New transfer bonus: Why it might be worth transferring Marriott points to United right now
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 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.
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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.