You can now convert your Marriott Bonvoy points to Starbucks Rewards

In 2000, Starbucks and Marriott established a long-term licensing agreement to open Starbucks outlets in selected hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada. In June, the two brands introduced a new partnership allowing travelers to link their accounts. Now, they've added the option to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Starbucks Rewards.

If you haven't done so yet, consider enrolling in Marriott Bonvoy and a U.S. Starbucks Rewards account to take full advantage of this partnership. After that, link your accounts on the Starbucks website. If you sign up as a new member of either program and connect your accounts by Oct. 18, you’ll receive 1,000 Marriott points.

Here’s what you should know about the Starbucks and Marriott collaboration, including the new option to exchange Marriott points for Starbucks Stars (and whether it's beneficial).

Receive double Stars during your Marriott stays

You will earn double Stars at Starbucks from midnight on the day you check in until 11:59 p.m. on your check-out day for eligible Marriott Bonvoy stays. Eligible stays encompass those booked at qualifying rates — including with Marriott points or free night awards — provided you link your accounts at least 48 hours prior to your stay and make your reservation at least 48 hours before check-in.

Double Stars will show up in your linked Starbucks Rewards account within two business days following your qualifying Starbucks transaction. However, you can earn a maximum of 1,000 Stars under the "Double Stars" promotion each program year from June 18 to June 17.

Earn up to 100 points during Marriott Bonvoy Weeks

Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks will occasionally announce special weeks known as Marriott Bonvoy Week. During each of these weeks, members with linked accounts can earn 100 Marriott points by completing at least three qualifying Starbucks transactions. Qualifying transactions are defined as "any purchase at a Participating Starbucks Store by a Linked Account Member for food, beverages, and/or merchandise, excluding alcoholic beverages, Starbucks Card eGifts, and physical Starbucks gift cards," as per the terms and conditions on Starbucks' website.

To qualify, your purchase must be a minimum of $2 and you must pay:

• Through mobile ordering via the Starbucks mobile app or website using a linked payment method or a preloaded Starbucks Card registered to your Starbucks Rewards account
• By scanning the barcode in your Starbucks mobile app before completing your checkout

Not every Starbucks location is part of the program. Participating stores are those in the U.S. — including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories — where you can earn Stars. The 100 points will be credited to your Marriott Bonvoy account within two business days after Marriott Bonvoy Week concludes, provided you complete at least three qualifying Starbucks transactions.

Convert Marriott points to Starbucks Rewards

You can exchange Marriott points for Starbucks Stars if your accounts are linked. However, the conversion rate is 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for 100 Stars. Since 100 Stars will only get you a bakery item or a brewed coffee or tea, this may not offer great value. TPG's September 2024 valuations estimate that 1,000 Marriott points are worth $8.50.

For this reason, we do not recommend transferring your Marriott points to Starbucks if you aim to maximize their value.

Marriott points will expire if your account remains inactive for 24 months, while Starbucks Stars expire six months after the month they were earned. Therefore, even if you consider transferring Marriott points to Starbucks to avoid losing them due to inactivity, your rewards will generally expire much sooner in the Starbucks Rewards program.

To transfer Marriott points to Starbucks, you can do so on the Marriott website.

In summary

This isn't the first collaboration for Marriott Bonvoy or Starbucks Rewards. Delta Air Lines and Starbucks already have a partnership, as do Marriott and United Airlines.

While I don't believe transferring Marriott points to Starbucks Rewards offers great value, linking your accounts is beneficial as it allows you to earn more on certain Starbucks purchases. Even if you don't benefit consistently, you may still accumulate extra points or Stars.