How Elite Members of Marriott and United Can Utilize RewardsPlus for Status Matching and Reward Conversion

Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus have established a collaboration called RewardsPlus. This partnership enables members of both loyalty programs to exchange rewards, attain complimentary elite status, and earn additional miles on select hotel stays.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the RewardsPlus partnership to enhance your stays with Marriott Bonvoy and flights with United MileagePlus.

How United Elite Members Can Attain Marriott Status

If you possess Premier status with United Airlines at the Gold tier or above, you can register here to receive complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status.

Marriott Gold Elite status offers a 25% bonus on points earned during stays, a 2 p.m. late checkout at participating brands when available, enhanced room upgrades at participating locations based on availability, free high-speed internet access, and a welcome gift of points upon check-in at select properties.

United Premier members who received their status through an airline status match or challenge cannot register for Marriott Bonvoy status. Additionally, those who already hold Marriott Gold Elite status or higher are also ineligible.

If you can’t secure Marriott Gold Elite status via the RewardsPlus program, don’t forget it’s also a benefit for cardmembers of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is necessary for this benefit).

Alternatively, you can achieve Marriott Platinum Elite status as a benefit of being a cardmember of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

How Marriott elite members can attain United status

If you have Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite status, you can register here to receive complimentary United Premier Silver status.

This United Premier status tier offers 7 miles for every dollar spent on United flights, a 40% bonus on mileage, a free checked bag up to 70 pounds when flying in economy, boarding in the second group, and preferred seating at booking for you and up to eight companions. You’ll also get Economy Plus seating at check-in for yourself and one companion, along with eligibility for complimentary upgrades on select United flights, although as a Premier Silver member, you may be low on the upgrade priority list.

Individuals with Marriott Bonvoy status obtained through a hotel status match or challenge are not eligible to register. Similarly, if you already possess United Premier Silver or a higher status, you cannot participate in the status match.

Transfer rewards between the programs

In addition to shared elite status, the RewardsPlus partnership allows for the conversion of Marriott points to United miles and vice versa.

Converting Marriott points to United miles

You can exchange between 3,000 and 240,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for United MileagePlus miles daily here.

For every 3 Marriott points you convert, you'll earn 1 United mile. Plus, transferring 60,000 Marriott points will grant you an additional 10,000 bonus miles. Therefore, if you send 60,000 Marriott points to MileagePlus, you'll receive 30,000 United miles.

According to TPG's July 2024 valuations, 60,000 Marriott points are valued at $510, while 30,000 United miles are worth $405. This suggests you might not get the best value from this transfer unless you achieve a high-value redemption with United MileagePlus.

Converting United miles to Marriott Bonvoy points

If you're a United Premier elite member, you can convert up to 100,000 United miles to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio each calendar year here. Transfers must be a minimum of 500 miles.

We advise against converting United miles to Marriott points unless you have a specific high-value redemption in mind. As of our July 2024 valuations, United miles are valued at 1.35 cents each, while Marriott points are at 0.85 cents each.

Earn United miles during your Marriott stays

If you're planning to stay at a Marriott Bonvoy property near a United flight destination, consider starting your hotel search on United's Marriott Bonus promotion page to earn additional bonus miles. These bonuses are separate from your usual Marriott Bonvoy earnings.

Upon visiting the Marriott Bonus promotion page and signing in, you'll see upcoming flights linked to your United MileagePlus account. Choose "Book hotel" from your flight details and select a member rate to accrue bonus points (these points will be credited to your account roughly 90 days after your stay). Booking directly with Marriott ensures you retain on-site elite member benefits and earnings.

This promotional offer is not available at the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, Design Hotels, Bulgari brands, or at the following properties:

• Atlantis, Autograph Collection
• Bulgari Hotel, London
• Joshua G.E. Medical Corp. Conference Center
• Jesse Jones Rotary Conference Center
• Marriott Ranch
• Protea Hotel Amani Beach
• The Ritz-Carlton London
• U.S. Postal Service Conference Center
• Four Points by Sheraton Havana
• The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, Autograph Collection

If you redeem Marriott points or book a rate that differs from the standard Marriott member rate, you might not earn bonus miles, even if you make your reservation through the Marriott Bonus link.

Bottom line

Although the transfer ratios may be underwhelming, the RewardsPlus partnership offers a fantastic opportunity for select travelers to gain additional elite status. It's also beneficial for United Premier elite members looking to maximize their Marriott stays following United flights.

Although Marriott Gold Elite and United Premier Silver statuses offer valuable benefits, it would be even better if travelers utilizing this partnership received a boost towards achieving higher elite tiers in these programs. Nevertheless, with just a few simple clicks, you can gain access to a new elite status level and earn bonus United miles during select Marriott stays.