Marriott Bonvoy American Express: How I Earned 35,000 Points From One Dubai Trip (With Tokyo Next!)

As a frequent traveller, timing your credit card applications can make a significant difference to your points balance. I recently planned a trip to Dubai and decided to make the most of it by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card. The timing couldn't be better, as I'm planning to use these points for an upcoming stay in Tokyo. Here's how I managed to earn a whopping 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points from just one trip.

The Strategy

I knew I had some substantial Marriott stays coming up in Dubai, so I timed my application perfectly to maximise the benefits. The current welcome bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express stands at 22,000 points after spending £3,000 in the first three months. Plus, you can earn an additional 3,000 points by adding a supplementary cardholder (which is free).

Here's how the points stacked up:

• 22,000 points from the welcome bonus

• 3,000 points from adding my partner as a supplementary cardholder

• 10,000 points from actual spend at Marriott properties (earning 6 points per £1)

These points will come in particularly handy for my upcoming Tokyo trip, where hotel rates are currently quite steep. As a Titanium member, combining these points with my elite benefits should make for a particularly rewarding stay in Japan.

The timing was crucial here - I made sure to hit the minimum spend requirement primarily through my hotel stays, essentially double-dipping on points earning. As a Titanium member, I was already earning 75% more points on stays, but adding the Marriott Amex meant I earned an additional 6 points per pound spent at Marriott properties.

What Makes This Card Worthwhile

Beyond the welcome bonus, the card offers some solid ongoing benefits:

• 6 points per £1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide

• 2 points per £1 spent elsewhere

• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status

• Gold Elite status when you spend £15,000 in a calendar year

For those wondering about the value, Marriott Bonvoy points typically value between 0.5-0.8p each, depending on how you use them. This means the 35,000 points I earned are worth approximately £175-£280 in hotel stays - which could be even more valuable in expensive markets like Tokyo.

If you're interested in applying, you can use our referral link here to get started.

Pro Tips For Maximising Value

If you're planning to apply for this card, here are some strategies I learned:

1. Time your application with big hotel stays. The spending requirement is easier to meet, and you'll earn bonus points on the hotel spend.

2. Add a supplementary cardholder immediately. The 3,000 bonus points are essentially free.

3. Book direct with Marriott using the card. This ensures you get both the card points and your elite status points.

4. Overlap your stays with their recent bonus nights offer to reach status faster 

5. Consider high-value redemptions in expensive cities. Points can be particularly valuable in places like Tokyo, New York, or London where cash rates are typically high.

6. Check cash rates versus points before booking. Sometimes, especially during off-peak periods, cash rates might offer better value. You can use our Smart Redemptions tool to help calculate the best value for your points.

The Verdict

While the Marriott Bonvoy American Express might not be the most lucrative card for everyday spending, it's absolutely worth considering if you have significant Marriott stays planned. The welcome bonus alone can fund a free night at many properties, and the additional earning rate at Marriott properties makes it a no-brainer for regular Marriott guests.

For my Dubai trip, this strategy worked perfectly - not only did I earn a substantial points haul, but I also enjoyed the automatic Silver Elite status benefits during my stay. I'm particularly excited to put these points to use in Tokyo, where hotel rates can be eye-watering. If you're planning any significant Marriott stays, timing your application around these could result in similar rewards.

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