What happens to your Marriott rewards points when you die?

[bobpark56]

What happens to your Marriott rewards points when you die?

 

[Saintsfanfl]

What happens to your Marriott rewards points when you die?

Points are transferable to a legal spouse or domestic partner in the case of documented death of the member. In addition, there is a limited exception for the transfer of Points into the Rewards Account of a legal spouse or domestic partner in order to qualify for a specific Reward. Points are not transferable to another person for any other reason, including divorce or inheritance.

 

[jont]

I don't want to think about this. Hopefully I'll use them all up by then.

 

[dioxide45]

I don't want to think about this. Hopefully I'll use them all up by then.

You never know when it will be your time, you just never know. Best to be prepared and don't hold on to points too long.

 

[bobpark56]

Thanks

SaintsFanfl...Thanks for your reply.
--bp

 

[Cathyb]

Are you saying a surviving spouse cannot leave the points to his/her children if it is mentioned in a Trust?

 

[FractionalTraveler]

Are you saying a surviving spouse cannot leave the points to his/her children if it is mentioned in a Trust?

I believe that is correct. The MR member does not acually own the points but has the right to use as a benefit of being a member in good standing.

 

[BocaBoy]

Has anyone actually asked Marriott this question? Almost all frequent flyer programs technically provide that the miles do not survive death, but in practice all that I know of actually allow the miles to be transferred by the executor to another account (not just a spouse) upon proof of death. I would expect that Marriott follows a similar practice but I have not actually made a formal inquiry. There are formal rules but there are probably informal rules as well.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Has anyone actually asked Marriott this question? Almost all frequent flyer programs technically provide that the miles do not survive death, but in practice all that I know of actually allow the miles to be transferred by the executor to another account (not just a spouse) upon proof of death. I would expect that Marriott follows a similar practice but I have not actually made a formal inquiry. There are formal rules but there are probably informal rules as well.

I posted above based on a relatively recent June article that states the transfer policy of various point programs. I appoligize for not properly quoting as I simply copy/pasted. Here is a link to the article. Look towards the bottom if you want to skip to hotel programs.

http://insideflyer.com/articles/article.php?key=7765

 

[pwrshift]

Marriott is not a compassionate company in this regard...they wait like vultures hoping you'll build up millions of MR points so they don't have to pay out unless to a spouse. Most airline companies have somewhat similar rules but do allow your estate to pay a small transfer fee to have the account name switched if mentione in your will.

My concern with Marriott is that, in many cases you are buying the MR points...such as paying your annual MF and turning in your week for points. You have actually paid for those points. Same if you buy 50,000 today from Marriott and die tomorrow...how does Marriott feel they can just grab them back without payment if you die tomorrow with no spouse? Points you earn with stays are 'rewards' but IMO points you pay for should remain your property.

Greedy company.

 

[FractionalTraveler]

Since MR points get devalued just about every year, I find the best strategy for me is to just use them with family and friends while I am able to do so and while they are worth something.

I usually don't carry over any more than 50% of what I earned in any given year. I find it quite easy to blow through 500K Points each year on a cruise, Ritz Carlton, or Gift Checks.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Points you earn with stays are 'rewards' but IMO points you pay for should remain your property.

Greedy company.

They are paid for either way which only reinforces your point. If they were a true reward they would be taxable. The IRS considers them a rebate. In other words a portion of your stay, which you fully paid for, is being kicked back to you. Another reinforcement to this point are non-commisionable stays. Special rates or bookings at a reduced amount where points are not earned. The only points I can think of that might not be fully paid for are the points given when you first get the credit card.

 

[dioxide45]

The only points I can think of that might not be fully paid for are the points given when you first get the credit card.

The IRS sees these as a rebate also. A rebate on your first purchase or certain spend level. That is why pretty much all offers require at least a first spend in order to qualify for those initial credit card bonus points.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

The IRS sees these as a rebate also. A rebate on your first purchase or certain spend level. That is why pretty much all offers require at least a first spend in order to qualify for those initial credit card bonus points.

I knew they did but I was thinking that in theory they were not paid for yet. It's interesting because you are right, they all seem to require a first spend. So to the customer it's a rebate, but to the card company they have not gotten their value yet. They only received the processing fee from the merchant. They obviously get there eventually even if you never carry a balance.

 

[KathyPet]

Don't they go to heaven with you???

 

[jont]

OK
You have convinced me! I'm using all my points on a trip to Hawaii this summer! Hope I last till then.

 

[SueDonJ]

Don't they go to heaven with you???

Yes, and they triple in value when they go through the pearly gates! And all the Marriotts in Heaven have teal ottomans, too.

(I will never forget one of the very first posts I read here - the writer was unbelievably angry because the ottoman in the unit he'd exchanged into was royal blue and not teal. If the writer is still here I'm sorry for making fun of your anger, but that post was one of the reasons I was afraid to post to TUG when I first found it!)

 

[GaryDouglas]

They actually go to purgatory, because you didn’t make that. Either that or it’s all points south…

 

[chunkygal]

As a good catholic girl, I am hoping for an exchange system for some venial sins.

 

[Toppermom]

Does credit toward lifetime status (nights stayed and points accrued) transfer to surviving spouse like the points do?

 

[pharmgirl]

Just make sure to leave your sign in password and then no trouble for heirs to use

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Does credit toward lifetime status (nights stayed and points accrued) transfer to surviving spouse like the points do?

I think the key word here is "lifetime".

 

[Toppermom]

I think the key word here is "lifetime".

Yes, and that is certainly arguable. In our case, our points and stays have accrued due to joint stays and joint timeshares. I have not yet contacted Marriott and frankly am not particularly optimistic. But although the rewards account is technically in my husband's name (because to my knowledge they do not allow joint accounts), the nights accrued have all been joint travel. I doubt I am the first person to confront this issue, so was wondering if anyone could address this from personal experience.