Maximize Marriott Rewards: How to Earn Points Through Uber

Earning Marriott points through Uber might not be the most obvious way to accumulate hotel loyalty points, but it’s a clever and efficient method for frequent travelers and Marriott Bonvoy members. Marriott Bonvoy, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, offers various ways to earn points, and partnering with Uber has opened up a new avenue for travelers to boost their points balance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how you can leverage your Uber rides to earn Marriott points, tips, and strategies to maximize your earnings and the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy membership.

Understanding Marriott Bonvoy

Before delving deep into earning Marriott points through Uber, it’s crucial to have a firm grasp of the Marriott Bonvoy program. Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program of Marriott International, encompassing a vast portfolio of hotels and resorts, including renowned brands like Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, and Ritz-Carlton, among others.

Marriott Bonvoy members enjoy various perks, including room upgrades, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive member rates. However, one of the most enticing aspects of the program is the ability to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, flights, and other travel-related benefits.

The Marriott-Uber Partnership

Marriott Bonvoy and Uber joined forces to create a unique synergy between hotel stays and ridesharing services. This collaboration allows Marriott Bonvoy members to earn points on eligible Uber transactions, bringing more value to their loyalty membership.

To get started, you need to link your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber accounts. This can typically be done in a few simple steps on the Uber app or website. Once your accounts are linked, you’re ready to start earning points.

Earning Marriott Points Through Uber

Earning Marriott points through Uber is straightforward, but it’s important to note that not all Uber transactions qualify for points. Here’s how it works:

a. 6x points per dollar spent on eligible Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders of $40+ that are delivered to any hotel within the Marriott portfolio.

b. 3x points per dollar spent on rides with UberXL, Uber Comfort, Uber SUV, and Uber Black.

c. 2x points per dollar spent on eligible Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders of $40+, including those from Marriott restaurants.

Maximizing Your Marriott Points

Now that you know how to earn Marriott points through Uber, let’s explore some strategies to maximize your point accumulation:

a. Ride Frequently: The more you use Uber, the more you earn Marriott points. If you frequently rely on ridesharing services, this can become a significant source of points over time.

b. Group Travel: When traveling with a group, consider using your Uber account to book rides for the entire group. This way, you’ll earn points for all the fares, increasing your point accumulation.

c. Coordinate with Hotel Stays: If you’re staying at a Marriott property, coordinate your Uber rides to and from the hotel. Many Marriott hotels are conveniently located near popular destinations, making it easy to earn points during your stay.

d. Uber Eats: Don’t forget about Uber Eats. Ordering meals through the app can be a convenient way to earn points, especially if you’re not using Uber for transportation.

e. Credit Card Partnerships: Some credit cards offer bonus points for Uber transactions when linked to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Consider using these cards to maximize your earnings even further.

The Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Membership

Earning Marriott points through Uber is just one of the many advantages of being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Here are some other benefits that come with the program:

a. Elite Status: Marriott Bonvoy offers elite status tiers, including Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador. Each tier comes with its own set of perks, such as room upgrades, bonus points, and late checkout.

b. Redemption Options: Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free hotel stays, flights, and other travel-related expenses. This flexibility allows you to tailor your rewards to your travel preferences.

c. Global Reach: With Marriott’s extensive network of properties worldwide, you’ll find accommodation options in nearly every corner of the globe.

d. Partner Benefits: Marriott Bonvoy has partnerships with various airlines, rental car companies, and other travel providers, allowing you to earn and redeem points across a wide range of services.

e. Exclusive Events: Marriott often hosts exclusive events and experiences that are accessible to Bonvoy members. These can include concerts, sporting events, and culinary experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

To further supercharge your Marriott points earnings, consider applying for a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card. These credit cards often come with generous sign-up bonuses, accelerated point earnings on Marriott-related expenses, and additional benefits like free nights and elite status.

Some popular Marriott Bonvoy credit cards include the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card. These cards can provide substantial value for frequent travelers and can be an excellent complement to your Uber strategy.

Is it worth it?

The simple answer is yes. Even if you do not stay at Marriott properties or have their cobranded credit cards, linking your Marriott and Uber accounts is easy. It allows you to double dip in credit card points on your Uber Eats or Rides while earning Marriott points. For those who are Marriott loyalists, this is just another way to earn bonus points on everyday spending you may already be doing. I personally do not stay at Marriott often and have no Marriott credit cards but I still earn points when I use Uber.