What is happening to the Starwood and Marriott UK credit cards?

Over in the US, a major rebranding of the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest credit cards has been announced ahead of the launch of Marriott Bonvoy on 13th February.

Over here …. nothing.

The latest official update on the UK credit cards is:

Marriott Rewards Mastercard (no longer available) – “For now, your Marriott Rewards Mastercard will stay the same. Keep using it, and you’ll continue to receive the exclusive benefits and rewards you earn today.  When the programme name change occurs, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points just like you earn points today.”

Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (still available, 30000 points sign-up bonus) – “For now, your Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express will stay the same. Keep using it, and you’ll continue to receive the exclusive benefits and rewards you earn today. When the programme name change occurs, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points just like you earn points today.”

So, nothing to get excited about.

Here’s something to make you jealous though.  The US version of the SPG Amex is getting a very cool new look, see above.  There is no guarantee we will see the same over here as the current UK card does not use the same design as the US one.  I’d really like to see this design used.

---

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2024)

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.

You can apply here.

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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

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

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 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. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)