Marriott is perhaps one of the best known hotel chains in the U.S., and it has thousands of properties in its portfolio around the world. If you stay at a Marriott property every once in a while, you might be curious about its loyalty program and whether it's worth it to join.

We've rounded up some of the main things you should know that makes the Marriott Bonvoy program different from the rest, including its rewarding elite status program and the number of ways to earn and redeem points. Here are seven things to know before joining Marriott Bonvoy.

1. Joining Marriott Bonvoy is free

Do you have to pay to be a Marriott Bonvoy member? No. It’s free. As a member, you earn points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, hotel perks (when you earn elite status), gifts or experiences.

Redeeming points for a free night at Marriott is simple. Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic award pricing that links award rates to demand.

At various times of the year, Marriott Bonvoy also has sales on stays at many of its properties through the PointSavers program, which takes up to 20% off the redemption rate.

Editors’ note: Marriott Bonvoy discontinued its award chart as of April 1, 2022. We have yet to see what will happen to the program’s PointSavers rate in light of these changes. PointSaver details are still available on its site despite PointSaver rates being unavailable on for bookings through 2022. We will update the article as information becomes available to us.

There’s also Marriott Bonvoy Moments, which lets members use points to bid on or buy unusual experiences. This can include, for example, VIP access to sporting events like the U.S. Grand Prix or tickets for luxury seats at a concert.

2. There are over 8,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels

With more than 8,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels, there is bound to be a hotel for every taste. Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program for 30 brands as well as Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Whether you are looking for a comfortable night’s sleep at a Fairfield Inn & Suites or want a luxurious vacation at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, Marriott Bonvoy points can take you around the world.

Other Marriott Bonvoy brands include:

Marriott Bonvoy Brands

AC Hotels.Aloft Hotels.Autograph Collection Hotels.Bulgari Hotels & Resorts.Courtyard by Marriott.Delta Hotels.Design Hotels.EDITION.Element by Westin.Fairfield by Marriott.Four Points by Sheraton.Gaylord Hotels.JW Marriott.Le Méridien.Marriott Executive Apartments.Marriott Vacation Club.Marriott.Moxy Hotels.Protea Hotels.Renaissance Hotels.Residence Inn by Marriott.Sheraton.SpringHill Suites.St. Regis.The Luxury Collection.The Ritz-Carlton.TownePlace Suites.Tribute Portfolio.W Hotels.Westin.

3. Paying for hotel nights isn’t the only way to earn rewards

Marriott Bonvoy members have plenty of ways to keep earning points for future free nights. The more ways of points earning you use, the faster you’ll earn award stays.

Complete a paid stay at a Marriott property.

Reserve a corporate meeting or an event at a Marriott property.

Use a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card.

Book rental cars with Hertz.

Book an eligible cruise.

Dine at restaurants that participate in the Eat Around Town program.

Order rides or meals with Uber and Uber Eats.

Purchases at ShopMarriott.com, which stocks the products used at Marriott properties, including pillows, linens, blankets and furniture.

If you're a new member who doesn't have enough Marriott Bonvoy points but wants to make a big redemption, you can transfer points into Marriott from American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 1:1 ratio.