We are an independent publisher. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Next” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. The compensation we receive and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear on our site, and how, where, and in what order ads and links appear. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, our site does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. So, your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this site. And the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (“advertiser listing”); and general information about credit card products (“editorial content”). Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Apply Now” button or “Learn More” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. When you click on that hyperlink or button, you may be directed to the credit card issuer’s website where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. We have partnerships with advertisers such as Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. We also include editorial content to educate consumers about financial products and services. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers’ sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links.

For more information, please see How we make money.

Confirmed: Marriott – Starwood Merger Will Close September 23, 2016

  • Million Mile Secrets

    • Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.

    Via Reddit, the merger between Marriott and Starwood received final approval from regulators in China.

    While this was expected, it was the last step needed to finalize the transaction between the 2 hotel companies, which will now close on September 23, 2016.

    Following the closing of the merger, I do NOT expect any immediate major changes to either hotel chain’s loyalty program.  I’ve said that your Starwood points are likely safe until 2018!

    After the Marriott & Starwood Merger Closes, You’ll Still Be Able to Use Your Starwood Points for Award Nights at Hotels Like the St. Regis Bali. No Major Changes Are Expected for the Hotel Loyalty Programs Until 2018

    I’ll explain what you can expect from the combined hotel company.

    What’s Happening With the Marriott – Starwood Merger?

    Link:   Your Starwood Points Are Likely Safe Until 2018

    The Marriott & Starwood hotel merger will officially close on September 23, 2016.  The result will be the world’s largest hotel company.

    Many folks are wondering if they should quickly use their Starwood points balances.  But I think you still have time!

    In the initial merger announcement, Marriott President and CEO, Arne Sorenson, said there were no plans to combine the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programs until 2018.  And I recently met with a Starwood executive who confirmed the same.

    Although major changes are not expected with either loyalty program, you might notice new things after the merger.  For example, Marriott recently revealed a preview to their mobile app update, which shows you can link your Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood loyalty accounts.

    I suspect any immediate changes won’t impact the loyalty programs.  Instead, it will be advertising and app updates to show folks the hotel brands are now part of one parent company.  And perhaps Marriott will begin offering perks to Starwood elite status members, like bonus points on stays.

    Each hotel chain will likely continue their own promotions in the near term.  For example, Starwood recently announced an offer to earn 2X or 3X Starwood points on stays through December 19, 2016.

    With the deal now closed, are there any changes you’d like to see with the loyalty programs?

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)