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Aeroplan elite members can now transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio — but is it worth it?

Sept. 06, 2024
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3 min read
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Aeroplan elite members can now transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio — but is it worth it?
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Air Canada Aeroplan has announced a new way to redeem points — but only for elite status members.

Aeroplan members with elite status can now transfer their Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy at a rate of 1:1. You must transfer a minimum of 500 points, and you can transfer up to 100,000 points per day or 250,000 points per week.

Aeroplan members have the ability to earn up to 2 Aeroplan points per dollar on select Marriott stays; they can also transfer Marriott points to their Aeroplan account at a 3:1 ratio, with the ability to earn an extra 5,000 Aeroplan points for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred. This new Aeroplan-to-Marriott transfer option gives Aeroplan elite members more flexibility.

But just because you can transfer your points, does that mean you should? Let’s take a look at why you may or may not want to use this new transfer option.

Related: Post-Miles&Smiles devaluation: Why I'm using Aeroplan for Star Alliance redemptions

Should you transfer your Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy?

W Nashville
W NASHVILLE/MARRIOTT.COM

Although the transfer ratio is 1:1, meaning you won’t lose any points in the process, you will lose some value when transferring Aeroplan points to Marriott. That’s because, as of September 2024, TPG values Aeroplan points at 1.5 cents each and Marriott Bonvoy points at only 0.85 cents each.

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You could, in theory, get considerably more value by keeping those Aeroplan points in your account and redeeming them for Air Canada and partner flights than by transferring them to Marriott and redeeming them for hotel stays. Since Aeroplan is a member of Star Alliance, there are often great ways to maximize your points by booking transatlantic business-class flights to Europe for as low as 60,000 Aeroplan points. A night at some Marriott properties, on the other hand, can cost well over 60,000 Bonvoy points, thanks to Marriott’s dynamic pricing.

However, if you have some Aeroplan points you don’t plan to use in the near future, or you’re short a few points for a Marriott redemption, this is a good option. With program devaluations, remember that hoarding your rewards as a long-term investment is never a good idea.

Additionally, for Aeroplan members with elite status who also earn Capital One miles, such as with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can transfer your Capital One miles to Aeroplan and then transfer your points to Marriott.

Marriott is already a direct transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Related: You can get 50,000 Aeroplan points back when you redeem for hotel stays, but is it a good deal?

Bottom line

While transferring your points from Aeroplan to Marriott Bonvoy may not be the best way to maximize their value, there are cases where it could make sense. You can only take advantage of this new option if you’re an Aeroplan elite member, but your status might be closer than you think. For example, the Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) grants you complimentary Aeroplan 25K elite status for the remainder of the calendar year plus the following calendar year.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Recommended Credit

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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.