to me so it is not needed or 2) it was because I got it initially through linking to SPG which doesn't qualify for buyback.
Feb 18, 2017 | 3:31 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
I received a postcard in the mail this past week telling me I'm dropping to MR Gold status and offering me the 40,000 point buyback to Platinum.
40k is a steep price to pay for an upgrade from Gold to Plat. The difference in on-property benefits between the two levels is small. I stay primarily at limited service properties, anyway, so room upgrades don't mean a heck of a lot and elite breakfast and lounge benefits are irrelevant.
That leaves the higher earnings bonus of Plat as the main benefit. With an extra 25% I'd have to accumulate 160k base points just to break even. And I'd have to earn those points before re-earning Plat on nights. The math only begins to work out with an average nightly rate well over $400. Absurd.
Then there's the issue of the 40k points being deducted from the LT count. Fuggedaboudit!
40k is a steep price to pay for an upgrade from Gold to Plat. The difference in on-property benefits between the two levels is small. I stay primarily at limited service properties, anyway, so room upgrades don't mean a heck of a lot and elite breakfast and lounge benefits are irrelevant.
That leaves the higher earnings bonus of Plat as the main benefit. With an extra 25% I'd have to accumulate 160k base points just to break even. And I'd have to earn those points before re-earning Plat on nights. The math only begins to work out with an average nightly rate well over $400. Absurd.
Then there's the issue of the 40k points being deducted from the LT count. Fuggedaboudit!
Feb 19, 2017 | 9:36 am
#42
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, IC Plat Amb, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,299
I received a postcard in the mail this past week telling me I'm dropping to MR Gold status and offering me the 40,000 point buyback to Platinum.
40k is a steep price to pay for an upgrade from Gold to Plat. The difference in on-property benefits between the two levels is small. I stay primarily at limited service properties, anyway, so room upgrades don't mean a heck of a lot and elite breakfast and lounge benefits are irrelevant.
That leaves the higher earnings bonus of Plat as the main benefit. With an extra 25% I'd have to accumulate 160k base points just to break even. And I'd have to earn those points before re-earning Plat on nights. The math only begins to work out with an average nightly rate well over $400. Absurd.
Then there's the issue of the 40k points being deducted from the LT count. Fuggedaboudit!
40k is a steep price to pay for an upgrade from Gold to Plat. The difference in on-property benefits between the two levels is small. I stay primarily at limited service properties, anyway, so room upgrades don't mean a heck of a lot and elite breakfast and lounge benefits are irrelevant.
That leaves the higher earnings bonus of Plat as the main benefit. With an extra 25% I'd have to accumulate 160k base points just to break even. And I'd have to earn those points before re-earning Plat on nights. The math only begins to work out with an average nightly rate well over $400. Absurd.
Then there's the issue of the 40k points being deducted from the LT count. Fuggedaboudit!
Feb 22, 2017 | 9:48 am
#43
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 2,065
I am considering the buyback to Platinum namely for the SPG Status.
When does the current status expire, it is 2/27 right?
When does the current status expire, it is 2/27 right?
Mar 5, 2017 | 3:11 am
#44
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 238
Has anyone else had their BuyBack confirmed this year? I applied on Mar 1 but have had no response. In previous years the BuyBack has been approved the same day.
Mar 5, 2017 | 4:12 pm
#45
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: The County, Maine
Posts: 830
I called the 800 number the other day to buy back Gold. After giving my name, address and membership #, I was confirmed Gold until 2018. The whole process took about 2 minutes and was super easy.