Good News! Earn Bonus Points on Spending at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, & Starwood Hotels

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Via View From the Wing, folks with Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood co-branded credit cards will now earn bonus points on spending at all 3 hotel chains.

This is another positive change following the Marriott – Starwood merger.

I’ll explain more about the changes!

Bonus Spending at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, & Starwood Hotels

Link:   Expanded Earning for AMEX & Chase Co-Branded Cardholders

When you pay for hotel stays using your AMEX or Chase co-branded Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or Starwood credit card, you’ll earn bonus points at all 3 hotel chains.

With the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express, you’ll earn:

• 2 Starwood points per $1 you spend at Marriott and Starwood hotels

And with the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card, Marriott Rewards Premier Business Card, and Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card, you’ll earn:

• 5 Marriott or Ritz-Carlton points per $1 you spend at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood hotels

Based on this news, it’s best to use an AMEX Starwood credit card (personal or small business) for all stays at any of these chains.  Because you can transfer Starwood points to Marriott points at 1:3 ratio.

This means you can essentially earn 6 Marriott or Ritz-Carlton points per $1 for paid Marriott or Ritz-Carlton stays when you use your AMEX Starwood card.

And remember to link your loyalty accounts for an instant status match, which only takes a minute.

Bottom Line

Folks with AMEX & Chase co-branded Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or Starwood credit cards will now earn bonus points on spending across all 3 hotel chains.

Of these cards, the best option is AMEX Starwood (personal or small business).  Because you’ll earn 2 Starwood points per $1, which you can then transfer to Marriott or Ritz-Carlton at a 1:3 ratio.