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, like the funky one below.

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 (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.)