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You can now transfer American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Rewards. Points transfer at the same 1:1 ratio as they do to Ultimate Rewards. The addition was to be expected as Starwood was a long-term partner of Amex, and as the programs merged it made sense to add Marriott.
Is It Worth It?
Only if you need to. Remember, Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to Marriott Rewards at a 1:1 ratio as well, and frankly we're not a fan of that redemption.
The only exception is if you have a large balance of miles in a program and Marriott Rewards is its only viable transfer option. In this case, it may be worth your while making a transfer to Marriott Rewards and then on to the airline, so you can meet a specific redemption, and take advantage of your already existing miles.
Our Take
While it is kind of good news that you can now transfer Membership Rewards to Marriott Rewards, it is not exactly profitable or rewarding at a ratio of 1:1. Apart from very small transfers to top balances up for either hotel stays or transfers to airline partners to get that 5,000-bonus point award when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Rewards for 25,000 airline miles, these transfers aren't something we'll be looking at.
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
This is not true in Mexico. Ive been waiting to transfer my AMEX points to SPG and nothing happens…..
Sorry, Alejandro, this content is only about US-based Membership Rewards accounts.
Any news on any upcoming Marriott promotions?
None.
Good to know. It does add another option at least for membership rewards. However, I do wonder if Starwood would be added as a partner with Ultimate Rewards?
As of August 18, 2018, Starwood Preferred Guest Points no longer exists; it would be impossible to add.
While its disappointing to learn that the transfer ratio is 1-1 but good to know, in case I need to top up at some point. Thanks
And Marriott is still having problem of integration of SPG.
They’ll have challenges through the rest of 2018 without a doubt.
Good to have transfer bonuses, someone may need a topup
But there are no transfer bonuses — I don’t understand the point you’re making — what is it?
Given the uncertainty around Marriott’s travel packages using them right now also doesn’t make much sense
I can’t really understand the direction Marriott is headed with this low value point ystem. Even the Amex credit cards earn 33% less!! Won’t people be transferring them to frequent flier programs instead where there is better value???
Marriott really didn’t change anything here. SPG points transferred to Marriott 1:3 — the ratios changed across the board. The big deal is the Amex cards now effectively earn less.
Your post that this transfer should only be done for small amounts, probably to top off an account, is spot on. I totally agree.
Transfer bonuses are always good to pay attention to. It can be a nice bonus for redemptions.
I may never use this, but it is always good to have available
So what’s the difference between this and the branded charge card (other than the bonus points for stays)?
Andrea, I don’t understand your question. Can you please restate it?
With so many other more lucrative ways to earn Marriott Rewards points, I will definitely not be transferring my membership rewards anytime soon. However, it is a good reminder that it might be worthwhile if you transfer enough to then transfer to an airline to get the bonus miles. That is one case where it could be a good deal…though since it is easier to earn Chase UR points, I’d rather use those.
This is good to know. I can do this to extend the expiration for my account.
That is a good use of the transfer if you need it… but probably the only good use. Marriott points are just such a low value currency if you are earning them at 1 point / $.
I think you have a typo….did you mean Starwood?
You can now transfer American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Rewards. Points transfer at the same 1:1 ratio as they do to Marriott Rewards.
Yes, typo. Meant to say “Ultimate Rewards”
Good to see but agree the transfer ratio is dissappointing.
I agree. Even if not great ratio, it might useful for topping up an award here or there.
Good news, transfers I believe had been paused recently while the merger happened.