Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status: How and When Your Status is Processed and What Happens Next

Marriott Bonvoy’s Elite Membership is a cornerstone of its loyalty program, offering exclusive privileges and benefits. However, it’s important to note that these perks are subject to change and can vary by location.

Each year, the program evaluates members’ activity to ensure that their Elite status reflects their qualifying activity from the previous year. This process is called Elite annual processing and takes place in January.

Elite Membership Overview

1. Eligibility and Cancellation: Elite status is a privilege within the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program. The company reserves the right to revoke or modify membership if a member violates program rules or engages in misconduct.
2. Membership Benefits: Benefits include bonus points, priority late checkout, and room upgrades, but they vary by membership tier and location.
3. International Variations: Members should be aware that benefits might differ outside the United States and Canada due to local laws and policies.
4. Homes & Villas Limitation: At Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, the only Elite Member benefit is the Elite Welcome Gift of Points.
5. Elite Benefits Guarantee: Members are entitled to compensation if certain Elite benefits are not available during their stay, with limitations.

Getting, Maintaining and Extending Elite Status

Earning Elite Status

Qualifying nights at participating properties are key to earning Elite Status. Various membership tiers require a different number of qualifying nights.

Annual Requirements for Achieving/Renewing Elite Status

Membership Tiers:

• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite: 10 to 24 Qualifying Nights annually
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite: 25 to 49 Qualifying Nights annually
• Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite: 50 to 74 Qualifying Nights annually
• Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite: 75+ Qualifying Nights annually
• Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite: 100+ Qualifying Nights annually and at least $23,000 USD in Annual Qualified Spend

To renew or achieve a higher Elite status, members are required to meet annual Elite achievement/renewal requirements. These criteria can be found on the Marriott Bonvoy website. Elite members can view their current status in their account either online or through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App.

If a member’s Elite status changes mid-stay, they will receive the on-property benefits corresponding to the Elite status they hold at the time of Check-In. They will receive the Elite Bonus Points corresponding to the Elite status they hold at the time of Stay processing, which may be up to 48 hours after the time of Check-Out.

Maintain status

For members who qualify for the same status as the previous year, their current status will be renewed through February of the following year. This means that they will continue to enjoy the benefits and perks of their current Elite status for another year. Members who achieve the same status as the previous year can expect to receive an email notification in late January.

Extending status

For members who extend a higher Elite status during the year, their new status will be effective immediately upon achievement. This means that they will start enjoying the benefits and perks of the new status as soon as they achieve it. Their status expiration date will be February of the following year.

Partner Programs

Elite status can also be earned through Partner Programs, subject to their terms and conditions.

Gaining Marriott Elite Status Through Credit Card Benefits

Simplified Path to Marriott Silver Elite Status

The journey to Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status has been streamlined with the introduction of enhanced credit card benefits. Previously requiring 10 elite qualifying nights, this status is now more accessible through select co-branded credit cards. For those looking to amplify their stay with Marriott, the Silver Elite status brings added value.

Marriott Credit Cards Offering Silver Elite Status:

• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card: This card includes Silver Elite status as part of its benefits package for an annual fee of $95.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Chase offers this card also with Silver Elite status included for a $95 annual fee.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: For no annual fee, cardholders can enjoy the Silver Elite status benefits with Chase.

Upgrade to Marriott Gold Elite

Marriott Gold Elite status traditionally requires 25 elite qualifying nights. The Gold tier enhances a guest’s experience with room upgrades, a welcome gift, and a 25% bonus on points earned. This status is particularly beneficial even for occasional guests at Marriott properties.

Credit Cards for Achieving Gold Elite Status:

• The Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: These cards grant Gold Elite status without additional spending requirements despite a significant annual fee of $695.
• The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card: With an annual fee of $450, this Chase card also includes Gold Elite status.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business and Premier Business Plus Cards: Offered by American Express and Chase respectively, these cards include Gold Elite status for annual fees of $125 and $99.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Chase provides an opportunity to earn Gold Elite status upon reaching $30,000 in purchases each year for a $95 annual fee.

Attaining Marriott Platinum Elite

The Platinum Elite tier is the third level in the Marriott Bonvoy program, achievable after 50 elite qualifying nights. As of September 2022, certain credit card holders can enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status, which offers substantial perks such as Choice Benefits, superior room upgrades, a dedicated phone line, and complimentary breakfast at some locations.

Credit Cards That Offer Platinum Elite Status:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: This card offers Platinum Elite status as part of its package, with a $650 annual fee.
• The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card: For a $450 annual fee, this Chase card allows cardholders to reach Gold Elite status with $75,000 in annual purchases, further highlighting the pathway to Platinum Elite status.

Soft landing for those who didn’t qualify to keep current status

Members who fail to qualify for any status will be offered one tier below their current status through February of the following year. This means that they will still enjoy some of the benefits and perks of their previous status, although at a lower level. These members will see their new status starting in March and can enjoy their existing status through February of the following year.

Marriott Lifetime Status

Once Marriott Lifetime Status is attained by a member, they are exempt from fulfilling the annual Minimum Elite Level Requirements to maintain their Elite Member status in subsequent years, unless their Elite Member account is terminated.

The opportunity to attain Lifetime Titanium Elite status, previously available through the Legacy Program’s Lifetime Elite Status Criteria, was discontinued as of December 31, 2018.

It is worth noting that Lifetime Elite Members will never experience an Elite status below their current Lifetime level. However, Marriott Bonvoy is not extending Elite status further at this time. In November 2021, all Members’ Elite status was extended through February 2023, whether earned in 2019 or 2020.

Lifetime Benefits

• Point Protection: A crucial feature of this status is the safeguarding of Points from expiration, irrespective of account activity levels.
• Conditional Stability: While Lifetime Elite status offers stability, it’s important to note that the company retains the right to suspend or terminate a member’s Lifetime Elite status or account under certain circumstances.

For members, achieving Lifetime Elite status represents not just a recognition of their loyalty but also a form of security for their accrued benefits. It’s an assurance that their efforts and investments in the program continue to yield returns, even during periods when they cannot be active participants.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Benefits

* Welcome Gift of Points – Receive a gift of 250 or 500 bonus points (depending on the brand) when you arrive on vacation.

**Welcome Gift Choice – Upon arrival, choose points, breakfast, or other amenities, depending on the brand.

***Annual Choice Benefit for Members with 50 Elite Night Credits – Once you have accumulated 50 Elite Night Credits, choose from the following annual choice reward options: five Nightly Upgrade Awards, $1,000 off a bed from your favorite Marriott brand, a gift to a family member or friend of Silver Elite status, a $100 charitable contribution, or five Elite Night Credits.

****Annual Choice Benefit for Members 75 Elite Night Credits – Choose one of the following annual choice reward options after accumulating 75 Elite night credits: one Free Night award, five Nightly Upgrade awards, $1,000 off a bed from your favorite Marriott retail brand, a gift of Gold Elite status to a family member or friend, a $100 charitable contribution, five Elite night credits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elite annual processing takes place in January each year. Members who qualify for the same status as the previous year will have their status renewed, while those who achieve a higher status will enjoy the benefits of the new status immediately. Members who fail to qualify for any status will be offered a lower tier status. It is important to meet annual Elite achievement/renewal requirements to maintain or achieve a higher Elite status.