Guide: How to use the Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate
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The Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate is the best benefit offered by American Express Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. It allows cardholders to stay for free at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel, typically for a night worth up to 35,000 points. To take advantage of it, simply log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account and apply it when booking the most expensive night of your stay. With this certificate, you can save over $300 per night at participating hotels.
In this detailed guide, find out how to obtain and maximize this certificate worth 35,000 points, which can save you over $300 for a night at participating hotels.
What is a Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award Certificate?
The Marriott Bonvoy annual one-night free certificate is a benefit offered to American Express Marriott Bonvoy cardholders. With a value of 35,000 points, this free night certificate allows you to stay one night at no cost at participating hotels in the program.
Two American Express cards give you access to this valuable advantage in Canada:
- The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card ($120 per year)
- The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card ($150 per year)
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 | |||
| $150 |
This annual benefit more than offsets the cost of the card, especially if you use it in hotels where nights can cost upwards of $300. This benefit can also allow you to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
Note that annual one-night free certificates vary by country and credit card. In Canada, the maximum value of the certificates is 35,000 points for both Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
Be aware that elsewhere in the world (notably in the United States), there are several types of annual one-night free certificates:
| Certificate value (points) | Common name | Main origin |
|---|---|---|
| 20,000 points | 20K Certificate | Former promotions or historical certificates |
| 25,000 points | 25K Certificate | Former Marriott Bonvoy cards or promotions |
| 35,000 points | 35K Certificate | Mid-range Marriott Bonvoy credit cards (anniversary certificate) |
| 40,000 points | 40K Certificate | Titanium Elite status Choice Benefit (75 nights) |
| 50,000 points | 50K Certificate | Premium cards or welcome bonuses |
| 85,000 points | 85K Certificate | Ultra-premium cards (e.g., Amex Bonvoy Brilliant) |
Marriott Bonvoy – Value and Conditions of the Free Night Award
In Canada, the annual one-night free certificate is worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Since March 2026, according to Marriott Bonvoy, you have the option to top it up by adding up to 25,000 points from your Marriott Bonvoy account, allowing you to book nights worth up to 60,000 points.
Between May 2022 and March 2026, Marriott Bonvoy offered the possibility of topping up this certificate with up to 15,000 points from your Marriott Bonvoy account.
For example, here is a use at the Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel, where we stayed in 2019. The cost per night at this hotel was US$314, which is three times the card’s annual fee!
Here is another example of use for a certificate worth 50,000 points, topped up with 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, thus allowing the booking of a room worth 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
To get the best possible value, focus on stays in major cities such as New York, London or Paris, especially in high season when rates are highest.
| Certificate value (points) | Common name | Maximum value with 25,000 points added |
|---|---|---|
| 20,000 points | 20K Certificate | 45,000 points |
| 25,000 points | 25K Certificate | 50,000 points |
| 35,000 points | 35K Certificate | 60,000 points |
| 40,000 points | 40K Certificate | 65,000 points |
| 50,000 points | 50K Certificate | 75,000 points |
| 85,000 points | 85K Certificate | 110,000 points |
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Deadline for the Free Night Award Certificate
You’ll need to wait between 8 and 10 weeks after the annual renewal to obtain the one-night free certificate worth 35,000 points directly into your Marriott Bonvoy account.
This certificate can be found in the Activity section of your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Validity Period of the Free Night Award Certificate
The 35,000-point free night award certificate is valid for 12 months. In addition, the stay must take place before the expiry date of the certificate.
Previously, it was possible to extend the certificate’s validity period. Now, Marriott Bonvoy refuses to do so.
Marriott Bonvoy – How Do I Use the Annual Free Night Certificate?
Booking with your free night certificate is done directly on the Marriott Bonvoy website. During your search, select the desired hotel and check that the rate does not exceed 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (or 60,000 points if you plan to add 25,000 points).
For example, at the Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area, a night’s stay worth USD 319 + tax is available for 35,000 points.
At the time of payment, Marriott Bonvoy will ask you to use the certificate.
For a Stay of Less Than 5 Nights
If you stay between two and four nights in the same hotel, you can combine the certificate with points to pay for the remaining nights.
For example, here is a two-night stay at the same hotel:
- The certificate will be used for the most expensive night
- 34,000 points will be deducted for the other night
However, if you’re staying 5 nights or more, read on!
Beware of Stays of 5 Nights or More
If you stay 5 nights or more in the same hotel, be careful!
If you use a free night certificate worth 35,000 points, you won’t be able to benefit from the Stay 5 nights for the price of 4.
For example, here is a 5-night stay at the same hotel:
- The Annual Free Night Award will be used for the first night
- Points will be deducted for each of the other nights.
- No “Stay for 5, pay for 4” perk here.
Whereas if you choose to use your points without using the certificate, you can benefit from the Stay for 5 nights, pay for 4 advantage.
For example, here is a 5-night stay at this same hotel:
- Points will be redeemed for each night
- One night will be free (the cheapest in points)
What Happens to My Certificate If I Cancel My Booking?
Before canceling a reservation made with a certificate, check the hotel’s cancellation policy carefully. Cancellation policies vary according to the hotel, the period of stay and the type of rate. Some hotels require cancellation 24 hours before arrival, others up to 7 days in advance.
If you respect the hotel’s free cancellation period, your Free Night Award Certificate will be automatically returned to your Marriott Bonvoy account a few minutes after cancellation. The original expiration date of your certificate remains unchanged.
If you have any problems with the automatic return of your certificate, please contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service. Agents can quickly reactivate your account.
Bottom Line
The Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificate is the most attractive benefit of American Express Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. With nights that can be worth over $300, you can easily make your card’s annual fee worthwhile. You can even add up to 25,000 points to access even more luxurious hotels within the Marriott network.
And if you have both cards, you get two free nights per year!
For ideas on where to stay for free with your free night certificate, take inspiration from our guides:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 | |||
| $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to use the Marriott free night certificate?
The free night certificate is a benefit offered by certain American Express Marriott Bonvoy cards. To use it:
- Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy program account.
- Search for the hotel where you wish to stay.
- When booking, select the free night certificate as the payment method for the most expensive night of your stay.
- If you are booking multiple nights, you can combine the certificate with points for the other nights.
Tip: Free nights used with the certificate do not count toward Silver Elite or Gold Elite status, but nights paid with points can help earn status credits.
Can I offer my free night certificate to someone else?
No, the certificate must be used for a reservation in your name. However, you can add other people to your booking so that they can stay with you.
How to redeem the Amex Marriott free night certificate?
To redeem your Amex Marriott free night certificate:
- Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
- Verify that your free night certificates are available in your account.
- Select the participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel and the date of your stay.
- Apply the certificate at checkout for the night of your choice (usually the most expensive night).
- Confirm the reservation. Your certificate will then be deducted and the booking confirmed.
Note: Each certificate has an expiration date, so be sure to use it before it expires.
My certificate is about to expire, what should I do?
Unlike in previous years, Marriott no longer grants extensions. Plan to use your certificate before it expires, even if you need to book a stay several months in advance.
Can I combine two certificates for the same night?
No, you can only use one certificate per night and up to 25,000 additional points (since March 2026).
How do I know if a hotel will accept my free night certificate?
When searching on the Marriott site, look at the rate in points per night. If it does not exceed 35,000 points (or 60,000 with the addition of points), you will be able to use your certificate.
What happens if the rates change after I've booked?
Once your reservation has been confirmed with the certificate, it is guaranteed even if rates increase. If rates go down, you can cancel and rebook if the cancellation policy allows.
How long after I renew my card will I receive my certificate?
The certificate is deposited in your Marriott Bonvoy account between 8 and 10 weeks after your card renewal date.
If I cancel my American Express Marriott Bonvoy credit card, do I lose my certificate?
No, once issued, the certificate remains valid until its expiry date, even if you cancel your card.
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.