Chase just launched a 65% transfer bonus when you move Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy, running through May 15, 2026. That means 100,000 Chase points becomes 165,000 Marriott points instead of the usual 100,000.

Sounds great, right? Not so fast.

The Math Doesn't Usually Add Up

Here's the reality: Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth approximately 2 cents each, while Marriott Bonvoy points average just 0.7 cents per point. Transfer 100,000 Chase points with this bonus and you're swapping $2,000 in value for roughly $1,155 in Marriott points. That's a 42% loss in theoretical value.

But here's the thing about points — theoretical value isn't everything.

When This Transfer Actually Makes Sense

You should consider this bonus if:

You're booking an expensive Marriott property where points crush the cash rate. The St. Regis Maldives runs $1,500+ per night in peak season but costs just 100,000 points. Transfer 60,606 Chase points (becomes 100,000 Marriott points with the bonus) and you're getting 2.5 cents per Chase point in value. That beats even the best Ultimate Rewards redemptions.

You're just short of a redemption. Need 20,000 more Marriott Bonvoy points for your dream stay? Transferring 12,122 Chase points tops you off without burning through a massive stash.

You were planning to pay cash anyway. If you were booking a Marriott stay with cash regardless, converting some Chase points at a bonus rate makes that free night actually free.

Smart Redemption Targets

Focus on luxury Marriott properties where the points-to-cash ratio works in your favor. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, W Maldives, St. Regis properties in expensive markets, and Edition hotels in major cities often deliver 1+ cent per Marriott point in value. At those properties, this transfer bonus can work.

Category 8 properties (100,000 points per night) are your sweet spot. Look for properties charging $700+ per night in cash.

Which Chase Cards Let You Transfer?

Only premium Chase Ultimate Rewards cards allow point transfers to Marriott. You'll need the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred. If you're holding Chase Freedom or Freedom Unlimited points, you can combine them with a Sapphire card to access transfer partners.

Already have a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? Those cards earn Marriott points directly, so this transfer bonus doesn't apply to them.

How to Transfer

Log into your Chase account, navigate to Ultimate Rewards, select "Transfer to Partners," choose Marriott Bonvoy, and enter your transfer amount. The 65% bonus applies automatically. Transfers typically complete within 24 hours but can take up to 2 days, so don't wait until the last minute.

Bottom Line

This transfer bonus won't make sense for most redemptions, and that's okay. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly valuable precisely because you have flexibility. But if you've got a specific high-value Marriott stay planned, this bonus can turn a mediocre deal into a solid win. Just run the numbers first.

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