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Marriott Properties Receive Secret New Loyalty Program Materials

April 13, 2018
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2 min read
IMG-marriott-embargoed-box
Marriott Properties Receive Secret New Loyalty Program Materials
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Marriott and Starwood are set to make a big announcement on Monday at 4:30pm Eastern in New York City potentially detailing the combination of its loyalty programs. We've been anxiously awaiting the announcement for more than a year, and hopefully we'll get some (positive) clarity come Monday.

Adding to the excitement of Monday's announcement, it appears Marriott has sent a set of secret boxes to its hotels — and likely to SPG properties as well based on the markings on the boxes — with explicit instructions not to open until 4:30pm EDT on Monday:

My source tells me an extremely stern warning accompanied the boxes, stating that in no way, shape, or form were they to be opened prior to Monday's announcement. Apparently Marriott can bill properties for "extras" when they're found out of compliance with corporate rules. While a fine was not expressly threatened, it was made clear that repercussions would follow if the boxes were opened prematurely.

The highlight for me is definitely the sticker on the side of the boxes with the date and time at which they're to be opened. Can you imagine all the people that had to have been sworn to secrecy to get these materials out to thousands of properties?

Inside these five boxes lie the answers to all our fears, anxieties and hopes ever since the merger was first announced. How much are free nights going to cost? What will happen to airline transfer partners? Will there be new Chase and American Express co-branded credit cards? Can someone please just open one of these boxes and email us a screen shot?!

Monday cannot come soon enough.

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  • 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.