The Amex Membership Rewards program frequently offers transfer bonuses. The program has just launched its latest hotel transfer bonus — while I wouldn’t say it’s particularly compelling, it’s at least worth being aware of.
Amex offering 35% bonus on Marriott points transfers
Between October 20 and December 10, 2026, the Amex Membership Rewards program in the United States is offering a 35% bonus on Marriott Bonvoy® Points transfers.
The transfer ratio is usually 1:1, so through this promotion you can transfer points at a 1,000:1,350 ratio. This bonus is hardcoded into the transfer ratio, so you can take advantage of the bonus as often as you’d like. Transfers from Amex to Marriott Bonvoy are generally instant.
For what it’s worth, we typically see transfer bonuses between the programs an average of around twice per year, and they’re usually in the range of 20-35%. So this bonus is on the higher end of that scale, much better than the 20% bonus we saw earlier this year.
Should you transfer Amex points to Marriott with a 35% bonus?
While a 35% bonus might sound exciting, not all points currencies are created equal. Personally, I value Bonvoy points at ~0.7 cents each, give or take. There are certainly ways to get outsized value from the points, but that’s my valuation.
By my valuation, you’re still getting under one cent of value per Membership Rewards point, even with this transfer bonus. That’s quite a ways from my valuation of Membership Rewards points, which is 1.7 cents per point.
Other people will likely have wildly different valuations of Marriott points than I do, and if that’s the case, this bonus could be worth it. That’s especially true when you consider there’s no great way to earn Marriott points through everyday credit card spending anymore. I tend to value points conservatively, and of course there are always ways to get outsized value with the right redemption in mind.
Bottom line
Amex Membership Rewards is offering a 35% bonus when you transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy. In general, I think transfer bonuses are the way to maximize the value you can get from transferable points. However, that’s usually only true for currencies where even transferring points at a 1:1 ratio could make sense.
In the case of Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, I find that you lose more than half of the value of your points by making a transfer under normal circumstances. Even with a 35% bonus, I wouldn’t consider this to be much of a deal at all.
Of course, some people may have specific situations where this could make sense, and in that case, it could be worth at least topping off an account.
Does anyone plan on taking advantage of this Amex transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy?
of course, NOT THE BEST "value" for AmEx points, but better than nothing for Marriott Bonvoy.
Not too long ago, they offered 30% Bonus.
But thinking, that AmEx points loose on value too plus Marriott properties are going trough the roof too at some properties, so 20% is ok if you have intentions on flexible award stays and got a plan on using Bonvoy points "right".
Back in Jan2026, rates all over...
of course, NOT THE BEST "value" for AmEx points, but better than nothing for Marriott Bonvoy.
Not too long ago, they offered 30% Bonus.
But thinking, that AmEx points loose on value too plus Marriott properties are going trough the roof too at some properties, so 20% is ok if you have intentions on flexible award stays and got a plan on using Bonvoy points "right".
Back in Jan2026, rates all over Thailand properties exploded on cash rates, but by points is was stable and good availability too, .... + the then 30% transfer Bonus from AmEx and at the end, it was a GREAT deal.
What i found, Luxury properties are now completely overpriced by points usage. :-o So NO DOUBT, award stays are getting crazy in every program lately!
Hint, UAE, Turkey, Indonesia, Oman . . . really good value for money right now!
Bonvoy, . . . still a very decent program from most of Asia, Middle East, Greece, Italy and for sure, Turkey!
Adana Sheraton Grand . . . BEST value for points ever since last 6 years! An AMAZING property, rates on points that can't be reached at ANY other Marriott property in the world, if you got a higher status!
Lounge, Spa, Restaurants . . . OUTSTANDING value for points!
So 20% Bonus, if you got enough AmEx points, why not!
I bet, Bonvoy as well as AmEx value on points WON'T get better anytime soon!
Yeah, that's a decent overview, @STEFFL. I recall Amex had a 50% transfer bonus to Marriott back in 2019. That was probably the all-time best. Even so, with the recent devaluations, Marriott points are mostly worth less than ever before (closer to 0.6 cpp now). Unless you're topping-off, or have a truly aspirational stay planned, I'd hold off on this one. That said, you did mention a few sweet (suite? bah!) spots. However, most of...
Yeah, that's a decent overview, @STEFFL. I recall Amex had a 50% transfer bonus to Marriott back in 2019. That was probably the all-time best. Even so, with the recent devaluations, Marriott points are mostly worth less than ever before (closer to 0.6 cpp now). Unless you're topping-off, or have a truly aspirational stay planned, I'd hold off on this one. That said, you did mention a few sweet (suite? bah!) spots. However, most of them are overseas, like you mentioned. Thanks for referring to Turkey as Turkey. *wink*