Marriott Bonvoy’s elite status program offers significant advantages to frequent travelers. But the real rewards kick in after reaching 50 or 75 elite nights in a calendar year, unlocking the ability to select an Annual Choice Benefit. These benefits are valuable, but the best choice depends on your travel patterns and goals. If you hit these thresholds in 2025, you must make your selections by February 1st, or Marriott will default to Nightly Upgrade Awards.
How Marriott Annual Choice Benefits Work
Once you accrue 50 elite nights, you earn one Annual Choice Benefit. Reaching 75 elite nights earns you a second. The options differ slightly depending on whether you’re at the 50- or 75-night level, so it’s crucial to understand what’s available and select wisely.
The program exists because Marriott wants to incentivize loyalty. By offering tailored rewards, they encourage members to keep chasing higher elite tiers, ultimately increasing direct bookings and brand preference. The fact that these benefits expire adds a layer of urgency, ensuring continued engagement.
Selecting Your Benefit: Where to Go & What to Consider
To choose your benefit(s), visit the Marriott website and sign in to your Bonvoy account. Once selected, your choice is final, so assess carefully. If eligible for both 50- and 75-night benefits, you must select the former before proceeding with the latter.
The deadline is strict: 11:59 p.m. EST on February 1st. Miss it, and Marriott will automatically assign you Nightly Upgrade Awards.
Earning Elite Nights: How to Qualify
Qualifying for these benefits isn’t always about sheer travel volume. Marriott offers multiple avenues:
- Direct Bookings: Booking through Marriott’s official channels (even with points or free night awards) earns elite nights.
- Co-Branded Credit Cards: Certain Marriott Bonvoy credit cards provide automatic elite night credits. Some cards even offer bonuses for spending thresholds.
- Spending on Brilliant Card : The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card allows for additional benefits through spending.
However, simply holding a card with automatic Platinum Elite status does not automatically qualify you for a Choice Benefit. You must earn the nights through travel or qualifying spending.
50-Night Benefit Options: A Closer Look
Your options after 50 elite nights include:
- Five Elite Night Credits: Useful for pushing towards higher status tiers like Titanium or lifetime status.
- Five Nightly Upgrade Awards: Potentially valuable for securing premium room upgrades.
- $1,000 Off a Mattress: A niche option, only worthwhile if you were already planning to buy a Marriott mattress.
- $100 Charity Donation: A feel-good option, but financially less rewarding than others.
- Gift Marriott Silver Elite Status: The least valuable option, as Silver benefits are minimal.
For most travelers, the Nightly Upgrade Awards are the most flexible and potentially lucrative choice.
75-Night Benefit Options: Stepping Up the Rewards
Reaching 75 elite nights unlocks additional benefits, including Titanium Elite status. Your choices now include all the 50-night options plus:
- Free Night Award (up to 40,000 points): A solid option worth roughly $280, according to current valuations.
- Gift Marriott Gold Elite Status: Still less valuable than other options.
Here, the free night award or more Nightly Upgrade Awards are typically the best choice. If you’re close to achieving Ambassador Elite status, the five elite night credits may be valuable.
Which Benefit Should You Choose?
- 50 Nights: Prioritize Nightly Upgrade Awards for flexibility.
- 75 Nights: Go for more Nightly Upgrade Awards or a free night award worth up to 40,000 points.
If you’re strategically aiming for a higher tier, five elite night credits could be the right move.
Ultimately, Marriott’s Annual Choice Benefits are a valuable part of the Bonvoy program, but they require careful consideration. The best option depends on your individual travel habits and elite status goals.
Don’t delay; make your selection before February 1st to maximize your rewards.
