Amex Is Offering a 35% Bonus on Marriott Bonvoy Transfers — But Is It Worth It?

Another transfer bonus just landed, and this one involves American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. On the surface, a 35% bump sounds like a no-brainer. But before you rush to move your points, there's some nuance to consider — especially if you're a Marriott loyalist who knows the program's quirks.

Why a 35% Bonus Isn't Automatically a Win

Transfer bonuses are usually cause for celebration in the points world. A 35% boost is on the higher end of what we typically see, so it's understandable if your ears perk up. But not all points are created equal, and Marriott Bonvoy points have a reputation for being on the lower end of the value spectrum.

Our baseline valuation for Marriott points sits at about 0.73 cents each. Run the numbers with a 35% bonus and you're looking at roughly 0.99 cents per point in value — just shy of a full cent. That's not terrible, but it's not the slam dunk that a 35% bonus might suggest at first glance.

When This Bonus Could Make Sense

That said, valuations are just averages. If you have a specific Marriott redemption in mind where you can consistently extract more than a penny per point, this bonus starts to look more attractive. Think high-end properties during peak dates, or situations where cash rates are unusually high relative to award costs.

It's also worth considering whether you already have a stash of Marriott points that could use a top-up. If you're just a few thousand points short of a free night, a transfer bonus can bridge that gap without forcing you to buy points outright.

• You have a concrete redemption in mind that yields over 1 cent per point.
• You need to top off an existing Marriott balance to reach an award night.
• You value simplicity and don't want to juggle multiple transfer partners.

The Case for Holding Onto Your Amex Points

Membership Rewards points are among the most flexible currencies out there. You can transfer them to a long list of airline and hotel partners, often with frequent transfer bonuses of their own. If you're not in a rush, waiting for a better offer — whether on Marriott or another partner — might be the smarter play.

Also keep in mind that transfers are one-way. Once your points land in Marriott Bonvoy, there's no sending them back to Amex. So if you're on the fence, it's usually best to err on the side of caution.

A Few Things to Watch Out For

Transfer bonuses can be tempting, but they're not without pitfalls. First, make sure you understand the transfer ratio before you pull the trigger. Amex typically transfers to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio, and the 35% bonus is applied on top of that. So 1,000 Amex points become 1,350 Marriott points.

Second, check the expiration date carefully. This offer runs through December 10, 2026, so you have some time, but don't let it sneak up on you. And finally, remember that Marriott points can expire after a period of inactivity, so only transfer what you plan to use.

• Transfers are irreversible — double-check the amount before confirming.
• The bonus is applied automatically; you don't need a promo code.
• Marriott points expire after 24 months of inactivity, so keep your account active.

Bottom Line

• A 35% transfer bonus from Amex to Marriott Bonvoy is live through December 10, 2026.
• At a baseline value of 0.73 cents per Marriott point, the bonus brings the effective value to just under 1 cent per point.
• This offer makes the most sense if you have a specific high-value redemption in mind or need to top off an existing balance.
• Amex points are flexible — consider whether waiting for a better bonus or a different transfer partner is the better move.

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