One of the significant advantages of Marriott Bonvoy elite status is the ability to choose Choice Benefits, which can be gained after achieving 50 or 75 elite nights in a calendar year. In this article, I’d like to cover everything you should be aware of regarding this program, particularly since many individuals strive for elite status with the aim of accessing these rewards. The program has recently been introduced for the 2026 program year, aimed at those who may already be on track for status.
What is the Marriott Choice Benefits program?
In addition to the standard benefits outlined in the program that come with each stay, Marriott Bonvoy elite members can select extra perks for reaching specific milestones.
Elite members — specifically Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members — can opt for Choice Benefits after reaching 50 and 75 elite qualifying nights in a calendar year.
Elite nights achieved not only through stays also count towards these milestones. This includes the fact that Marriott Bonvoy members can earn up to 40 elite nights annually through co-branded Marriott credit cards. For instance, I hold the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, which provide 25 and 15 elite nights each year, respectively.
It is certainly advantageous to start the year with 40 elite nights, as this gets you close to the two Choice Benefits thresholds.
However, keep in mind that lifetime Marriott Bonvoy elite members do not automatically receive these perks unless they meet the necessary elite night threshold in a specific year.
Marriott’s 50-night Platinum Choice Benefits
With Marriott Choice Benefits, Bonvoy members who achieve 50 elite qualifying nights in a year can select from the following rewards:
– Five Nightly Upgrade Awards
– Five Elite Night Credits
– Ability to gift Silver Elite status
– $1,000 discount off the purchase of a Marriott Bonvoy retail bed
– $100 charitable contribution
Marriott’s 75-night Titanium Choice Benefits
Furthermore, Marriott Bonvoy members who complete 75 elite qualifying nights in a year can choose from these rewards (as seen, this includes two enhanced choices):
– Five Nightly Upgrade Awards
– Five Elite Night Credits
– Free night award (valid at a hotel costing up to 40,000 points)
– Ability to gift Gold Elite status
– $1,000 discount off the purchase of a Marriott Bonvoy retail bed
– $100 charitable contribution
How do you select Marriott Choice Benefits?
Marriott Bonvoy usually sends emails to members to prompt them to choose Choice Benefits. Additionally, you can follow this link, and if you’re eligible to choose Choice Benefits, you’ll see the available options. Note that:
– Once you select your rewards, you cannot change them
– For status you qualify for in 2026, you need to make your choice by February 1, 2027
– It can sometimes be wise to delay your selection if you don’t have an immediate use since your preferences may change over time
– If you do not make a selection, you will automatically receive Nightly Upgrade Awards as your choice
Which Marriott Choice Benefits are most beneficial?
Individuals will evaluate the different perks uniquely. Personally, I have consistently chosen Nightly Upgrade Awards as my benefit. These can theoretically provide the most value — I say “theoretically” because they won’t be equally valuable for everyone.
Nightly Upgrade Awards can be utilized to secure premium rooms at nearly all Marriott brands, and upgrades are confirmed up to three to five days prior to arrival, depending on the brand (it’s five days for all brands except EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis). Essentially, it provides you an advantage when it comes to upgrades, which is significant given the number of Marriott Bonvoy elite members.
Throughout the years, I’ve used these to confirm upgrades at various properties, and in many instances, I have received suites that cost $1,000+ more than the room I originally booked. Last year, I also selected Nightly Upgrade Awards as my benefit. While I don’t always have success with these clearing, when they do, they significantly enhance the value of my stays.
To elaborate on why the other options might not appeal to me as much:
– Adding five elite nights to one’s total in a specific year usually provides no value unless it would elevate you over the next elite threshold
– Gifting Silver or Gold status lacks significant value, as the status doesn’t come with many benefits
– Although making a donation is commendable, realistically, I value some of the other options at more than $100, so it wouldn’t be the best choice to maximize value
– Opting for a free night award valued at up to 40,000 points could be a worthwhile selection, particularly if you don’t find value in the Nightly Upgrade Awards