Marriott Bonvoy Terms & Conditions Changes January 26, 2022

Marriott has again made minor changes to the Terms & Conditions governing its Bonvoy guest loyalty program.

The changes clarify what is qualifying spend and what counts towards reaching the $20K Ambassador spend requirement.

You can access Marriott Bonvoy T&Cs here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Non-Qualifying Charges:

2.1.c. Non-Qualifying Charges. Charges which do not qualify for Points include any complimentary services, Points redemption Awards (including any cash portion of an Award Redemption), promotional Awards, or any other fees or charges including, without limitation:

Marriott now clarifies that the cash portion of the Cash + Points is NOT a qualifying charge, and you don’t earn points for it.

Paid Upgrade Awards:

ii. Paid Upgrade Awards. At select Participating Properties, Members may pay for an upgrade to a Free Night Award reservation on a cost per night basis. The price for “Paid Upgrade Awards” varies by Participating Property and will be charged to the folio during the Member’s stay. Additional Points are not required with Paid Upgrade Awards. Members will not earn Points or Miles on Paid Upgrade Awards. In addition, the cash portion does not count toward the Ambassador Elite annual qualifying spend requirement (see 4.3.e). Members are responsible for all applicable taxes and service charges associated Paid Upgrade Awards.

The cash portion of Paid Upgrade Awards is not Ambassador spend qualifying.

Cash + Points Awards

3.4.b. Members will not earn Points or Miles on the cash portion of Cash + Points Awards. In addition, the cash portion does not count toward the Ambassador Elite annual qualifying spend requirement (see 4.3.e). Members are responsible for all applicable taxes and service charges associated with the cash portion of Cash + Points Awards.

The cash portion of Cash + Points Awards is not Ambassador qualifying.

Lifetime Titanium

ii. Achievement of Lifetime Titanium Elite status (formerly achieved through Legacy Program Lifetime Elite Status Criteria) ended on December 31, 2018.

Marriott clarifies that the qualification for the Lifetime Titanium tier ended on December 31, 2018.

Conclusion

These most recent changes are minor but may indicate that come March 2022, awards that combine cash and points are not qualifying to earn points (even for the cash portion).

Marriott would do everyone a big favor by cutting down on the length of the T&Cs that is out of control.