The new Marriott Bonvoy / Nectar partnership looks interesting – here’s why

Last week we flagged an announcement in the Sainsbury’s financial results that mentioned – with no extra detail – that Nectar had signed a deal with Marriott Bonvoy.

Some more information was released today.

It is looking more interesting than I initially imagined although, as ever, the devil will be in the detail.

This is what we were told today:

• the partnership will launch in ‘early 2025’

• you will be able to earn Nectar points when you stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels

• you will be able to convert Nectar points into Marriott Bonvoy points

• you will be able to convert Marriott Bonvoy points into Nectar points

• there will be a sign-up bonus for members of Nectar who join Marriott Bonvoy

How could this benefit you?

This could be VERY interesting if the conversion rates are attractive:

• you will no longer need to convert Nectar points to Avios because Marriott Bonvoy points will be an alternative

• you will be able to convert Marriott Bonvoy points into pseudo-cash by turning them into Nectar points and spending them at Sainsbury’s or Argos

• it is possible that converting points from Marriott Bonvoy to Nectar to Avios will be more attractive than a direct Marriott to Avios transfer

• you will be able to convert Nectar points into 40 airlines by going from Nectar to Marriott Bonvoy to an airline partner

• it may be more efficient for Marriott Bonvoy American Express cardholders to switch to the Nectar American Express card (or vice versa)

• Avios credit cards will de facto become Marriott Bonvoy credit cards (via an Avios to Nectar to Marriott transfer)

• Avios credit cards will de facto let you earn points in 40 different airline schemes (via an Avios to Nectar to Marriott to an airline transfer!)

Now, it is very possible that most of the ideas I outline above will be poor value when we see the transfer rates. We don’t know yet.

However, it is definitely something to keep an eye on as we go into 2025.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (December 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.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up 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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend requirement is changed to £10,000 in six months for this offer. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Huge 80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

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

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is increased to 30,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

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

(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.)