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In addition to Air Canada Aeroplan's 50-plus airline partners, the program also partners with Marriott Bonvoy, offering reciprocal elite benefits and the opportunity to move points between the two programs. In addition to Marriott Bonvoy members being able to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan at a ratio of 3:1, Aeroplan elite status members can convert their Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy at a ratio of 1:1.
Here’s what you need to know about these transfers — and why they almost never make sense.
Aeroplan–Marriott Point Transfer Overview
If you are an Aeroplan elite member looking for another redemption option, you can convert Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points. However, you'll need to note the following:
- Aeroplan elite status is required.
- Transfer ratio is 1:1.
- Increments of 500 points.
- Daily limit of 100,000 points.
- Weekly limit of 250,000 points.
Should You Convert Aeroplan Points to Marriott Points?
In a nutshell, no. For most travelers, transferring Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points isn't a good deal.
Consider that, on average, AwardWallet members have leveraged their Aeroplan points for 1.87¢ apiece. On the other hand, AwardWallet members have redeemed Marriott Bonvoy points for 0.93¢ each.
At a 1:1 transfer ratio, you’re effectively trading a more valuable currency for a weaker one.
This might be a more compelling offer if it were available to non-elite members. Say you flew Air Canada once, earned a small stash of points, and wanted to prevent them from expiring unused. In that case, moving them to Marriott could make sense. However, you need substantial activity to qualify for Aeroplan elite status, which means you’ll likely have no issue using your points for a flight.
Based on the average redemption rates, converting Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points means they lose nearly half their value instantly.
But are there times it does make sense?
When Aeroplan–Marriott conversions make sense
In rare cases, this transfer could make sense. If you’re just short of a specific Marriott redemption, using Aeroplan points to top off your balance may be reasonable, especially after weighing other ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
You can also transfer both American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott at a 1:1 transfer ratio. AwardWallet members have recently been able to leverage their Chase and Amex points for 2¢ and 1.99¢ each, respectively.
Because those currencies tend to carry slightly higher average values than Aeroplan points, though, sacrificing Aeroplan points may be the lesser of three evils if you need to top off your Marriott balance.
Before transferring, consider other ways to earn Marriott points:
- Purchasing Bonvoy points outright — which can be as cheap as 0.89¢ apiece during promotions
- Multiplying Marriott Bonvoy points earned on stays within the last 12 months (as cheap as 0.94¢ per point)
- Collecting points through Marriott co-branded credit cards, such as:
$250Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
- 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 4X points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
$125Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
- 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
$650Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Related: Air Canada's Dozens of Airline Partners
Our Take
For most travelers, this transfer option won't provide any meaningful value. Based on recent redemption rates, converting Aeroplan points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio results in a paper loss of around 50% in value.
That said, edge cases exist. If you’re just a few hundred or a couple thousand points short of a specific Marriott redemption, transferring Aeroplan points could help you cross the finish line.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)
