Marriott raises $920 million selling Marriott Bonvoy points

Marriott has raised $920 million by pre-selling Marriott Bonvoy points.

We recently covered how Hilton had raised $1 billion by pre-selling Hilton Honors points to American Express for, presumably, a large discount on the standard price.

Marriott has now done the same.  It has sold $920 million of Marriott Bonvoy points to American Express ($350 million) and JP Morgan Chase ($570 million, of which $70 million is the early payment of an agreed fee).  Both issue Bonvoy-branded credit cards.

As part of the deal, Marriott agreed to extend its agreement with both companies for an unspecified additional period.  Both contracts expire at the same time, leaving Marriott with the option of bringing its entire credit card operation under one roof at some point in the future.

These deals are generally a win for everyone concerned.

Marriott has raised a substantial amount of money via a route which is quicker and easier than raising a similar sum via bank debt.  It should also have only a small impact on Marriott’s ability to raise additional bank debt in the future.

Amex and Chase, neither of whom are short of cash, will have been happy to pay $920 million now rather than, potentially, $1.25 billion over the next five years.  It represents an attractive rate of return.  Getting an extension to their existing credit card contract on top is the icing on the cake.

The official Marriott announcement is here.

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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.