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Air Canada Aeroplan launched a promotion offering a 15% bonus when you transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to the program for transfers through October 31, 2024.
This promotion is interesting and unique because it is on Aeroplan's side, not Marriott's. Transfer bonuses are usually promoted by the program where the transfer originates. This time around, the promotion is offered by the program where the points end up.
Is this a deal worth taking advantage of? Let's take a look.
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Marriott-Aeroplan Transfer Bonus Overview
The Marriott-Aeroplan transfer bonus is pretty simple. Here's a brief overview of the opportunity:
- Receive a 15% bonus when you transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to Aeroplan.
- The promotion is valid for transfer through October 31, 2024.
- You need to log into your Aeroplan account to see the promotion, so do this first before transferring to ensure your eligibility.
- The offer is on the Aeroplan side of the transfer, so you won't see a bonus when you initiate via Marriott.
- Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Aeroplan at a 3:1 ratio, with a minimum transfer of 3,000 points.
- Allow 8-10 weeks for the bonus points to post to your account.
Is this Marriott-Aeroplan promotion targeted?
You may notice that you can not see the promotion when you log into your Aeroplan account. This promotion seems to be targeted to specific members or is geo-restricted. So far, Aeroplan accounts based in North America seem eligible for the promotion. However, those based in other locations do not seem eligible for the offer.
Limitations on this Marriott to Aeroplan transfer bonus
Note that you won't earn the transfer bonus on the bonus points offered by Marriott when you transfer 60,000 points to Aeroplan. When you transfer 60,000 Marriott points, you will typically receive 20,000 points at a 3:1 transfer ratio plus an additional 5,000 points bonus.
If you transfer 60,000 points from Marriott through this promotion, you will only receive the 15% bonus on the 60,000 points, not on the total 25,000 points received. Effectively, you will end up with 28,000 Aeroplan points in your account — 20,000 points, plus 15% (3,000 points), plus the 5,000 points bonus.
Should You Transfer Marriott Points to Aeroplan?
If you look at the offer purely in terms of points value, this promotion is not great. Consider that, on average, AwardWallet members have been able to leverage their Marriott Bonvoy points for 0.94¢ per point. At the same time, AwardWallet members leverage their Aeroplan points for an average value of 1.85¢ per point.
Now consider the optimal transfer of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Crunching the numbers, those points are worth $564. When you transfer them to Aeroplan, the 28,000 points you receive are worth ~$510. If you only get average redemption rates from your points, transferring Marriott points to Aeroplan means losing ~$54 of value for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.
The only exception is if you primarily use your Aeroplan points for global business and first-class travel. In this case, on average, AwardWallet members have redeemed Aeroplan points for 2.63¢ apiece. Crunching the numbers again, in this case, the 28,000 Aeroplan points are worth more than $700. In this case, it can make sense to transfer your Marriott points to Air Canada with this transfer bonus.
Alternative Ways To Boost Your Aeroplan Points Balance
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to boosting your Aeroplan points balance through one valuable co-branded credit card and bank point transfers. In fact, while the promotion may present a fairly good deal, you may be better off acquiring Aeroplan points via the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
New applicants for the Aeroplan Card can lock in 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points
- Earn 75K bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $95 Annual Fee
- Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
- Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
- Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
- 3x points directly with Air Canada
- 3x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 3x points at grocery stores
- 1x point on all other purchases
Additionally, Aeroplan is a transfer partner of five major flexible point currencies. This means you can consolidate several small point balances into your Aeroplan account for your next award redemption. You can transfer all of the following points to Aeroplan:
Related: Do Air Canada Aeroplan Points Expire?
Our Take
This promotion is generally not the best way to leverage your Marriott points or boost your Aeroplan points balance. That said, this promotion can make sense depending on how you plan to use your Aeroplan points. If you've decided this is an opportunity worth pouncing on, be sure to initiate your transfer by October 31, 2024.
Do you plan on taking advantage of this bonus? Let us know in the comments below.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Aeroplan® Credit Card (Rates & Fees)
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