How to Earn Double Marriott Bonvoy Points

The real winners in the points ecosystem are those who take advantage of limited-time deals and promotions.

One promotion that Marriott fans will want to take a close look at: The chain's Bonvoy rewards program is currently offering double points for members. Register by May 21, 2019, to earn double points for stays at eligible hotels through June 4, 2019.

Sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn't it? It can be, but here are some caveats and other details to be aware of.

Double points kick in with your second stay

This is the big one. Members must have two stays at a Marriott-brand hotel to start earning double points. Frequent travelers should be able to easily take advantage of this, but if you’re a homebody looking to build up your Marriott Bonvoy account, you’ll need to check your calendar and see if you can justify two stays before June 4.

» Learn more: Travel loyalty program reviews

It’s important to note that Marriott defines a stay as “consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity.” So although you couldn't check into and out of the same hotel two days in a row to activate the deal, you could stay at two different Marriott properties in the same city to do so.

Hotels booked through third-party systems don’t count

If your travel site of choice is Expedia, or you’re a member of Hotels.com’s rewards program, don’t expect to double up with Marriott. Hotel bookings through third-party websites or certain travel agents won’t trigger the double points bonus. The easiest way to ensure that you’ll be earning the points bonus is to book through Marriott.com.

The good news is the double points bonus applies to all Marriott brands where you’d normally earn points. Brands like the Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Springhill Suites all normally earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible hotel charges, and stays at Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Element hotels all normally earn 5 points per dollar. Double those values if you stay during the promotional period.

You can't elect to earn airline miles

Marriott Bonvoy is a flexible rewards program, and when you sign up, you’re able to choose between earning points or provide a frequent flyer number for your favorite airline to earn miles toward that program. This is a great way to link your hotel and airline accounts if you’re more interested in airline programs, but in this case, will cause you to miss out on the double points promotion. Only members who are earning points are eligible. If you’ve elected to earn miles, you can easily switch back over to earning points by updating your online profile or contacting member support.

» Learn more: Here's how much your points and miles are worth

Cardholders have more opportunities to earn

Marriott Bonvoy offers several branded credit cards that offer points incentives beyond just signing up as a member of the program. Cardholders can take advantage of bonus points during the promotion, with any weekend stay earning an additional 500 points. This offer starts immediately with the first stay, so no need to double down to take advantage. Marriott classifies a “weekend stay” as any stay at a hotel that includes both a Friday and Saturday night.

» Learn more: NerdWallet’s top hotel rewards credit cards

Of course, many points-based credit cards have their own reward systems baked in. Just by staying at a hotel, you’re earning points. Maximize the points opportunities by registering for Marriott Bonvoy, earning you points in that system, and then pay with the rewards credit card of your choice, earning even more.

This might seem like a lot of caveats, but it's free to sign up for Marriott Bonvoy, so that part's easy. By creating an account before May 21, 2019, you can take advantage of this promotion and begin earning extra points.