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Marriott Raises Free Night Award Top-Off Cap to 25,000 Points

The higher cap expands certificate usability after years of award-price inflation.

Overview

  • Effective March 12, 2026, members can add up to 25,000 points to any Free Night Award during booking.
  • Practical ceilings rise to 60,000 points for 35k certificates, 65,000 for 40k, 75,000 for 50k, and 110,000 for 85k, widening hotel options.
  • The top-off applies to certificates from co-brand cards, promotions, and Choice Benefits, with use limited to standard rooms.
  • Terms bar combining certificates with cash or the Stay for 5, Pay for 4 offer and exclude Homes & Villas and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
  • Analysts describe a flexibility boost rather than a value restoration given dynamic pricing and possible repricing by hotels, and note that offers tied to 50k awards gain practical reach.