Ready to elevate your travel game? Linking your United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy accounts can unlock a world of enhanced benefits, from reciprocal elite status to bonus points and miles. This partnership, known as RewardsPlus, is a fantastic way to maximize your loyalty across both air and hotel travel. Let's dive into how you can make the most of it!
The Power of RewardsPlus: Why Link Your Accounts?
The Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus RewardsPlus partnership isn't just about connecting two accounts; it's about supercharging your travel experience. Here's what you stand to gain:
Reciprocal Elite Status: This is the cornerstone of the partnership!
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite member, you can enjoy complimentary United MileagePlus Premier Silver status. This means benefits like complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at check-in (when available), priority boarding, one complimentary checked bag, and a bonus on miles earned with United.
If you're a United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, or Premier 1K member, you can receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. This comes with perks like a 25% bonus on points earned during stays, late checkout (subject to availability), enhanced room upgrades (subject to availability), and a welcome gift of points.
Seamless Points & Miles Transfers: Easily move your valuable loyalty currency between programs.
Marriott Bonvoy points to United miles: All Marriott Bonvoy members receive a 10,000 bonus United miles for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred. This is a significant boost compared to transfers to other airline partners.
United miles to Marriott Bonvoy points: United MileagePlus Premier members can convert miles to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio (up to a maximum of 200,000 miles per calendar year).
Exclusive Promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers! Marriott and United occasionally run promotions that allow you to earn bonus points and miles simultaneously on flights and hotel stays.
Now, let's get down to the brass tacks of linking your accounts and unlocking these fantastic benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Link United and Marriott Accounts
Before you begin, ensure you have active accounts with both United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy. If you don't, sign up for free – it only takes a few minutes!
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let's Find Out!
The first and most crucial step is to determine if you qualify for the reciprocal elite status benefits. The RewardsPlus program is primarily designed for top-tier elite members of each program.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Marriott Bonvoy Status
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or mobile app.
Navigate to your profile or account overview.
Look for your current elite status level. You'll need to be Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite or Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite to be eligible for complimentary United Premier Silver status.
Important Note: If your Titanium or Ambassador Elite status is temporary (e.g., from a status challenge), you might not be eligible for the complimentary status through RewardsPlus. Always check the official terms and conditions on the RewardsPlus website.
Sub-heading: Checking Your United MileagePlus Status
Log in to your United MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website or mobile app.
Go to your My Account section or Premier Status details.
Identify your current elite status level. You'll need to be United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, or Premier 1K to be eligible for complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Just like Marriott, if your Premier status with United was obtained through a status match or challenge, you might not be eligible for this specific reciprocal status benefit.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for either side, congratulations! You're ready to proceed. If not, don't worry, you can still transfer points and miles between the programs, though the complimentary elite status is a significant perk.
Step 2: Accessing the RewardsPlus Partnership Portal
The linking process takes place on a dedicated portal.
Sub-heading: Finding the Official Linking Page
The most reliable way to find the linking page is to visit either the official Marriott Bonvoy or United MileagePlus websites and search for "RewardsPlus" or "Marriott United partnership."
Alternatively, you can often find a direct link on the Marriott Bonvoy Travel Partners page or the United MileagePlus Partners section.
As of the latest information, the primary linking portal for status matching is often found at getrewardsplus.com or
travel-partner.marriott.com/united/en-us
Sub-heading: Navigating the Portal
Once on the RewardsPlus page, you'll typically see options for both Marriott Bonvoy members and United MileagePlus members.
Select the option that corresponds to your current higher elite status for which you are seeking the complimentary status from the other program. For example, if you are Marriott Titanium Elite and want United Premier Silver, you would select the Marriott Bonvoy option.
Step 3: Initiating the Link and Status Match
This is where you'll formally connect your accounts and initiate the status match request.
Sub-heading: Signing In with Your Qualifying Account
The portal will prompt you to sign in with the account that holds the qualifying elite status.
For instance, if you're a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, you'll sign in with your Marriott Bonvoy credentials. If you're a United Premier Gold, you'll sign in with your United MileagePlus credentials.
Ensure you use the correct login information to avoid any delays or errors.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Linked Account
After logging in, the system will typically display your linked account from the other program if it can automatically detect it.
If not, you may be prompted to manually enter your membership number for the other program (e.g., your United MileagePlus number if you logged in with Marriott Bonvoy, or vice-versa).
Double-check that the displayed or entered membership numbers are accurate. A single digit error can prevent the linking and status match from processing.
Sub-heading: Accepting Terms and Conditions
You will be required to review and accept the terms and conditions of the RewardsPlus program. It's always a good idea to quickly read these over to understand the nuances of the partnership, including validity periods for the complimentary status and any limitations.
Once you've accepted, click on the button to submit your registration or link accounts.
Step 4: Awaiting Status Update and Enjoying Benefits
The process isn't instantaneous, so a little patience is required here.
Sub-heading: Processing Time for Status Update
After submitting your request, the official sources state that it can take up to 10 business days for your account to reflect the new complimentary status.
In some cases, it might be faster, but it's best to allow the full 10 days before reaching out to customer service.
Sub-heading: Verifying Your New Status
Periodically log in to the account that should have received the complimentary status (e.g., your United MileagePlus account if you were a Marriott elite, or your Marriott Bonvoy account if you were a United elite).
Check your profile or status page to see if the new elite tier is displayed.
You may also receive an email confirmation from United or Marriott once your status has been updated.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your Newfound Perks
Once your status is confirmed, start exploring the benefits!
For United Premier Silver: Look for Economy Plus seating options when checking in, enjoy priority boarding, and be aware of your increased baggage allowance.
For Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite: Remember to inquire about late checkout at participating properties, and keep an eye out for enhanced room upgrade opportunities at check-in. You'll also earn bonus points on your stays.
Remember that the complimentary status is typically valid for the remainder of the current calendar year in which it is granted. To retain it, you may need to re-register annually and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 5: Understanding Points and Miles Transfers (Separate from Status Link)
While the status match is a key benefit, the ability to transfer points and miles is also incredibly valuable and doesn't always require a specific elite status.
Sub-heading: Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to United Miles
Login to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Navigate to the "Use Points" or "Redeem" section, and then look for "Transfer Points to Miles" or "Travel Partners."
Select United MileagePlus from the list of airline partners.
Enter your United MileagePlus account number and the number of Marriott Bonvoy points you wish to transfer. Remember, for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred, you get a 10,000 bonus United miles!
Confirm the transfer. Transfers typically process within a few days to a week.
Sub-heading: Transferring United Miles to Marriott Bonvoy Points
This transfer option is generally available for United MileagePlus Premier members.
You will need to log in to your United MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website.
Look for an option to "Convert miles to Marriott Bonvoy points" or similar, often found under the "MileagePlus" or "Partners" section.
Enter your Marriott Bonvoy account number and the desired number of miles to transfer. There's a 1:1 ratio for Premier members, with a maximum transfer limit per year.
Confirm the transfer.
Always consider the value of your points and miles before transferring, as transfer ratios can sometimes lead to a decrease in overall value, especially if you don't have a high-value redemption in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you navigate the United and Marriott RewardsPlus partnership:
How to check if my Marriott Bonvoy status is eligible for United Premier Silver?
You need to be a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite member. Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on their website or app and check your "My Account" or "Profile" section to see your current elite status.
How to check if my United MileagePlus status is eligible for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite?
You need to be a United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, or Premier 1K member. Log in to your United MileagePlus account and navigate to your "Premier Status" details to verify your tier.
How to link my accounts if I received elite status through a challenge?
In most cases, elite status obtained through a challenge or temporary program (like a "Taste of Elite" trial) will not be eligible for the reciprocal status match through RewardsPlus. You typically need to have earned the status organically or through a full qualification.
How to find the official RewardsPlus linking portal?
The best way is to search for "United Marriott RewardsPlus" or "Marriott United partnership" on Google. You can also directly visit getrewardsplus.com or look for partnership links on the official Marriott Bonvoy or United MileagePlus websites under their "Partners" or "Loyalty" sections.
How to troubleshoot if my accounts aren't linking?
First, double-check that you're entering the correct membership numbers and passwords for both programs. Ensure your names on both accounts exactly match. If issues persist after 10 business days, contact the customer service of either Marriott Bonvoy or United MileagePlus for assistance, referencing the RewardsPlus program.
How to convert Marriott Bonvoy points to United MileagePlus miles?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on their website. Go to "Use Points" or "Redeem Points," then select "Transfer Points to Miles." Choose United MileagePlus and follow the prompts. Remember the 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred!
How to convert United MileagePlus miles to Marriott Bonvoy points?
This is typically available for United MileagePlus Premier members. Log in to your United MileagePlus account on their website and look for an option to convert miles to Marriott Bonvoy points, usually found under "MileagePlus" or "Partners."
How to confirm if my complimentary elite status has been granted?
Allow up to 10 business days after submitting your linking request. Then, log in to the account that should have received the complimentary status (e.g., your United account if you're a Marriott elite) and check your status level in your profile. You may also receive an email confirmation.
How to retain the complimentary elite status in subsequent years?
The complimentary status often needs to be re-registered annually and is subject to continued eligibility based on your higher elite status in the other program. Check the official RewardsPlus terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information on renewal requirements.
How to take advantage of special promotions between Marriott and United?
Keep an eye on the official RewardsPlus partnership pages and check your email for notifications from both Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus. These promotions are typically advertised on their respective websites or via direct communication to eligible members. Always read the specific terms and conditions for each promotion.
