Are you sitting on a pile of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, dreaming of a luxurious stay at a Marriott Bonvoy property, but wondering how to make that dream a reality? You've come to the right place! Transferring your hard-earned Chase points to Marriott Bonvoy can unlock incredible value, especially when you're aiming for those aspirational hotel stays. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful transfer.
Before we dive in, let's acknowledge that transferring points is a powerful redemption strategy, but it's not always the best one. We'll touch on that too, so you can make an informed decision. Ready to turn those points into unforgettable experiences? Let's get started!
How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your points land safely in your Marriott account.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Confirm Eligibility
Before you initiate any transfer, it's crucial to do a little homework.
Sub-heading 1.1: Do You Have a Marriott Bonvoy Account?
This might seem obvious, but it's the absolute first prerequisite. If you don't have one, head over to the Marriott Bonvoy website and sign up. It's free and takes just a few minutes. Make sure the name on your Marriott Bonvoy account exactly matches the name on your Chase Ultimate Rewards account. Any discrepancies could cause delays or issues with your transfer.
Sub-heading 1.2: Identify Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Card
Not all Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points that are transferable to travel partners. You'll need a premium Chase card like:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
If you have a Chase Freedom or Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can combine those points with one of the above premium cards before transferring them to Marriott.
Sub-heading 1.3: Check for Transfer Bonuses (Crucial!)
This is where the magic happens and you can significantly increase the value of your points! Chase occasionally offers transfer bonuses to Marriott Bonvoy. For instance, you might see a 50% or even a 65% bonus. This means for every 1,000 Chase points you transfer, you could get 1,500 or 1,650 Marriott Bonvoy points. Always check for these limited-time offers on the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal before you transfer. A 1:1 transfer ratio (where 1,000 Chase points = 1,000 Marriott points) is the standard, but a bonus can make a big difference in value.
Sub-heading 1.4: Determine Your Marriott Bonvoy Redemption Goal
This is perhaps the most important pre-transfer step. Do you have a specific hotel stay in mind? Have you checked award availability for your desired dates and location? Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic pricing, meaning point costs can fluctuate. Never transfer points speculatively. Once points are transferred to Marriott, they cannot be transferred back to Chase Ultimate Rewards. Book your stay, or at least confirm solid availability, before you commit your points.
Step 2: Navigate to the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
With your Marriott Bonvoy account ready and your redemption plan in mind, it's time to access your Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Sub-heading 2.1: Log In to Your Chase Account
Go to the official Chase website (chase.com) and log in to your credit card account.
Sub-heading 2.2: Access the Ultimate Rewards Section
Once logged in, look for the "Ultimate Rewards" section. It's usually prominently displayed. Click on it to enter the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Sub-heading 2.3: Find "Transfer to Travel Partners"
Within the Ultimate Rewards portal, you'll see various redemption options. Look for a section titled "Transfer to Travel Partners" or something similar. This is where you'll initiate the transfer to Marriott.
Step 3: Select Marriott Bonvoy as Your Transfer Partner
Now you're at the exciting part – choosing your desired loyalty program!
Sub-heading 3.1: Browse Hotel Transfer Partners
Chase lists both airline and hotel transfer partners. Scroll down until you find the "Hotel Programs" section.
Sub-heading 3.2: Choose Marriott Bonvoy
Click on the Marriott Bonvoy logo or name. This will take you to the transfer page for Marriott.
Step 4: Link Your Marriott Bonvoy Account (If Not Already Linked)
For your first transfer, you'll need to link your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Chase Ultimate Rewards profile.
Sub-heading 4.1: Enter Your Marriott Bonvoy Details
You will be prompted to enter your Marriott Bonvoy member number and confirm your first and last name as they appear on your Marriott Bonvoy account. Double-check this information carefully to avoid any transfer errors.
Sub-heading 4.2: Confirm Account Linkage
After entering your details, confirm the linkage. Chase will typically verify the information.
Step 5: Specify the Number of Points to Transfer
This is where you decide how many of your valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points you want to convert.
Sub-heading 5.1: Enter Transfer Amount
You'll see a field where you can enter the number of points you wish to transfer. Transfers must typically be in increments of 1,000 points.
Sub-heading 5.2: Be Mindful of Transfer Bonuses
If there's a transfer bonus active, the system will usually show you how many Marriott Bonvoy points you will receive for the Chase points you're transferring. For example, if you transfer 10,000 Chase points with a 50% bonus, it should display that you will receive 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Sub-heading 5.3: Confirm and Review
Review the amount carefully. Remember, transfers are irreversible.
Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Transfer
The final check before your points embark on their journey!
Sub-heading 6.1: Verify All Details
Chase will present a summary of your transfer, including the number of Chase points being transferred, the expected number of Marriott Bonvoy points, and your Marriott Bonvoy account number.
Sub-heading 6.2: Read the Terms and Conditions
It's always a good idea to quickly review any terms and conditions associated with the transfer. This often reiterates that transfers are final.
Sub-heading 6.3: Submit Your Transfer
Once you're confident all information is correct, click the "Submit" or "Confirm Transfer" button. You might receive an email confirmation from Chase.
Step 7: Monitor Your Marriott Bonvoy Account
The waiting game begins, but usually, it's a short one.
Sub-heading 7.1: Check Your Marriott Bonvoy Balance
While some transfers can be instant, others may take up to 4 days to reflect in your Marriott Bonvoy account. Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account periodically to check your updated points balance.
Sub-heading 7.2: Proceed with Your Booking
Once the points appear in your Marriott Bonvoy account, you can proceed with booking your desired award stay!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy, with quick answers:
How to check my Chase Ultimate Rewards balance?
You can check your Chase Ultimate Rewards balance by logging into your Chase credit card account online or through the Chase mobile app. The balance is usually displayed prominently on your account summary page.
How to link my Marriott Bonvoy account to Chase Ultimate Rewards?
You link your Marriott Bonvoy account during the transfer process within the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. When you select Marriott Bonvoy as the transfer partner, you'll be prompted to enter your Marriott Bonvoy member number and confirm your name.
How to find out if there's a Marriott transfer bonus?
Chase often advertises transfer bonuses directly within the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal on the "Transfer to Travel Partners" page. You might also receive emails from Chase about these promotions.
How to know the transfer ratio between Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy?
The standard transfer ratio is 1:1, meaning 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points equal 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. However, always check for limited-time transfer bonuses that can increase this ratio (e.g., to 1:1.5).
How to reverse a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to Marriott?
Unfortunately, transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy are final and irreversible. Once the points are moved, they cannot be transferred back to your Chase account.
How to ensure my name matches on both accounts?
When linking your Marriott Bonvoy account, Chase will typically ask you to confirm your name. Ensure the first and last name on your Marriott Bonvoy account is identical to what Chase has on file for your Ultimate Rewards account to avoid any issues.
How to deal with slow point transfers?
While many transfers are instant, some can take up to 4 days. If your points haven't appeared after 4 business days, first double-check your Marriott Bonvoy account number entered during the transfer. Then, contact Chase customer service for assistance.
How to maximize the value of Marriott Bonvoy points?
To maximize value, aim for redemptions where the cash price of the hotel stay is significantly higher than the points cost. Look for Marriott's "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit on award stays, and target luxury properties where cash rates are often exorbitant.
How to decide if transferring points is worth it?
Compare the value you'd get by transferring to Marriott versus redeeming your Chase points through the Chase Travel Portal or for cash back. Calculate the "cents per point" (CPP) for your desired Marriott redemption and compare it to the typical 1.5 CPP value (for Sapphire Reserve) or 1.25 CPP (for Sapphire Preferred) you get in the Chase Travel Portal.
How to avoid common transfer mistakes?
Always confirm award availability before transferring. Double-check your Marriott Bonvoy account number. Be aware that transfers are irreversible. And, if a transfer bonus is available, ensure you understand the terms and the effective transfer ratio.