The AMEX to Marriott Bonvoy 30% Transfer Bonus Is Back!

Every so often, a points transfer bonus comes along that’s worth more than a quick glance. For Canadians holding American Express Membership Rewards points, this is one of those moments.

Until January 31st, 2026, American Express is offering a 30% transfer bonus when you move Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy. On the surface, it sounds straightforward, but the real value of this promotion depends entirely on how you plan to use the points on the other side.

Used thoughtfully, this bonus can unlock luxury hotel stays or open doors to airline programs that are otherwise difficult for Canadians to access.

Let’s dive in!

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How the Transfer Bonus Works

Under normal circumstances, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at a ratio of 1,000 Amex points to 1,200 Marriott Bonvoy points. (5:6 ratio)

During this promotion, American Express is adding a 30% bonus on top of the standard transfer. That means for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points you transfer, you’ll receive an additional 360 Marriott Bonvoy points, bringing your total to 1,560 points.

While the math makes this bonus appealing, it’s important to understand how the transfer process actually works in practice.

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What to Know Before You Transfer

First, while American Express states that transfers to Marriott Bonvoy can take up to 48 hours, they are often much faster. In real-world use, transfers are frequently close to instant, which can be crucial if you’re trying to secure limited award availability.

Second, when you initiate the transfer in the Amex portal, the bonus will not be reflected in the confirmation screen. You’ll only see the standard 1,000 to 1,200 transfer rate. The bonus points are applied automatically and usually post at the same time as the base transfer, even though they are not displayed upfront.

Understanding these details helps avoid unnecessary concern when the numbers don’t immediately appear to line up.

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Where This Bonus Can Actually Deliver Value

Marriott Bonvoy points are not universally valuable in every situation, but there are two scenarios where this transfer bonus can make a meaningful difference.

High-End Marriott Redemptions

The first is using Marriott points for aspirational, high-cash-price hotel stays. This is where the program consistently delivers its strongest value.

Properties such as the JW Marriott Masai Mara Safari Lodge, which includes accommodations, meals, and safari drives, or overwater villas in the Maldives can cost thousands of dollars per night when booked with cash. Using points in these situations, especially when boosted by a transfer bonus, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs while maintaining a luxury experience.

For travellers who value unique, once-in-a-lifetime stays, this is one of the most compelling uses of the promotion.

Using Marriott as a Gateway to Airline Miles

The second strategy is more nuanced and often overlooked, but it can be particularly powerful for Canadians.

Marriott Bonvoy partners with 38 airline programs worldwide, including several that are not easily accessible through Canadian credit cards. In most cases, transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points will yield 25,000 miles in the airline program of your choice.

This approach effectively turns Marriott Bonvoy into a bridge, allowing you to move points from American Express into airline loyalty programs that would otherwise be difficult to earn through everyday spending in Canada.

While some programs offer slightly different ratios, and United MileagePlus technically provides a marginally better conversion, Marriott-to-United transfers are generally not the best use of Bonvoy points compared to other airline partners.

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Final Thoughts

This 30% Amex to Marriott Bonvoy transfer bonus is not a promotion that every traveller should jump on automatically. Its value lies in having a clear plan.

If you are targeting a high-end Marriott redemption or strategically moving points into a specific airline program, this bonus can meaningfully improve your return on Membership Rewards points. If you are transferring without a defined use, it may be better to wait.

As with most points strategies, intention matters more than the headline number. Used correctly, this promotion can unlock experiences that go well beyond the typical hotel stay or economy flight.