An update on how the Marriott Platinum Challenge works

If you took the Marriott Platinum Challenge earlier this year, as I did (you received Marriott Platinum status with nine stays in 90 days), you may have been surprised to find yourself with Platinum status in the new combined Marriott / Starwood programme.

In theory you should have been given Platinum Premier status, not just standard Platinum.  The reason I didn’t make a fuss is that the difference between the two is minimal.  Platinum Premier gets a 75% points bonus on stays (Platinum just gets 50%) and you might get a suite upgrade at The Ritz-Carlton (Platinum members are blocked from these).

It only makes a real difference if Marriott decides to do a soft landing in early 2020, because dropping from Platinum Premier to Platinum would keep lounge access and late check-out.  Being Platinum and dropping to Gold would not.

However, I overlooked one thing.

In order to do the Platinum Challenge, you had to be Gold already.  Whilst my Gold came via a credit card freebie, most Gold members earned it via stays.  Those who earned it via stays would have become Platinum anyway in the new programme.  It therefore made sense that Platinum Challenge members would get Platinum Premier.

This is a long-winded way of getting to the point: if you did the Platinum Challenge, whilst your account showed Platinum status last week, if you check again it will now show Platinum Premier.

PS.  Before anyone asks, the Platinum Challenge is currently suspended.  It may or may not return.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 15th July 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This would convert into 25,000 Avios or into 40 other airline schemes. It would also get you at least £300 of Marriott hotel stays based on our 0.5p per point low-end valuation. Other T&C apply and remain unchanged. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

60,000 points (to 15th July) and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.