If you have a stash of unused Marriott points sitting in your account, you may be wondering if there’s a way to convert them to cold hard cash. The good news is – yes, there are several options for turning Marriott points into real money.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about converting Marriott points to cash.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can convert Marriott points to cash in a few ways – by using them to book travel and then canceling for a refund, transferring them to airline miles programs and redeeming for gift cards, using points for Marriott cash + points bookings, or selling them to online points buyers.
Booking Travel and Canceling for a Refund
When it comes to converting Marriott points to cash, one of the most important factors to consider is how to book your travel and then cancel it for a refund. Here are some strategies to help you get the most out of your Marriott points:
Book fully refundable rates
One option is to book fully refundable rates when using your Marriott points. By selecting this type of reservation, you’ll have the flexibility to cancel without any penalties or fees. Keep in mind that the refund will be issued in the form of Marriott points and not as cash.
However, you can convert these points to cash using Marriott’s cash and points option or by transferring them to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program.
Cancel the booking after the points have been redeemed
Another approach is to book your travel using your Marriott points and then cancel the booking after the points have been redeemed. This strategy allows you to convert your Marriott points to cash by receiving a refund.
However, it’s important to be aware of the cancellation policy for your specific reservation. Some bookings may have a deadline for cancellations, so make sure to cancel within the specified timeframe to receive your refund.
Get a refund in the form of gift cards or statement credit
In certain cases, Marriott may offer the option to receive a refund in the form of gift cards or statement credit. This can be a great way to convert your Marriott points to cash if you prefer these alternatives.
Keep an eye out for any promotions or special deals that Marriott may have, as they may offer additional incentives for choosing these refund options.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your booking and cancellation policy to ensure that you’re eligible for a refund. Additionally, it’s recommended to contact Marriott’s customer service or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on converting Marriott points to cash.
Transferring to Airline Miles Programs
If you’re looking to get the most out of your Marriott points, transferring them to airline miles programs can be a great option. This allows you to use your points towards flights and other travel expenses.
Marriott offers a variety of airline partners, making it easy to find the program that best suits your needs.
Move points to airline frequent flyer programs
One way to convert your Marriott points to cash is by transferring them to airline frequent flyer programs. This allows you to use your points to book flights with your favorite airline. Marriott has partnerships with several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.
By transferring your points to these programs, you can take advantage of the benefits offered by these airlines, such as upgraded seating and priority boarding.
Redeem airline miles for gift cards
In addition to using your airline miles for flights, many frequent flyer programs also allow you to redeem your miles for gift cards. This can be a great way to convert your Marriott points to cash if you’re not planning on using them for travel.
You can use these gift cards for a variety of purchases, including dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Popular airline partners include American Airlines, Delta, United
When transferring your Marriott points to airline miles programs, you’ll have a wide range of airline partners to choose from. Some of the most popular partners include American Airlines, Delta, and United.
These airlines offer extensive flight networks, making it easy to use your miles for both domestic and international travel. Additionally, these airlines often have partnerships with other airlines, allowing you to book flights with even more options and flexibility.
For more information on transferring Marriott points to airline miles programs, you can visit the official Marriott website at www.marriott.com. They provide detailed instructions on how to initiate the transfer process and a list of all their airline partners.
Using Cash + Points Bookings
One of the ways to convert Marriott points to cash is by using the Cash + Points bookings option. This allows you to book a stay at a Marriott property using a combination of points and cash. It’s a great way to maximize the value of your points while still having the flexibility to pay a portion of the cost in cash.
Book a stay with a mix of points and cash
With Cash + Points bookings, you have the option to use a combination of Marriott points and cash to pay for your stay. This means you can save some of your hard-earned cash while still enjoying the benefits of a luxurious hotel stay.
Simply choose the Cash + Points option when making your reservation and select the number of points you want to use.
Use fewer points and pay remainder in cash
Another advantage of Cash + Points bookings is that you have the flexibility to use fewer points and pay the remainder of the cost in cash. This is particularly useful if you don’t have enough points to cover the entire stay but still want to take advantage of the benefits of using Marriott points.
By using a combination of points and cash, you can enjoy a discounted rate while still enjoying a comfortable stay.
Get change back in cash after checkout
One of the unique features of Cash + Points bookings is the ability to receive change back in cash after checkout. Let’s say you use 50,000 points and $100 cash for a reservation that would have cost $250. After your stay, you would receive $150 back in cash.
This is a fantastic way to not only save money on your stay but also get some cash back in your pocket.
For more information on how to convert Marriott points to cash using Cash + Points bookings, you can visit the official Marriott website www.marriott.com.
Selling Points to Online Buyers
If you have accumulated a substantial amount of Marriott points and would like to convert them into cash, selling your points to online buyers can be a lucrative option. By following a few simple steps, you can easily list your Marriott points for sale and find interested buyers.
List Marriott points for sale on points marketplace sites
There are several reputable points marketplace sites where you can list your Marriott points for sale. These platforms connect sellers with potential buyers, making it convenient and secure to conduct transactions. Some popular points marketplace sites include Points.com and Sell My Rewards.
When listing your points, provide accurate information about the number of points available and any additional perks or benefits that come with the sale.
Set your desired cash price per point
When selling your Marriott points, it’s important to set a competitive and fair cash price per point. Research the current market rates to ensure that your asking price is reasonable. Keep in mind that buyers are often looking for a good deal, so setting a slightly lower price might attract more interest.
Additionally, consider any fees or commissions that may be charged by the points marketplace site, as this will affect the final amount you receive.
Transfer points to the buyer’s account after sale
Once you have found a buyer and agreed upon the terms of the sale, it’s time to transfer the Marriott points to the buyer’s account. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the points marketplace site or any additional guidelines provided by the buyer.
Double-check all the details to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer.
Selling your Marriott points to online buyers can be a convenient way to convert your loyalty points into cash. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and only transact with reputable buyers and platforms to protect yourself from potential scams.
By following these steps, you can successfully sell your Marriott points and turn them into cash.
Conclusion
In summary, while Marriott points don’t directly convert to cash, you do have a few good options for monetizing your unused points balance. The best approach depends on how much you value Marriott points versus cash.
Just make sure to crunch the numbers to see which redemption method makes the most financial sense for your situation before exchanging your hard-earned points for cold hard cash.
