For Marriott Vacation Club owners, understanding how to use your Abound Club Points is essential. Whether you’re planning your next vacation, banking points for future use, or exploring exchange options, the Abound Club Point Usage Chart found in this article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the possibilities.
This article breaks down the key components of the chart, offering insights into how different types of points can be used and the rules that apply to them.
Chart Legend
Travel Prior to Point Expiration and Current/Future Use Year Points
Booking Windows
The ability to book reservations with Abound Club Points depends on your membership level and the timing of your booking:
- Owner Level (Up to 3,999 Points): Reservations for seven or more consecutive nights can be made 13 months prior to check-in, with a 20% point premium. At 12 months, the premium is waived, and at 10 months, any number of nights can be booked.
- Select Level (4,000 to 6,999 Points): Reservations for seven or more consecutive nights can be made 13 months prior, with no premium. At 12 months, any number of nights can be booked.
- Executive, Presidential, and Chairman’s Club Levels (7,000+ Points): Reservations for any number of nights can be made as early as 13 months prior to check-in.
Maximizing Flexibility
Understanding these booking windows allows owners to plan ahead and secure their preferred accommodations, especially during high-demand periods.
End of Use Year Expiring Points
Banking Deadlines
Banking points allows owners to extend their usability into the next Use Year. However, deadlines for banking points vary by membership level:
- Owner and Select Levels: Points must be banked at least six months before the end of the current Use Year.
- Executive and Presidential Levels: Banking must occur at least four months before the end of the Use Year.
- Chairman’s Club Level: Points must be banked at least two months before the end of the Use Year.
Key Considerations
Failing to bank points before the deadline will result in their expiration, so it’s important to plan ahead and monitor your account.
Expiring Banked Points
Usage Periods
Once points are banked, they must be used within a specific timeframe:
- Owner Level: Banked points must be used within the immediately following Use Year.
- Presidential Level: Banked points can be used within the following 1.5 Use Years.
- Chairman’s Club Level: Banked points are valid for up to two Use Years.
Strategic Planning
Banking points provides flexibility, but owners should be mindful of the expiration periods to avoid losing their value.
Holding Account Points
Rules and Restrictions
Points placed in a Holding Account are subject to specific rules:
- Reservations using Holding Account points must be made within 60 days of the check-in date.
- Holding Account points cannot be banked or borrowed.
- Points in a Holding Account will expire at the end of the current Use Year if not used.
Cancellation Penalties
If a reservation is canceled 60 days or fewer before check-in, the points used for that reservation will be placed in a Holding Account. Canceling on the day of check-in results in the forfeiture of all points used for the reservation.
Plus Points
Special Incentives
Plus Points are often offered as promotional incentives for new purchases. These points can be used for stays at Marriott Vacation Club properties but come with certain restrictions:
- Plus Points cannot be banked, transferred, or converted to Marriott Bonvoy points.
- They must be used within the promotional period specified at the time of issuance.
Maximizing Value
Plus Points provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy additional vacations or extend your stay, but owners should be aware of their limitations and expiration dates.
Conclusion
By understanding the rules and restrictions associated with different types of points, owners can make informed decisions and enjoy greater flexibility in their vacation planning.
Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned member, staying informed about your options ensures you get the most out of your Marriott Vacation Club ownership.
