Chase has just launched a promotion if you convert your Ultimate Rewards points into Marriott Bonvoy points.
Historically Ultimate Rewards has offered the fewest transfer bonuses of the major transferable points currencies. In 2020 we saw that change, as we’ve now seen transfer bonuses to British Airways Executive Club, IHG Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Southwest Rapid Rewards. Well, we’ve just seen the return of one of these transfer bonuses for the second time in a year.
In this post:
Chase offering 50% bonus on Marriott Bonvoy transfers
Chase is offering a 50% bonus when you transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy between November 1 and December 24, 2021.
The bonus isn’t hard-coded into the transfer ratio, meaning that when you transfer Ultimate Rewards points you won’t see the bonus on the transfer page. Rather the bonus will be deposited by Marriott Bonvoy once your transfer is complete.
Why this promotion (probably) isn’t worth it
A 50% transfer bonus sounds like it could be valuable, though this isn’t a deal I’d recommend taking advantage of. Why? I value Marriott Bonvoy points at ~0.7 cents each, while I value Chase Ultimate Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each. Even when you’re getting 1.5 Marriott Bonvoy points per Ultimate Rewards point, you’re still only getting ~1.05 cents of value per Ultimate Rewards point, by my valuation.
Furthermore, my valuation of Marriott Bonvoy points doesn’t yet account for the upcoming devaluation, whereby Marriott will be eliminating award charts, at which point there will no longer be limits to how much awards can cost.
At a minimum, you can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.25-1.5 cents each towards a travel purchase. Personally I value World of Hyatt points at more than twice as much as Marriott Bonvoy points, yet Chase Ultimate Rewards points ordinarily transfer to both currencies at a 1:1 ratio.
Now, in fairness, there are probably situations where you could technically get value with this transfer, in terms of the hotel stay being worth more than the value of the points transfered. However, there are probably more efficient ways to acquire those points:
- Marriott Bonvoy often sells points at a discount, and acquiring them that way is a better value, in my opinion
- Marriott has co-branded credit cards that could be better options for earning Bonvoy points
For context, here’s Marriott Bonvoy’s award chart, not factoring in the potential to get a fifth night free (starting in March 2022, the award chart will be eliminated):
Bottom line
Through December 24, 2021, you can receive a 50% bonus when you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy. While it’s good to see Chase offer another transfer bonus, this isn’t one to get too excited about.
I didn’t think this was worth it when it was offered over the summer, and I most definitely don’t think it’s worth it now, with the devaluation that’s coming shortly. Marriott Bonvoy isn’t an efficient Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner, and I’d argue that applies even with a 50% bonus. I’d give this offer a “pass,” but I’m sure some will find this to be worthwhile.
What’s your take on this Chase transfer bonus to Marriott?
I decided it was worth it for my wife and I. Transferred my Chase points to Marriott to stay at the JW Marriott Maldives for 10 nights in March in a beach villa. We wanted to do the overwater villa, but you can't do that with an infant who will be crawling by that time. I wouldn't have had enough points for the 10 nights if it hadn't been for the 50% bonus. To me,...
I decided it was worth it for my wife and I. Transferred my Chase points to Marriott to stay at the JW Marriott Maldives for 10 nights in March in a beach villa. We wanted to do the overwater villa, but you can't do that with an infant who will be crawling by that time. I wouldn't have had enough points for the 10 nights if it hadn't been for the 50% bonus. To me, that's a great deal to get more than $12,000 worth of hotel for free. Maybe that's just me.
@Elliot Schuler, it took my points a couple of days to post. If you want to make a booking with less points , the system allows you to make the booking and then once you have the points in your account you can go in and deduct them yourself. If not, the system does it for you automatically 15 days prior to your reservation.
I transferred points 3 days ago and still not showing up in Mariott. First and last time I do that no matter the bonus.
do keep us informed about wether the Bask Bank issued AAdvantage miles will count towards elite status.
As a "point collector" for more than 10 years. In the last 1-2 years I have become so disappointed in Marriott's points required per property I discontinued the $95 annual fee Marriott Visa card and downgraded to the free one, but kept my Hyatt and Hol Inn/IHG annual fee card at $75 and $49/yr. Most of my points I collect in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Thank you OMAT for informing us of this incredibly...
As a "point collector" for more than 10 years. In the last 1-2 years I have become so disappointed in Marriott's points required per property I discontinued the $95 annual fee Marriott Visa card and downgraded to the free one, but kept my Hyatt and Hol Inn/IHG annual fee card at $75 and $49/yr. Most of my points I collect in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Thank you OMAT for informing us of this incredibly versatile UR program. The points required for hotel, air and even car rentals are very reasonable.
On a slightly related note regarding the value of points.
Depending on what card you have, if you go to the Chase shopping portal you can sign up for a $99, 1 year Motley Fool subscription and receive anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 chase points. (Depending on the card.)
That's a cost of only $.0132 to $.019 per pt.
I tried to do this through AAdvantage eshopping when AmEx cards had an AmEx offer for $99 off a Motley Fool subscription though unfortunately the miles were never credited.