30% Transfer Bonus from Amex MR to Marriott Bonvoy

American Express Canada has just launched a 30% transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy – its first for 2024. 

If you have reason to transfer Amex MR points to Marriott Bonvoy, this is a great opportunity to squeeze some extra value out of your points to book aspirational hotels, or to transfer points to airline programs

This time, the transfer bonus event is set to run until April 30, 2024, so be sure to initiate your transfer before then if you wish to take advantage. 

Amex MR 30% Transfer Bonus to Marriott Bonvoy

As a reminder, the standard transfer ratio from Canadian-issued American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy is 1:1.2: for every 1,000 MR points transferred, you’d receive 1,200 Marriott Bonvoy points.

On the American Express website, this is the ratio displayed when you go to initiate a transfer, even during the current transfer bonus event.

However, under the Product Information tab, it displays that the transfer bonus is in effect.

With a 30% bonus, this transfer ratio has been bumped up to an effective 1:1.56 ratio: 1,000 MR points will earn you 1,560 Marriott Bonvoy points. 

After you’ve made a transfer, the bonus points typically come in a separate chunk from the standard transfer amount.

Transfers to Marriott Bonvoy are officially slated to take two business days to complete; however, in practise it happens almost instantly.

The name and address should match between your Amex MR and Marriott Bonvoy accounts to prevent any delays.

Keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy members can send up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member, and can receive up to 500,000 points per calendar year cumulatively from other members.

Use the 30% transfer bonus to stay at the St. Regis Langkawi

Is Transferring Amex MR to Marriott Bonvoy a Good Deal?

Converting Amex MR points into Marriott Bonvoy points represents one of the many potential valuable uses, although even with the 30% transfer bonus in play, it may not necessarily be the best use of MR points.

That’s because MR points can be transferred to airline frequent flyer programs as well (notably Aeroplan or British Airways Executive Club at a 1:1 ratio, or Air France KLM Flying Blue at a 1:0.75 ratio), which typically provide better value when redeemed for flights in premium cabins, compared to the average hotel redemption via Marriott Bonvoy.

However, if you’ve already got enough points to cover your flights, then transferring to Marriott Bonvoy would certainly be a compelling next-best use case, especially if you need to top up your account for an aspirational redemption.

American Express Cobalt Card
Welcome Bonus
15,000 MR points
Annual Fee
$156
First-Year Value
$372

In terms of the best credit card to use for maximizing this promotion, the Amex Cobalt Card is most well-known for its ability to earn 5 MR points per dollar spent on food and drinks, including dining, groceries, and food delivery.

With the 30% transfer bonus in place, you can effectively earn 7.8 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all purchases in the food and drinks category.

Again, though, you’ll want to carefully consider the value proposition between the hotel side (with Marriott Bonvoy) and the airline side (with Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Air France KLM Flying Blue, and others).

Generally speaking, you can extract much higher value from your points by booking premium flights rather than hotels, but you probably need to book both when you embark on a trip.

It therefore really boils down to individual preferences as to whether to allocate some points for hotels in addition to flights, or to save everything for the air travel side. 

Use the 30% transfer bonus to stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Don’t Forget: Transferring Marriott Bonvoy to Airline Partners

Even if you’re intent on redeeming your Amex MR points for high-value flights, a Marriott Bonvoy transfer with the 30% bonus in play could still be an optimal strategy.

That’s because you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to most of the 40+ airline partners at the optimal ratio of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 25,000 airline miles.

With the elevated 1:1.56 transfer ratio from Amex MR, this opens up many more doors in terms of using your Canadian-issued Amex MR points to access a far greater range of frequent flyer programs than usual.

Remember that the optimal transfer ratio takes effect in chunks of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This gives us the following ratio during the upcoming period

38,462 Amex MR points = 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 25,000 airline miles

Almost every frequent flyer program worth its salt is a partner of Marriott – and can therefore be accessed at an effective ratio of 38,462 MR points = 25,000 miles, as seen above.

As before, MR points will be the most compelling transfer candidate if you have any to spare, but even if you’re sitting on regular MR points, this very favourable effective transfer ratio is still worth considering if you have your eye on any of the award chart sweet spots out there that might usually be harder to access.

Conclusion

American Express has launched another 30% transfer bonus from Amex MR to Marriott Bonvoy, which will entice some of us to convert our MR points over to the world’s largest hotel loyalty program.

Others may decide to keep their MR points for flight redemptions — for them, the 30% transfer bonus on the hotel side would be merely a nice backup option during this two-month-long period.

If you fall in the latter camp, keep in mind that not only will there be excellent value in redeeming for free hotel nights, but Marriott Bonvoy’s 40+ airline transfer partners also greatly expand the possibilities for redeeming MR points towards amazing flight experiences as well.

This promotion runs until April 30, 2024, so be sure to make your transfer before then if you stand to benefit.

This is a recurring article, regularly updated with the latest promotion. Some comments may refer to past promotions that are no longer available.
61 Comments
  1. Tommy

    FIY, One of the screenshots show a total of 1500 marriott points for transferring 1000 MR, which is different from 1560 points this promotion offers.

    1. Salvatore

      Assuming Marriott Bonvoy has a partnership with Aeroplan, can I transfer my MR points to Marriott Bonvoy, get the 30% bonus, then transfer it to Aeroplan? Would this result in more points versus transferring MR points to Aeroplan?

      1. christopher

        Just know that the value of 1 Aeroplan does not equal to the value of 1 Marriott bonvoy points.
        While you do get 30% transfer bonus from MR points to Bonvoy, overall you are still losing value. Let see this example:
        Hypothetically, we want to convert 38,462 MR points to Bonvoy points at a 5:6 ratio + 30% bonus = 60,000 Bonvoy points
        60k Bonvoy points = 20,000 + 5,000 bonus airlines points, so 25,000 aeroplan points.
        In sum, you transferred 38,462 MR points to 60k bonvoy to 25k aeroplan.
        But in fact, you could have just transferred 38,462 MR points to 38,462 aeroplan points instead

  2. Jayce

    I have a question. Once you transfer the points to Bonvoy, the points are moved to Bonvoy, so if you cancel your credit card after that the points are still good with Bonvoy?

    1. steven

      Hey Jayce, you are correct – once the points transfer from your credit card to Marriott (Bonvoy), you don’t need to keep the card open. However, keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy cards are generally in the “keeper” category, as their free night certificates should be worth more than the annual fees. If you are talking about AMEX cards that earn Membership Rewards points, the same is true (once points are transferred the cards can be cancelled).

  3. Dee

    I did the transfer yesterday and so far no bonus points have showed up on my Bonvoy account. I hope it’s just delayed. Any idea if it takes time this year for this bonus points?

    1. David

      I have been waiting for the usual fall transfer bonus as I have a Dubai trip booked for February and am spending one night at the Al Maha, Desert Resort & Spa. Thank god for the Prince of Travel Notification. Last week I did my transfer and with the extra bonus I booked my one night for 80K MR points (=120K Bonvoy Points). The extra bonus showed the next day as a separate activity transaction on my Bonvoy account. This means I’m getting 3 cents per MR point – not bad. However, a couple days ago I did a transfer to book a night in BKK and no extra transfer bonus so it must be over. Two years ago the extra bonus was immediate. Last year it took 8 weeks for the bonus points to post (not helpful). This year no announcement and its over before you know it – but at least the points posted immediately.

    2. Thomas

      No bonus for me either. It might bo over.

      1. Bryce

        It’s over, i am wondering if maybe they were testing before actually launching the promotion as in the past they advertised it. I did 3 test transfers a few days ago and got a bonus on the first two but not the third.

  4. Karin

    Is this US, Canada, or both?

    1. T.J. YQQ

      This promotion applies only to Canadian Amex MR points.

  5. Eribn

    Product information doesn’t show this promo for me this time (it did last year), so I’ll wait until there is confirmation on the Amex transfer page product info tab like before. Hoping this happens again soon!

    1. Dave

      I did a small transfer last night and it showed in Marriott account this mornign including the 25% bonus. Moved a much larger amount of points today to then transfer to Aeroplan later on.

      1. Eribn

        Thank you very much

  6. Marty

    Can you add the caveat of which airlines no longer give the 5,000 bonus miles? 60,000 Bonvoy points = only 20,000 airline miles for a couple now and rising.

  7. Patrick Chan

    YES!!!! I’ve been waiting for this!!!

  8. Cal

    I did the transfer today, and the regular points came through, but not the bonus. I did chat with the American Express team, and they advised me bonus points would be awarded after 8 weeks. I did see the offer online in my account before I did transfer, so it was there for me.

  9. Ken

    I don’t see any information on my account regarding the transfer bonus either. Is there a link to the promo?

  10. Jon

    Is there a link to the current promo of 25%? Don’t see it on the mobile website and didn’t get an email either.

    1. Ricky YVR

      Check under “Product Information” on the final transfer page.

      1. Ben

        Ricky, this might be a targeted offer but it is definitely not available on my Plat card.

    2. Mike

      I called to do this transfer and they said this promotion isn’t on for me. Maybe Ricky got his info mixed up?

  11. Sébastien

    Have you ever seen a transfert bonus from Amex points to Aeroplan

    1. Ricky YVR

      Nope.

  12. Cam

    I needed to top up my Marriott points to cover an upcoming hotel stay so I completed a transfer of September 14… one day before the promotion. Anyone ever have any luck asking if the bonus can be applied retroactively?

    1. Ricky YVR

      Not likely, unfortunately.

  13. C.M.

    Is it still taking up to eight weeks to see the transfer bonus points appear in a Marriott account? I would like to use them asap, not in two months time. Thanks.

    1. CM

      In an answer to my own question, why would it take 8 weeks after the earning bonus time frame ends to credit bonus points? The points are not returnable, its not like a return of a product to Amazon. What would be the reason to wait to credit bonus points in this circumstance? It should be immediate, like the transfer, 48 hours at most. End of rant.

  14. MurrayF

    In New Zealand we currently have a 50% bonus transfer to Bonvey which is stunning as its usually 20-30%. Happy days I cleaned out my amex points as its now cheaper for me to transfer via bonvey than direct to airlines with my Amex points in NZ. Our
    amex transfer rate is 2 amex = 1 airline mile

  15. Ron

    Any words on when the next promo is gonna be?
    It’s been 4 months since the last one ended
    I plan to transfer quite a lot of MR to MB…

    1. PLRD

      Same here, any info?

  16. DM

    Ricky – Check out the US AMEX MR transfers section today. A whopping 12 transfer bonuses, 20% bonus on transfers to Aeroplan and 40% for Avios! SIMPLY Unbelievable.

    1. Gryphon

      So is this a good use of my US MR points or will there be better based on past offers?

    2. Annie

      I was thinking of migrating my US AMEX MR to Canada for the exchange rate, but that bonus transfer sounds good 😉

  17. Paulk YYZ

    Well, it is now past the end of June and still no deposit of the 30% bonus to the Bonvoy account. Has anyone received the bonus (other than the standard 1MR:1.2BV usual ratio)?

    1. yyc

      same here. it could be posted in the next billing statement, we shall see..

      1. iv

        My billing period just passed on the 20th (July) and the 30% bonus did not post.

        1. John Bucher

          It says in the t&c’s that it can be 8 weeks after the June 30 deadline.
          Usually Amex does everything quicker
          Maybe not in this case

          1. Annie

            I just got the bonus in today, almost a month after the June 30 deadline!

            1. John Bucher

              Mine also

              1. yyc

                Thanks John, just saw the bonus in my account!

  18. Renee

    I was also concerned about this and called Amex Customer Service on June 29 as I did not receive any targeted email. She confirmed the bonus is offered but it takes 3-6 weeks for the bonus points to be added to your account.

  19. Richard

    I just spoke to an AMEX CSR and she indicated that if you did not get the email then you will not be eligible for the bonus. My wife got her Cobalt card just after the promotion started. She did not get the email, and according to the CSR she is not eligible for the bonus. So the strategy of applying for a card after the bonus is announced in order to transfer all or part of the sign-up bonus will not work.

  20. SAM J

    I did a transfer early June without the promo link and it only came through at 1.2x. Amex said they sent instructions and MB told them it would take up to 8 weeks for the bonus to hit your account since it’s a manual process. I did another transfer today with the promo.

    1. Paulk YYZ

      I was told the same thing by AMEX, that the 1.2 ratio would post immediately and the 30% bonus would be much slower, probably after the end of June. So I went ahead and transferred the bulk of my MR selects to Bonvoy.

      Like the slowpokes at Aeroplan E-store, where points get posted in 3 months and if you are lucky, done correctly, this is another item to note and track to ensure everything is done right.

  21. M

    The landing page on my account showed the bonus. The point calculator only showed the standard amount. I ransferred 100k and only received 120k.
    Amex says to call Marriott.
    I pushed back a bit and the CSR opened an “inquiry” for the missing 30 percent.

  22. BobR

    I now see the offer for both my wife and I under the tabs: Product Information and #11 T&C

  23. Rasmussen Bob

    Hi,
    Is this a targeted offer? Neither my wife, nor I, see any information about the bonus in our accounts, including T&C.

  24. Landon

    I just applied for the AMEX Business Edge. Assuming I get it in a week and make the min 5k spend right away anyone know when I can expect the bonus to come through? I am hoping by June 30 so I can avail of the MArriott transfer promotion?

  25. Landon

    Just applied and got approved for the AMEX Business Express Card. Assuming I make the minimum purchase this month any idea of when the bonus gets posted. Will it be in time to get the 30% Marriott Transfer Bonus? thanks

    1. Josh YVR

      Minimum spend bonus with Amex usually posts within a few business days of the transaction that crosses the threshold. Totally possible to apply now and have the points in time to take advantage of the conversion bonus!

  26. Paulk YYZ

    I transferred 80,000 points to Bonvoy. Received 96,000 in the Bonvoy account. Asked AMEX about it and they pointed out that the bonus would be received separately. Here are the terms and conditions:

    From 12:00:01am ET on June 1, 2021 until 11:59:59pm ET on June 30, 2021, when you transfer Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy you will receive 30% more Marriott Bonvoy points on the total number of Membership Rewards points transferred. For example, if you transfer 1,000 Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy, you will be credited a total of 1,560 Marriott Bonvoy points. Please allow up to eight (8) weeks after June 30, 2021 for the bonus points to be credited to your account.

  27. DaveG

    I did not receive the offer on my Cobalt card either. Nor does the transfer calculator mention anything about the bonus. I think I’ll try to transfer the min (1000pts I believe) and see if I get the extra Bonvoy pots.

  28. tom

    I dont see any mention of this promo in my account.

    1. Ricky YVR

      Look in the Terms and Conditions under the transfer page, it should be showing up there for everyone.

      1. Tom

        your right. thanks

  29. Gryphon

    What about American Amex MR points to Marriott? Thanks

    1. Ricky YVR

      Nothing at the moment, but in the past we’ve seen 40% transfer bonuses from US MR points to Marriott Bonvoy. However, even that may not be such a good deal for most US MR collectors, as they’re generally seen as more valuable for unique airline redemptions (like Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, ANA Mileage Club, etc.)

  30. Annie

    I got an email from AmEx about this offer, so the best would be to follow the link in your email if you got one. If some way some how your Bonvoy didn’t get the extra points, you can “point” that to AmEx customer services.
    I transferred 100k in last year 25% bonus, wish I knew it would be 30% :'(

  31. Paulk YYZ

    Its interesting, Amex is not really promoting this offer. As Nick mentioned, if you want to transfer points, the transfer calculator gives the standard 1:1.2 ratio. You have to burrow down into the product information to get the beefed up offer. Good thing Ricky is providing info on the promotion!

    I just transferred a bunch of MR Selects from my Cobalt account and will check my Bonvoy to see what comes through in a couple of days.

    I figure AMEX is good for the extra Bonvoy points!
    I figure AMEX is good for the better ratio, so I transferred a

  32. Nick

    The transfer calculator does not include 30% bonus. Is it safe to transfer?

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