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Should I Keep Points with Marriott Rewards or Starwood?

Oct. 16, 2016
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3 min read
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Should I Keep Points with Marriott Rewards or Starwood?
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TPG reader Daniel sent me a message on Facebook to ask about managing hotel points:

“Now that Marriott and Starwood are merging loyalty programs, does it matter where I store my points? Am I better off transferring my points to one program or the other, and do you think one of them offers more value?”

The new partnership between Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest has been the biggest news in the award travel world this past month. The ability to swap points between the two programs creates a lot of intriguing redemption opportunities. In some cases it will make sense to send Starpoints to Marriott, and in other cases it will make sense to send Marriott points to Starwood. In the meantime, however, it doesn't really matter where you park your rewards.

One impressive aspect of this partnership is that you can transfer points freely in both directions at a consistent ratio. One Starpoint gets you three Marriott points, and vice versa. Furthermore, transfers between the two programs appear to go through quickly in either direction — within a few hours, if not instantly. That means the points are effectively interchangeable, and there's not much incentive to keep your points with one program over the other.

The only advantage you get from transferring between the two programs (when you're not booking an award) is that you may be able to keep points from expiring. Starwood accounts become "inactive" if you don't earn, redeem, purchase or transfer points in a 12-month period. Since transfers qualify as activity, you can preserve your Starpoints by sending even the minimum (1,000 points) over to Marriott.

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Unfortunately, Marriott does not count transfers as qualifying activity, so that same strategy won't keep your Marriott Rewards points from expiring. However, if you have Marriott points that are going to expire soon, you could avoid losing them by simply transferring them all to Starwood.

The combined program offers greater access to rewards like SPG airline partners and Marriott's Hotel + Air packages.

While you can store your points with either program, there's definitely a new incentive to earn points with SPG rather than Marriott, especially when it comes to non-bonus spending. The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card earns 5 points per dollar spent at Marriott properties, as well as 2 points per dollar spent on select travel and dining purchases, and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. In comparison, the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express earns just 1 point per dollar on most purchases, but that equates to 3 Marriott Rewards points, so it's generally the better option for everyday purchases.

Check out these posts for more SPG, Marriott, and how to maximize the combined programs:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

[card card-name='Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card' card-id='221210955' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.