What To Know
- By linking your Expedia account to your Marriott Bonvoy account, you can earn points for eligible spend on Expedia bookings at Marriott properties.
- Using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, allows you to earn points for all purchases, including those made through Expedia.
- While direct bookings through Expedia do not qualify for points, linking your Expedia account to Marriott Bonvoy or using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards provides alternative ways to accumulate points.
Booking accommodations through online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia offers convenience and a wide selection of properties. However, travelers often wonder if they can still earn loyalty points when making reservations through these platforms. This blog post delves into the specifics of earning Marriott Points when booking through Expedia, exploring the intricacies of the loyalty program and the Expedia booking process.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is the comprehensive loyalty program offered by Marriott International, encompassing a vast portfolio of hotel brands. Members can earn and redeem points for stays, dining, and experiences across participating properties. To earn Marriott Points, members must book directly through Marriott channels or via select partners.
Expedia and Marriott Points
Expedia is a popular OTA that offers a vast selection of hotels, including Marriott properties. However, it is important to note that booking through Expedia does not directly qualify members to earn Marriott Points. This is because Expedia acts as an intermediary between travelers and hotels, and bookings made through their platform are not considered direct bookings with Marriott.
Alternative Ways to Earn Marriott Points
While booking through Expedia may not directly yield Marriott Points, there are alternative ways to earn points when staying at Marriott properties:
- Link Expedia Account to Marriott Bonvoy: By linking your Expedia account to your Marriott Bonvoy account, you can earn points for eligible spend on Expedia bookings at Marriott properties. However, the points earned may vary depending on the specific booking and Expedia’s terms and conditions.
- Use Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Cards: Using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, allows you to earn points for all purchases, including those made through Expedia.
- Book Marriott Packages: Expedia offers Marriott packages that combine hotel stays with flights, activities, or other amenities. Booking these packages directly through Expedia may allow you to earn Marriott Points or other exclusive benefits.
Maximizing Marriott Points Earnings
To maximize your Marriott Points earnings, consider the following tips:
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Becoming a Marriott Bonvoy member is free and unlocks access to exclusive benefits, including point earnings and elite status.
- Book Directly Through Marriott: Booking directly with Marriott ensures that you earn points for every eligible stay.
- Use Marriott Bonvoy Co-Branded Credit Cards: Utilizing Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards amplifies your point earnings on everyday purchases.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Marriott frequently offers promotions and bonuses that can boost your point earnings.
- Stay at Marriott Properties: Earning Marriott Points requires staying at participating Marriott properties.
Wrap-Up: Navigating Marriott Points and Expedia Bookings
Earning Marriott Points when booking through Expedia requires careful consideration. While direct bookings through Expedia do not qualify for points, linking your Expedia account to Marriott Bonvoy or using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards provides alternative ways to accumulate points. By understanding the nuances of the Marriott Bonvoy program and Expedia’s booking process, travelers can optimize their point earnings and enjoy the benefits of both platforms.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I earn Marriott Points for any Expedia booking?
A: No, only eligible bookings at Marriott properties may qualify for points when linking your Expedia account to Marriott Bonvoy.
Q: How many Marriott Points can I earn through Expedia?
A: The number of points earned varies depending on the booking and Expedia’s terms and conditions.
Q: Can I use Marriott Points to book through Expedia?
A: No, Marriott Points cannot be redeemed directly through Expedia. However, you can use points to book stays at Marriott properties through Marriott channels.
Q: What are the benefits of linking my Expedia account to Marriott Bonvoy?
A: Linking your accounts allows you to earn points for eligible Expedia bookings at Marriott properties and access exclusive benefits.
Q: Can I earn Marriott Points for Marriott packages booked through Expedia?
A: Yes, booking Marriott packages through Expedia may qualify for Marriott Points or other exclusive benefits.
