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New transfer bonus: Why it might be worth transferring Marriott points to United right now

Sept. 02, 2022
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3 min read
United Airlines Airbus A320
New transfer bonus: Why it might be worth transferring Marriott points to United right now
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There's a new United MileagePlus promotion that lets registered members earn a 30% bonus when transferring hotel points to United miles, up to 25,000 bonus miles. MileagePlus members can register here.

Though we don't normally recommend transferring hotel points to MileagePlus, this promotion might be worth your while.

Let's see if it makes sense for you.

Transferring hotel points to MileagePlus

United Economy on an Airbus A320
KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

United has an impressive list of hotel partners: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Radisson Rewards Americas, World of Hyatt, Choice Privileges and Shangri-La Circle.

When registered members transfer hotel points from any of these programs to MileagePlus, they receive a 30% mileage bonus, up to 25,000 bonus miles, through the end of the month.

To transfer hotel points with the bonus, you must first register and initiate the transfer request from your hotel company's website.

This offer can be stacked with the transfer bonus that Marriott Bonvoy members receive by transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to United miles. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to United at a 3:1.1 ratio. When you transfer 60,000 points, you receive a 5,000-mile bonus.

In other words, 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points generally convert to 27,000 United miles. However, with the 30% bonus, you'll end up with 35,100 miles from the same 60,000-point transfer.

TPG values 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at $504. And we value 35,100 United miles at $425. So on paper, this transfer doesn't make sense. But there are ways to redeem United miles at 5 cents apiece, far above TPG's valuation of United miles at 1.21 cents apiece.

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Assuming you score a high-value MileagePlus redemption — check out our guide on the Excursionist Perk for inspiration — this latest MileagePlus promotion could be a great way to liberate some hotel points toward air travel. Likewise, it also might make sense if you're short on United miles for a particular redemption and need to top up your account.

As always, have an immediate plan in place to redeem United miles before you transfer your Marriott points. Likewise, run the numbers and see if it makes sense to transfer your Marriott points for your redemption of choice. And if you have Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards points available to you, consider transferring those first as both programs transfer at a 1:1 ratio to United MileagePlus.

Related: How to redeem miles with the United MileagePlus program

Bottom line

While it rarely makes sense to transfer hotel points to MileagePlus, this latest promotion can be a way to top off your account to get you closer to your next MileagePlus redemption.

Remember that there's a maximum of 25,000 bonus miles, so be careful transferring hotel points in the six figures to MileagePlus.

You can transfer Marriott points to airline miles here.

Featured image by KYLE OLSEN/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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Intro offer

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  • 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.
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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

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • 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.