Marriott Bonvoy
VS
Skywards
Emirates Airlines
Marriott Bonvoy vs Skywards: which loyalty program wins?
We score Marriott Bonvoy and Skywards 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
Marriott Bonvoy is best for Saudi-based travelers, while Skywards is best for Frequent flyers.
Skip Marriott Bonvoy if Anyone wanting to earn through daily spend, and skip Skywards if Domestic flyers.
Overall rating
| Marriott Bonvoy | Skywards | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Earning | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Redemption | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Network | 5.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Expiry | 3.0 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 |
Earning structure
| 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. | |
|---|---|---|
| Skywards | Members earn Skywards Miles by flying with Emirates and flydubai (with Tier Miles for status qualification) and through 30+ partner airlines including Air Canada (full partnership December 2025), JetBlue, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, S7, and others (Skywards Miles only - no Tier Miles from partners). Earning also extends to hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and ALL Accor; car rentals; dining partners; and retail. Saudi residents can transfer points from BSF Jana (500-point minimum, up to 200,000 per conversion) and anb rewards via published conversion rates. Tier bonuses: Silver +30%, Gold +75%, Platinum +100%. Members can also purchase miles. The Emirates Skywards Mastercard from Citi is US/Europe market only. |
Redemption structure
| 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. | |
|---|---|---|
| Skywards | Miles redeem for award flights and upgrades on Emirates and flydubai, plus partner airlines (Air Canada, JetBlue, Korean, Cathay, Qantas, and 25+ more). Classic Rewards have fixed pricing; Flex Rewards have dynamic pricing with broader availability. Cash + Miles option allows partial payment for flights. Upgrade Rewards available on Emirates flights - particularly valuable on premium-cabin redemptions. First Class redemptions are restricted to Silver, Gold, and Platinum members (Blue members cannot book First). Members can also redeem for hotel stays via partners, car rentals, retail, sporting events, and cultural experiences. Fuel surcharges apply on most premium-cabin partner redemptions. Mile purchases available to supplement award costs. |
Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy
| Marriott Bonvoy | Skywards | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of partners | 0 | 0 |
| Partners | — | — |
| Number of tiers | 6 | 4 |
| Top tier | Ambassador Elite | Platinum |
| First-tier qualification | — | 25,000 points |
| Point expiry | 24 months inactivity (reset on earn) | 36 months inactivity (reset on earn) |