Marriott has launched a great promotion which is arguably one of the best ways to generate cash right now when no one is travelling. They are offering you a discount to buy now for travel later.
Marriott Gift Cards are going at a 20% discount through May 17
Marriott has launched a new sale on their gift cards, where Marriott Gift Cards are going for a 20% discount between May 11 and May 17, 2020.
The discount is being offered on electronic gift cards purchased in US Dollars. However, these gift cards can be used globally. You can purchase up to USD 5,000 worth of gift cards per person per day. The gift cards don’t arrive immediately but within 1-7 business days after order verification. These gift cards don’t expire, and you can use them for multiple transactions, till the value is zeroed out.
Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, India
The gift cards are being offered in the following denominations:
- Buy a USD 50 Gift Card for USD 40
- Buy a USD 100 Gift Card for USD 80
- Buy a USD 250 Gift Card for USD 200
- Buy a USD 500 Gift Card for USD 400
- Buy a USD 1,000 gift card for USD 800
These Gift Cards are valid for meals, stay, spa or any other payments at the following brands of Marriott around the world.
The following brands won’t accept the gift cards: Bvlgari, Design Hotels, Homes and Villas by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. Marriott Gift Cards can only be utilised on-property, which means rates which require a prior payment won’t be able to use the Marriott Gift Cards.
Bottomline
If there are going to be no liquidity issues, I’d highly advise to pick up some of these gift cards right now for travel later. After all, this is a straight-up 25% bonus for your stays later around the globe, and these gift cards are not going to expire anytime.
USD is too strong now..
If the INR gets stronger later, the discount won’t be sweet ..
Hi Ajay,
Thanks for the post.
I have a clubMarriott membership (courtesy HDFC Diners Black). It offers 15% on Best Available Rates. I see we need to use the vouchers are valid for postpaid stays only.
Do you think we will be able to double dip on the below?
1) Combine the 15% clubMarriott discount + pay by Gift Card
2) Combine the 15% clubMarriott discount + pay by GC + use upgrade vouchers
Thanks in advance.
Except, this is not exactly 20% saving for us. Because purchase has to be made through Marriott US website in USD. Thus incurring FX charges + GST on FX
So it probably around 15% for us.
@AJ where are you paying 5% towards conversion charges?
3.5% + 18% GST on my Amex Plat Travel card.
So yea turns out to be a little less than 4%. Do you have any tips on how can this be offset / avoided?
Use a better card.
1. HDFC Infinia/DCB/Regalia or Regalia first.
2. YFP/YFE
3. IDFC first signature debit card
4. Icici emerald card.
5. Global niyo card
6. SC Ultimate
Etc etc.
But amex plat travel might be a good option if you want to reach the milestone quickly.
Hi,
Can this be used as payment for stay, when taking Marriott Platinum challenge.
@Ashish, yes. as long as your rate booked is postpaid.
You will also get 60% more points when you purchase during the promotion.
@Rajeev, that promotion is yet to go live.
Yea, sorry didn’t notice it. It starts after the current one on May 18th to June 30th
Can these gift cards be used for pre-booking using marriot website?
@Shyantanu, book via Marriott but only postpaid rates not prepaid ones.