Marriott Bonvoy Raises Free Night Award Top-Off Limit to 25,000 Points

Updated: March 12, 2026, 8:16am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Marriott Increases Free Night Award Top-Off Limit
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Marriott Bonvoy members now have more flexibility when redeeming their Free Night Awards.

As of today, March 12, 2026, the program has increased the number of points members can add to a certificate, making it easier to book higher-priced award nights that were previously just out of reach.

Here’s what you need to know.

Marriott Increases Free Night Award Top-Off Limit

Marriott Bonvoy is making a small but meaningful change to how members can redeem Free Night Awards.

As of March 12, the hotel chain has announced that members can add up to 25,000 points to a Free Night Award when booking an eligible stay. Previously, members could only top off a certificate with up to 15,000 points. The increase gives travelers an additional 10,000 points of flexibility when redeeming their certificates.

JW Marriott Desert Springs King Guest Room — The new 25,000-point top-off makes splurge resorts like the JW Marriott Desert Springs far easier to book with a Free Night Award. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

Free Night Awards are a common benefit across the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem and can be earned in several ways, including:

Holding select Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
Participating in targeted Marriott Bonvoy promotions
Choosing a Free Night Award as an Annual Choice Benefit after reaching 75 Elite Night Credits

Many of these certificates come with a fixed redemption value, such as 35,000, 50,000, or 85,000 points, depending on the card or promotion. Because Marriott uses dynamic award pricing, hotel redemption rates can fluctuate frequently, which sometimes leaves members just short of the required points for a reservation.

The higher top-off limit should make it easier for members to bridge that gap. For example, a 50,000-point certificate could now be used for a hotel night costing up to 75,000 points, provided the member adds the extra points.

While the change doesn’t alter how Free Night Awards are earned or their base value, it does expand the number of properties members may be able to book using their certificates and adding points on top.

Hot Tip:

If you’re trying to maximize Marriott Free Night Awards, consider combining the new 25,000-point top-off option with off-peak pricing or lower seasonal rates. It may unlock higher-end properties that were previously too pricey.

Final Thoughts

Marriott Bonvoy’s decision to increase the Free Night Award top-off limit from 15,000 to 25,000 points adds a lot more flexibility to certificate redemptions. It’s a welcome tweak that makes the program a bit more guest-friendly, rather than restrictive.

This change is great news for travelers who had their eye on an aspirational or higher-end property but were still just short of the required points — even after using the previous 15,000-point top-off limit.

Hopefully, more hotel loyalty programs follow Marriott’s lead and add a similar top-off option to their free night awards (looking at you, World of Hyatt).