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Air Canada recently announced that elite members can now convert Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 in 500-point increments. The news does not change transferring points the other way, as you can still transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan at a ratio of 3:1.
Here's all you need to know about these conversions and whether or not they can ever make sense.
Aeroplan-Marriott Point Transfer Overview
If you're looking for a new way to redeem your Aeroplan points and happen to be an Aeroplan elite (of any tier), here you go. You can convert your Aeroplan points to Marriott points by visiting this link and logging in. However, you'll need to note the following:
- Transfers occur at a ratio of 1:1.
- Transfers can be performed in increments of 500 points.
- You can transfer a maximum of 100,000 points per day.
- You can transfer a maximum of 250,000 points per week using this method.
Should You Convert Aeroplan Points to Marriott Points?
In a nutshell, no. For most travelers, transferring Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points won't provide good value at all.
Consider that, on average, AwardWallet members have been able to leverage their Aeroplan points for 1.85¢ apiece. On the other hand, AwardWallet members have, on average, been able to leverage their Marriott Bonvoy points for 0.94¢ each.
Based on these average redemption rates, converting Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points means you are losing nearly half the value. But does it ever make sense?
When Aeroplan-Marriott conversions make sense
In some extremely rare situations, it might make some sense to convert Aeroplan points to Marriott points. For instance, if you are a few hundred or a couple of thousand points short of an amazing Marriott redemption of outstanding value, then converting Aeroplan points is worth weighing in the context of all the options you have to earn Marriott points.
You can also transfer both Amex and Chase points to Marriott at a 1:1 transfer rate. AwardWallet members have recently been able to leverage their Chase and Amex points for 1.95¢ and 1.96¢ each, respectively. Since these points offer slightly higher value than Aeroplan points, your best option may be to sacrifice your Aeroplan points to boost your Marriott points balance.
Consider your other options for earning Marriott points — such as collecting Marriott points via credit card, purchasing Bonvoy points outright, or even multiplying Marriott Bonvoy points you've earned on stays in the last 12 months. Yes, converting Aeroplan points to Marriott points is an option, but it should be a last resort.
Our Take
For most travelers, this new transfer option won't provide any value. Based on recent redemption rates, converting Aeroplan points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio means losing half the value of those points.
That said, when the chips are down, the calculus may change. So, if you have an outstanding opportunity using Marriott points and need a few hundred points or a couple of thousand points, then the ability to transfer Aeroplan points to Marriott could mean unlocking an incredible redemption.
Show me how
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