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Marriott has finally married the Marriott Rewards and SPG programs into a single entity, combining rewards points from the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood loyalty programs into a single currency, launching new elite tiers and benefits, unveiling a new award chart, and revamping its co-brand credit card lineup.
As part of the program revamp, Marriott has ended the partnership between SPG and Delta, Crossover Rewards, and revised its reciprocal agreement with United, RewardsPlus® from Marriott Rewards and United MileagePlus, to include SPG.
The partnership between the United and Marriott loyalty programs offers enhanced benefits for elite members and the chance to double up on rewards for all members that enroll. The program encourages members to take advantage of the combined global footprint of the two rewards programs, providing an incentive to members of Marriott Rewards and MileagePlus to stick within the brands.
What Are the Benefits of RewardsPlus?
Some of the reciprocal benefits are only available above the elite tiers listed in the section below. However, the discounts on converting points from one currency to another are open to all members of both programs.
MileagePlus Members Receive:
- Complimentary Gold Elite status in Marriott Rewards (open to MileagePlus Premier Gold members and above, registration required)
- Conversion of MileagePlus award miles into Marriott Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (open to Premier Silver members and above, registration not required)
- 10% more miles when converting Marriott Rewards points into MileagePlus miles (open to all members, registration not required)
- 10% more MileagePlus miles when redeeming Marriott Rewards points for RewardPlus Travel Packages (open to all members, registration not required)
Marriott Rewards Members Receive:
- Complimentary Premier Silver status in MileagePlus (open to Platinum Premier Elite members and above, registration required)
- 10% more miles when converting Marriott Rewards points into MileagePlus miles (open to all members, registration not required)
- 10% more MileagePlus miles when redeeming Marriott Rewards points for RewardPlus Travel Packages (open to all members, registration not required)
The benefits of Marriott Rewards Gold Elite status include:
- Complimentary Enhanced Wi-Fi
- Gold Welcome Gift
- Priority Late Checkout as late as 2 p.m.
- Enhanced Room Upgrade (varies by brand, based upon availability at check-in, suites excluded)
- 25% Bonus Points on Stays
- Member rates
- Ultimate Reservation Guarantee
- Dedicated Elite Reservation Line
The benefits of United MileagePlus Premier Silver status include:
- Complimentary access to Economy Plus® at check-in (when available)
- Complimentary Premier Upgrade confirmations as early as day of departure (when available)
- Premier Access® travel services, which include designated ticket counter check-in lines, priority security lines, priority boarding and priority baggage handling (where available)
- One complimentary standard checked bag (50 lbs.)
- 7 award miles for every dollar you spend on United flights
How Do I Qualify for RewardsPlus?
To be eligible for complimentary Marriott Rewards Gold Elite status, you will need to have Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K®, or Global Services status in the MileagePlus Program. Neither Premier Silver or General status will qualify for complimentary status with Marriott Rewards.
To be eligible for complimentary MileagePlus Premier Silver status, you need to have either Platinum Premier Elite or Platinum Premier with Ambassador status in Marriott Rewards. Platinum Elite, Gold Elite, Silver Elite, or member status will not qualify for complimentary status with United MileagePlus.
You need to be a member of both MileagePlus and Marriott Rewards (or Ritz-Carlton Rewards/SPG) to join RewardsPlus. Allow between 7-10 days for your account to reflect your new status if your RewardsPlus membership is accepted and the elite tier will typically be valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it's granted.
As a Marriott Rewards member applying for RewardsPlus, register for your benefits with United.
As a member of United MileagePlus, register for benefits with Marriott Rewards.
Final Thoughts
Reciprocal agreements are another great way for you to earn additional points and miles. You can further maximize your perks with co-branded cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card or the United℠ Explorer Card. Alternatively, you could use a rewards card that earns bonus points on travel such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card which earns the more flexible Ultimate Rewards.
For more information on RewardsPlus, visit the FAQ's page on Marriott's website.
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Thanks, I just received my Marriott card yesterday going to enroll now!!!
I’m a big fan of Marriott rewards, but not a regular United flyer. This program may change that! Thanks for the information
I’m a big fan of Marriott rewards, but not a regular United flyer. Too bad I’m only silver for Marriott or I might use United more often
For a Marriott’s Reward Member to qualify for their Platinum Elite status would need 75 nights. The member would then qualify for United Mileage Plus Premier Silver Status. This is not a bad deal for a person who travels frequently for business.
I’ve also used my United gold status to get Marriott gold which also gets you SPG gold since SPG will match Marriott status (although its not as good as Marriott gold – no lounge).
Id like to get room upgrades but it never happens for me.
Good if you are elite status. Not sure I would transfer United pts to Marriott.
I have marriott gold status… too bad that doesn’t get me anywhere on United.
And the easiest way to get access to the United/Marriott gold recognition is to become SPG gold
Sounds great if you have already have elite status, but their are no loyalty incentives to help get to that point.
Always great to see when partnershIps are formed with hotel and plane companies together. Always leads to more benefits for the consumer.
Do you need a Marriott or United status to convert Marriott points to United miles? Is it a 1:1 conversion?
You do not. It is not a 1:1 ratio – full details here: http://www.marriott.com/rewards/usepoints/morerew.mi
As I don’t have any status both with United and with Marriott, I have only benefit of the 20% bonus when requesting United miles converting Marriott points.
Not bad at all I will say!
This is a great partnership. Hope to see more like this.
It really is a shame Premier SIlver is excluded!
With Marriott taking over SPG, I anticipate using Marriott properties more often in the future. It is probably time to start looking into United although I’d much rather fly Alaska, JetBlue or AA. No reason not to diversify anyways.
I’m going to make an effort to revisit the mileage plus program. I’ve been avoiding it but I don’t think I can afford to any longer. Now the question is do I continue with my Marriott rewards the way I have been. Hmm
This is one of my favourite perks of both programs: I often convert my Marriott points for their travel packs with United, I believe it’s one of the best ways to use your points.
I agree!
Might be a good option depending on what other carriers offer as far as award space goes
great article. Thanks for breaking it down.
Few times a year United has promo of giving a bonus for Hotel Points into UA Miles conversion. It’s usually 20% on top of very good Marriott points conversion into UA miles.
The mrrewardsplus site is down and Marriott+United have refused to do anything to fix it after weeks. It’s not a thing anymore if they can’t fix the site that enables the reciprocity.