If you have not linked your Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards accounts yet, now is this time to do it.
With the two programs’ merger well underway and major changes coming from August 2018 in the lead-up to the launch of a combined program in 2019, make sure you are getting your status recognised across both programs before they fold into one.
Although unconfirmed, there are indications that American Express Platinum Card cardholders will get Gold Elite status in the new program launching in 2019.
Why is this important?
For most readers, it is more likely that they have earned SPG status rather than Marriott Rewards status, however, this status match works in both directions.
In short, the best benefit SPG Gold gives you is late checkout but matching to Marriott Gold Elite gives you better benefits, including a late checkout plus complimentary breakfast and a space-available room upgrade.
From August until early 2019, current Gold Elite members will be bumped up to Platinum Elite during the transition, which is a big win.
SPG Platinum currently matches to Marriott Platinum Elite, which is currently its highest tier, however, come August, those with this status will be bumped up to Platinum Premier Elite.
These status tiers will change in 2019, when they will have uniform qualification criteria. In short, you will enjoy the benefits of the status match for the rest of this year and then be reassessed next year.
Step-by-step instructions
- Make sure you have joined both SPG and Marriott Rewards
- Go to the account linking page and sign in to your Marriott Rewards account
- Enter your SPG details and your accounts will be linked, with your status matched and the ability to transfer points between the two programs (1 Starpoint = 3 Marriott Rewards points)
Summing up
If you hold SPG Gold or Platinum status, then it is worth matching your status to its sister program—Marriott Rewards—to enjoy upgraded benefits for the rest of 2018. Come 2019, there will be different rules under a combined program and a status match will not be necessary.
Linking your accounts now will also mean that when the programs combine, your points will combine automatically. You can, of course, choose to manually transfer your points at any stage before the merger.
Remember that American Express Platinum Card Members also get complimentary elite status with Hilton Honors, Shangri-La Golden Circle, Radisson Rewards and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
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