How To Qualify for Elite Status With Marriott Bonvoy [Stays & Spend Ways]

Marriott is one of the largest hotel groups in the world, with a portfolio of over 7,300 properties that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. In this post, we will take a deep dive into Marriott Bonvoy’s elite status levels and the benefits that status can deliver, as well as the requirements for achieving elite status.

We know that Marriott Bonvoy status delivers elevated experiences such as upgraded hotel rooms, free breakfast, lounge access, and other perks that make your stay more comfortable. But is the effort required to achieve elite status worth it?

Here’s a look at the requirements, some shortcuts that can expedite the path to elite status, and if achieving it makes sense for you.

The Benefits of Elite Status With Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy rewards program has several elite levels offering increasingly valuable benefits.

Here are the perks you can expect to receive when you sign up for Marriott Bonvoy and work your way up through the status levels.

Member Level Benefits

Sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program and receive these core benefits:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Member-only room rates
• Receive the fifth consecutive award night free
• No blackout dates
• Mobile and keyless check-in
• Ability to use a combination of cash and points
• Ability to use points for meals, spa, experiences, and more
• Access to PointSavers award rates

Silver Elite Benefits

Silver Elite members receive all Member benefits plus these additional perks:

• 10% bonus points
• Priority late checkout
• Dedicated reservation phone line
• Reservation guarantee

Gold Elite Benefits

Gold Elite members receive all Member and Silver Elite level benefits plus all of the following:

• 25% bonus points
• Enhanced room upgrade
• 2 p.m. late checkout
• Up to 500 welcome points per stay
• Complimentary premium Wi-Fi

Platinum Elite Benefits

Platinum Elite members enjoy all of the benefits previously mentioned plus these additional benefits:

• 50% bonus points
• Enhanced room upgrade over Gold Elite
• Welcome gift choice of points, breakfast, or local amenity
• Annual gift choice after staying 50 nights in a calendar year
• Lounge access

Titanium Elite Benefits

Titanium Elite members qualify for all Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, and Platinum Elite benefits plus much more:

• 75% bonus points
• Enhanced room upgrade including suites
• A second annual gift choice after staying 75 nights in a calendar year
• 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary United MileagePlus Silver Premier elite status

Ambassador Elite Benefits

Ambassador Elite members are treated well. In addition to all other benefits listed previously, Ambassadors receive these personalized services:

• Personal Ambassador service
• Flexible 24-hour check-in
• Guaranteed room availability 48 hours prior to arrival

Bottom Line: Marriott Bonvoy elite status offers valuable benefits such as upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and bonus earnings. With base member benefits just for signing up and several levels of elite status to strive for, there’s a sweet elite spot for every Marriott Bonvoy loyalist. 

How To Qualify for Elite Status – The Traditional Way

Annual Elite Status Requirements

While there are multiple levels of elite status, the annual hotel night requirements to attain elite status with Marriott Bonvoy are simple.

Following are the number of elite qualifying nights needed to achieve each level of Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Member — no requirements
• Silver Elite — 10 nights
• Gold Elite — 25 nights
• Platinum Elite — 50 nights
• Titanium Elite — 75 nights
• Ambassador Elite — 100 nights plus $20,000 annual qualifying spend

You can earn elite qualifying nights by staying at Marriott properties, hosting events, or through Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards.

Rewarding Events — Earn 1 elite qualifying night for every 20 rooms booked. You’ll also earn up to 20,000 points for each event.

Lifetime Elite Status Requirements

Marriott Bonvoy also has a lifetime elite status level that rewards those loyalists who have made Marriott their brand of choice (or Starwood previously) for a good share of their lifetime.

Lifetime Status Qualifications

• Lifetime Silver Elite — 250 lifetime nights plus 5 years with elite status
• Lifetime Gold Elite — 400 lifetime nights plus 7 years with elite status
• Lifetime Platinum Elite — 600 lifetime nights plus 10 years with elite status

Bottom Line: There are several ways to earn elite qualifying nights that count towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status. You can stay at Marriott properties, host meetings, weddings, and other events, and earn elite qualifying nights through Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.

A Faster Path to Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

Complimentary Elite Status With Credit Cards

Having a credit card instantly grants you elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and the status remains valid for as long as you hold the card.

You may also have the opportunity to reach a higher level of elite status by spending on the Marriott Bonvoy card.

Each Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card awards 15-25 elite qualifying nights each year that can be used to expedite your path to higher elite status. There is a maximum of 40 nights that can be credited regardless of how many Marriott Bonvoy cards you have.

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist, you’ll definitely want one of these credit cards in your wallet.

Hot Tip: Another non-traditional way to achieve elite status is through a status match or challenge.

Elite Qualifying Nights Summary

There are so many options for earning Marriott Bonvoy elite qualifying nights, you’ll need a summary to guide you.

Here’s a list of the ways you can earn elite qualifying nights.

• Paid and Award Stays at Marriott Properties — Whether you pay for your hotel nights or use Marriott Bonvoy points, each night stayed will count as an elite qualifying night.
• Up to 40 Elite Qualifying Nights With Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards — The 15-25 elite nights you receive by having a personal Marriott Bonvoy-branded card and 15 elite nights via the Marriott Bonvoy Business card will count towards elite status.
• Fifth Award Night Free — Elite members qualify to receive the fifth night free when 4 consecutive award nights are booked. All 5 nights count towards elite status.
• Host an Event — Earn 1 elite night for every 20 rooms booked.
• Choice Benefits — Once you’ve acquired 50 elite qualifying nights in a calendar year, you can select a benefit from a list of choices that includes 5 elite qualifying nights. You can select another 5 elite qualifying nights once you have stayed 75 nights in a calendar year. These nights count toward elite status in the year you earned the 50/75 nights.

How Marriott Bonvoy-Branded Credit Cards Enhance Elite Status

Certain Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer a free hotel night certificate for each card anniversary year. Each certificate is good for a free night that is capped at a stated point value.

Free Hotel Nights

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card — free night certificate good for up 35,000 points in value
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card — free night certificate good for up to 85,000 points in value
• Marriott Bonvoy Business card — free night certificate good for up to 35,000 points in value and earn an additional free night after $60,000 spent on the card in a calendar year

Accelerated Earnings

In addition to earning Marriott Bonvoy points for staying at Marriott properties, you’ll earn even more points when you pay for your stay with your Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card.

You’ll also earn valuable Marriott Bonvoy points by spending in bonus-earning categories and on every purchase you make.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
• New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Marriott Bonvoy

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Additional Benefits

You’ll find several useful travel and purchase protections on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Benefits such as secondary car rental loss and damage insurance, travel accident insurance, roadside assistance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage can save you money during your travels.

Check your card’s specific guide to benefits for actual benefit descriptions, limits, and conditions.

Bottom Line: Marriott Bonvoy credit cards support Marriott Bonvoy elite status with more free hotel nights and accelerated earnings that help your points balance grow quickly. They also offer additional benefits that can be useful during your travels.

Where Your Points Can Take You

When it comes time to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points or use your free night certificates, you’ll have some very desirable options.

Here’s a sample of where your 35,000 and 50,000 free night certificates or your Marriott Bonvoy rewards points can take you.

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (Mexico) — 50,000 Points per Night

Book the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa with your free night certificate (worth 50,000 points) or redeem just 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You can also take advantage of the fifth night free benefit and book 5 nights for 200,000 points.

J.W. Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa (Vietnam) — 35,000 Points per Night

Enjoy a complimentary luxury hotel night in Vietnam by using your free night certificate (worth 35,000 points) or by redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy points. A single night can be booked for just 35,000 points or book 5 nights for a total of 140,000 points using the fifth-night free benefit.

Hot Tip: For more ideas on redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy points, our writers have put together their recommendations of the best ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for hotels or flights.. We even have a guide on the best Marriott luxury hotels to book with points for maximum value!

Everything Else You Need To Know

For the latest pricing and welcome offers, visit our reviews on these Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards:

• Marriott Bold card
• Marriott Boundless card
• Marriott Bountiful card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business card

Final Thoughts

Hotel elite status offers valuable benefits that make your trip more comfortable and potentially save you money.

If you value Marriott Bonvoy benefits and stay frequently at Marriott properties, having elite status makes sense.

If you stay just a few nights a year but want those stays to include free Wi-Fi, the ability to take advantage of the fifth award night free, and the other perks of Silver Elite or Gold Elite status, a Marriott Bonvoy credit card could be a viable option.