Recognising that travel will still be hard hit in 2021 and also more importantly to prevent guests from moving to other chains as they already made it easier to re-qualify for elite status, Marriott has also finally announced their reduced qualifications needed for re-qualifying for elite status again.
To help you get to the next Elite level faster, Marriott will deposit 50% of the required Elite Night Credits for 2020 Elite status into your account by February 5, 2021.
So,
Silver Elite members who need 10 will receive 5 elite nights
Gold Elite members who need 25 will receive 13 elite nights
Platinum Elite members who need 50 will receive 25 elite nights
Titanium Elite members who need 75 will receive 38 elite nights
Ambassador Elite members who need 100 will receive 50 elite nights
So unlike what they did last year, your status from previous year will not automatically roll over into the new year. You will need to earn only 50% of the normal requirement. Additionally, the required spend for Ambassador Elite has been lowered to $14K annual qualifying spend in 2021 only. In 2022, the spend requirement will return to $20K annually.
It will be fairly easy to achieve this when you factor in Marriott’s promo of double points and double nights for paid stays of 2 nights or more between February 16 to April 27 this year.
Let’s not forget the ease to do this if you also hold the credit card(s) from Amex.
If you hold the Canadian Amex Personal Platinum, you automatically get the Gold Elite status after you apply for it.
In this case you will get a credit of 13 nights so you will need 37 nights to move to Platinum Elite.
And, this can be lowered further if you hold a co-branded Amex Bonvoy card.
i.e. Canadian Amex Marriott Bonvoy Personal or Business will give you 15 nights only once.
But, the US Amex Marriott Bonvoy Personal and Business will each give you 15 nights each and if you hold both, you will get 30 nights.
So, elite status is within easy reach to re-qualify for 2022 that will be valid through February of 2023. The minimum to aim for is Platinum Elite as thats where you see real perks – Upgrades, Free Breakfast, Lounge access in the evenings with free snacks and drinks and Late check-outs.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
Image Photo by Giorgio Marini on Unsplash