In 2000, Starbucks and Marriott signed a long-term licensing agreement to open Starbucks locations in select hotels across the U.S. and Canada. In June, the two brands launched a new partnership to let travelers link their accounts. Now, the brands have added the ability to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Starbucks Rewards.
If you haven't already, you should enroll in Marriott Bonvoy and a U.S. Starbucks Rewards account to benefit from this partnership. Then, link your accounts on the Starbucks website. If you join as a new member of either program and link your accounts by Oct. 18, you'll earn 1,000 Marriott points.
Here's what you need to know about the Starbucks and Marriott partnership, including the new option to convert Marriott points to Starbucks Stars (and if it's worth it).
Earn double Stars during Marriott stays
You’ll earn double Stars at Starbucks from midnight on the day you check in through 11:59 p.m. on the day you check out for eligible Marriott Bonvoy stays. Eligible stays include those booked at eligible rates — including with Marriott points or free night awards — if you link your accounts at least 48 hours before your stay and make your reservation at least 48 hours before check-in.
Double Stars will appear in your linked Starbucks Rewards account within two business days of your qualifying Starbucks transaction. However, you can only earn up to 1,000 Stars under the "Double Stars" offer during each June 18-to-June 17 program year.
Related: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
Earn up to 100 points during Marriott Bonvoy Weeks
Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks will occasionally announce weeks designed as Marriott Bonvoy Week. During each Marriott Bonvoy Week, members with linked accounts will earn 100 Marriott points if they complete at least three qualifying Starbucks transactions. Qualifying transactions are “any purchase at a Participating Starbucks Store by a Linked Account Member of food, beverage(s), and/or merchandise, excluding purchases of alcoholic beverages, Starbucks Card eGifts and physical Starbucks gift cards,” according to the terms and conditions on Starbucks’ website.
To qualify, your purchase must be at least $2 and you must pay:
- Via mobile order through the Starbucks mobile app or Starbucks website using a linked payment method or preloaded Starbucks Card that is registered to your Starbucks Rewards account
- By scanning the barcode in your Starbucks mobile app before checking out
Not all Starbucks locations participate. Participating Starbucks stores are defined as locations in the U.S. — including the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and U.S. territories — where you can earn Stars. The 100 points will appear in your Marriott Bonvoy account within two business days of the end of Marriott Bonvoy Week if you complete at least three qualifying Starbucks transactions.
Related: The best Marriott hotels in the world
Transfer Marriott points to Starbucks Rewards
You can convert Marriott points to Starbucks Stars if you've linked your accounts. However, the transfer ratio is 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to 100 Stars. Since 100 Stars will only get you a bakery item or a brewed coffee or tea, this is unlikely to provide good value. After all, TPG's September 2024 valuations peg the value of 1,000 Marriott points at $8.50.
Therefore, we don't recommend transferring your Marriott points to Starbucks if you want to maximize the value of your points.
Marriott points expire if your account is inactive for 24 months, while Starbucks Stars expire six months after the month in which you earned them. So, although you might want to transfer Marriott points to Starbucks if you're about to lose all your points due to inactivity, your rewards will generally expire much quicker in the Starbucks Rewards program.
If you want to transfer Marriott points to Starbucks, you can do so on the Marriott website.
Related: Ways to maximize Marriott Bonvoy award night redemptions
Bottom line
This is far from the first partnership for Marriott Bonvoy or Starbucks Rewards. Delta Air Lines and Starbucks already have a partnership, as do Marriott and United Airlines.
Although I don't think transferring Marriott points to Starbucks Rewards provides good value, it is worth linking your accounts so you can earn more on some Starbucks purchases. Even if you don’t benefit regularly, you may earn extra points or Stars by doing so.
