Akthr vs Marriott Bonvoy: which loyalty program wins?

We score Akthr and Marriott Bonvoy on the same five factors — earning rate, redemption value, partner network, ease of use, and point expiry — to help you choose the right program for how you actually spend.

Verdict

Akthr is best for Anyone wanting flexible redemption across airlines, hotels, and investment, while Marriott Bonvoy is best for Saudi-based travelers.

Skip Akthr if Anyone seeking high earn rates without a premium card, and skip Marriott Bonvoy if Anyone wanting to earn through daily spend.

Overall rating

	Akthr	Marriott Bonvoy
Overall rating	3.6 / 5	4.1 / 5
Earning	3.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Network	4.0 / 5	5.0 / 5
Ease of use	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Expiry	3.0 / 5	3.0 / 5

Earning structure

Akthr	Cardholders earn Akthr points on every purchase, with rates varying significantly by card tier. Standard credit cards and the Traveler prepaid card earn 1 point per SAR. Intermediate tiers (Platinum, Signature) earn at higher rates. Infinite cards earn 6 points per SAR on domestic purchases and 7 per SAR on international - but Infinite cards are income-restricted and held by a small minority of customers. Members can also earn points through banking products and services beyond card spend. Welcome bonuses up to 10,000 points are offered to new members. Promotional doubling campaigns run periodically at supermarkets and partner merchants. Digital wallet top-ups do not earn points.
Marriott Bonvoy	Members earn 10 base points per USD spent at most Marriott brands including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, W, Westin, Sheraton, Le Méridien, Renaissance, Autograph, Marriott, Courtyard, Aloft, and Four Points. Earnings drop to 5 points/USD at Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Protea, and Homes & Villas; 4 points/USD at StudioRes; and 2.5 points/USD at Marriott Executive Apartments. Elite tier members receive bonus points: Silver +10%, Gold +25%, Platinum +50%, Titanium and Ambassador +75%. Members can also earn through Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty car rentals and point purchases.

Redemption structure

Akthr	Points redeem through multiple channels via the alinma app: cash to AlinmaPay wallet, partner POS discount codes via registered mobile number plus OTP (from as few as 2 points per code), e-vouchers and selected products, transfer to Alfursan miles, transfer to flynas naSmiles miles (24 Akthr points = 1 naSmiles mile), transfer to ALL Accor hotel rewards (22,000 Akthr = 1,000 ALL Reward Points, 5,500+ hotels worldwide), conversion to Alinma Capital investment wallet, charitable donations, hotel and car bookings, and gifting points to other registered Akthr members. Most redemption options have low or no minimum thresholds. The mobile-number-plus-OTP mechanic at partner POS is among the simplest redemption flows in Saudi banking.
Marriott Bonvoy	Points redeem for hotel stays at 9,000+ Marriott properties across 143 countries. Dynamic award pricing applies - costs shift based on cash rates and demand. The 5th Night Free benefit gives the lowest-value night free on redemptions of 5+ consecutive nights - Marriott's most valuable redemption perk. Free Night Awards (from credit cards or Annual Choice Benefits) can be topped off with up to 25,000 points (increased from 15,000 in March 2026). Transfer to 40+ airline partners at 3:1 ratio (typically 60,000 Bonvoy = 25,000 miles + 5,000 bonus). Other options include gift cards, merchandise, dining experiences via Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and instant redemptions for room credits.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Akthr	Marriott Bonvoy
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	0	6
Top tier	—	Ambassador Elite
First-tier qualification	—	—
Point expiry	12 months	24 months inactivity (reset on earn)

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