Marriott Points Expiration?

[Jaybee]

We're in Kauai, and as I was reading "Mileage Pro" on the plane, I was surprised to read that Marriott points can expire if no points have been acquired in 24 mos. (at the discretion of Marriott). We went to a presentation at Waiohai, and were told "Marriott points never expire"...so what's what? I would imagine that it's a small print thing, like the airlines being able to cancel their mileage programs, but it's a good thing to know. Anybody?

 

[KenK]

In our literature from Marriott, it says the points program can be discontinued at any time at Marriotts decision.

 

[pwrshift]

I think that clause is in there for their legal protection. However, the points program is very successful for Marriott customer loyalty and they'd be very foolish to cancel the program and assist their competitors in building their customer list.

The easiest way to keep your account 'active' is to get yourself a Marriott VISA card - then any purchase nets you Marriott points and keeps your account active, even if it is only one purchase per 24 months.

Brian

 

[dioxide45]

We're in Kauai, and as I was reading "Mileage Pro" on the plane, I was surprised to read that Marriott points can expire if no points have been acquired in 24 mos. (at the discretion of Marriott). We went to a presentation at Waiohai, and were told "Marriott points never expire"...so what's what? I would imagine that it's a small print thing, like the airlines being able to cancel their mileage programs, but it's a good thing to know. Anybody?

I think it is better explained that the points never expire, but they can close your account and you loose your points after 24 months of inactivity.

Jer

 

[Dave M]

Confirming, from the Marriott Rewards Terms & Conditions:

An account may be closed at Marriott's discretion if no points are accrued during a 24-month period. All points in the account will be forfeited at that time.

 

[pwrshift]

When I purchased my first Marriott at Manor Club, my sales rep asked me if I was already a Marriott Rewards member - I told him I was about 10 years before when it was called something else. he checked and found that I had a fair number of unused points in that account and got it re-established for me with the points plus the ones that came with the purchase. Perhaps if I had tried to reactivate it myself I might have lost them, who knows.

When I decided to reactivate an old Air Canada FF plan, I was told that there were 59,000 miles in the inactive account but I couldn't have them as they were 'expired'. Even after talking to two higher ups the decision was 'no'. Nice...but it tells you something about attitude at a government run airline.

So Marriott came through for me after much more inactivity than 24 months, so I guess it's a case by case basis and who you have in your corner.

Brian