Chase has brought back one of its most popular—yet mathematically debatable—promotions: a 50% transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy. Until February 28, 2026, you can convert your Ultimate Rewards points into Marriott points at a 1:1.5 ratio.
On paper, a 50% bonus sounds massive. But in the world of points and miles, the “exchange rate” is irrelevant if the currency you are buying is devalued. Marriott points are worth significantly less than Hyatt or United miles, making this deal a potential trap for the uninitiated.
If you are sitting on a stack of Chase points and eyeing a luxury redemption, this bonus might be your golden ticket. However, for 90% of travelers, transferring speculatively is a mistake. Here is the exact math to help you decide before the window closes.
The Math: Why This Bonus Is (Usually) a Trap
To determine if a transfer makes sense, you must compare the Opportunity Cost of your Chase points against the Redemption Value of Marriott points.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly flexible. You can transfer them to high-value partners like World of Hyatt (where 20,000 points often buys a $500+ room) or United Airlines. Conservatively, we value Chase points at 2.0 cents each. Marriott Bonvoy points, plagued by dynamic pricing and inflation, are currently valued at approximately 0.7 cents each.
| Currency | Base Value | Transfer Ratio | Final Value per Chase Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Transfer | 0.7¢ (Marriott) | 1 : 1 | 0.7 cents (Loss of 65%) |
| With 50% Bonus | 0.7¢ (Marriott) | 1 : 1.5 | 1.05 cents (Loss of 48%) |
Even with the 50% bonus, you are effectively trading a Chase point (worth 2.0 cents) for 1.05 cents of Marriott value. You are losing nearly half the value of your hard-earned points on a standard redemption.
The “Yes” Scenarios: When to Transfer
Despite the poor average value, there are specific “sweet spots” where this bonus unlocks incredible value. If your redemption meets one of these criteria, you should absolutely pull the trigger before Feb 28.
1. Top-Tier Luxury Properties
Marriott’s dynamic pricing often caps out for its ultra-luxury brands like St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, and EDITION. Conversely, cash rates for these properties in 2026 have skyrocketed. If you can find a room for $1,500+ that costs 100,000 Marriott points, the math changes drastically.
- Example: St. Regis New York costs $1,800/night or 100,000 Bonvoy points.
- Transfer Cost: With the bonus, you only need ~67,000 Chase points.
- Value: $1,800 / 67,000 = 2.7 cents per point.
This beats the 2.0-cent benchmark, making it a fantastic use of points. For more on booking luxury stays, check our guide on Amex FHR vs. The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
2. The “5th Night Free” Multiplier
All Marriott Bonvoy members get the 5th Night Free on award stays. This effectively reduces the cost of a 5-night stay by 20%. When you stack the 50% transfer bonus with the 5th Night Free benefit, your value compounds.
- Scenario: 5 nights at the JW Marriott Masai Mara for 600,000 points total (Avg 150k/night x 4 paid + 1 free).
- Chase Points Needed: 400,000 UR points (due to 50% bonus).
- Cash Cost: ~$15,000 for 5 nights (All-inclusive safari rates are steep!).
- Result: An astronomical 3.75 cents per point return.
3. Topping Off an Account
Sometimes you are just a few thousand points short of a redemption. If you have 180,000 Marriott points and need 200,000 for a redemption, transferring 14,000 Chase points (which become 21,000 Bonvoy points) is a smart move. The utility of booking the trip outweighs the slight loss in theoretical point value.
Crucial Warnings and “Gotchas”
Before you log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards dashboard, be aware of these three critical risks.
⚠️ Warning: Marriott Charges Resort Fees on Awards
Unlike Hyatt and Hilton, which waive resort fees on award stays, Marriott Bonvoy generally forces you to pay resort fees even when using points. At properties like the Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach or resorts in Hawaii, this can add $50–$150 per night to your “free” stay. Always check the “Taxes and Fees” line item before transferring. Read our full breakdown on The Truth About Resort Fees on Award Stays.
1. Dynamic Pricing Fluctuations
Marriott no longer uses an award chart. Prices are dynamic and can change instantly. Between the time you see a room for 50,000 points and the time your transfer completes, the price could jump to 60,000 points. Always have a backup plan.
2. Transfer Times Are Usually Instant (But Not Guaranteed)
Transfers from Chase to Marriott are typically instant. However, during high-volume periods (like the end of a promotion), delays of 24–48 hours can occur. If you transfer on Feb 28 at 11:00 PM, and the points don’t arrive until March 1, you might miss the award availability you were eyeing, though you will still get the bonus points as long as the transfer was initiated in time.
3. Transfers Are Irreversible
Once you send points to Marriott, they can never go back to Chase. You cannot convert them to United miles or Hyatt points later. If you cancel your Marriott booking, you are stuck with Marriott points. Ensure you are familiar with Chase ecosystem rules before locking your points away in a single program.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer
- Log In: Go to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and select your premium card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred).
- Navigate: Click on “Transfer to Travel Partners” in the top menu.
- Link Account: If you haven’t already, add your Marriott Bonvoy member number. The name on the Chase card must match the name on the Marriott account.
- Initiate Transfer: Enter the number of Chase points you want to move.
- Note: The Chase portal will typically show the base amount (1:1). The 50% bonus points usually post on the Marriott side as a separate line item, or the total is updated upon receipt. Double-check the offer terms on the transfer screen.
- Verify: Log into your Marriott account to confirm receipt. You may need to log out and log back in to see the updated balance.
Alternative: Better Uses for Chase Points
If you decide to skip this offer, keep your points for these higher-value partners:
- World of Hyatt: Transfer 1:1. Redemptions often yield 2.0–3.0 cents per point. Suites can be secured using Suite Upgrade Awards if you have status.
- Air Canada Aeroplan: Great for booking Star Alliance business class to Europe or Asia.
- British Airways/Iberia: Excellent for short-haul flights in Europe or flights to Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 50% bonus apply to all Chase cards?
No. You must hold a card with an annual fee that allows transfers: the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Cash-back cards like the Freedom Flex can only transfer if you combine points with one of the premium cards first.
Do Marriott points expire?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity. However, transferring points from Chase counts as qualifying activity, which resets the expiration clock for your entire balance.
Can I use Marriott points to book flights?
Technically yes, but it is a poor value. Marriott transfers to most airlines at a 3:1 ratio (with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred). Moving Chase points to Marriott (1:1.5) and then to an airline (3:1) results in a net ratio of roughly 2 Chase points for every 1 airline mile. You are better off transferring Chase points directly to the airline partner.
Are resort fees waived on Marriott award stays?
Generally, no. Unlike Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy Terms & Conditions do not mandate waived resort fees on award stays. You will likely have to pay the daily destination/resort fee in cash at checkout.
