Marriott and United's RewardsPlus partnership

Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus have a partnership known as RewardsPlus. This partnership allows members of both loyalty programs to redeem rewards, register for higher status and earn additional miles for selected hotel stays.

In this guide, we'll discuss what you need to know about the RewardsPlus partnership to maximize your stays with Marriott Bonvoy and flights with United MileagePlus.

How United elite members can get Marriott status

If you hold Premier status with United Airlines in the Gold category or higher, you can register here for Marriott Gold Elite status.

Marriott Gold Elite status offers 25% bonus points on your stay, 2pm late check-out at participating companies based on availability, upgraded room upgrades at participating companies based on availability, enhanced internet access and a complimentary points gift upon check-in at participating locations. .

You cannot sign up for Marriott Bonvoy status if you are a United Premier member who has earned status through a similar flight status or challenge. You will also not be eligible if you already have Marriott Gold Elite or higher status.

If you can snag Marriott Gold Elite status through the RewardsPlus program, remember that it's also a card member benefit Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, Platinum Card® from American Express again Business Platinum Card® from American Express (registration is required for this benefit).

Alternatively, you can snag Marriott Platinum Elite status as a loyalty card member Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

Related: How to get Marriott Bonvoy elite status for life

How Marriott elite members can get United status

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

This United Premier status category offers 7 miles per dollar spent on United flights, a 40% mileage bonus, a free checked bag of up to 70 pounds when flying in economy class, boarding in second class, seat selection upon booking and arrival for eight friends, and Economy Plus seats for your entry with one friend. You're also eligible for modest upgrades on other United flights, though you'll typically be further down the upgrade list as a Premier Silver member.

Members who hold Marriott Bonvoy status in a hotel status game or challenge cannot register. Similarly, you will not be eligible for matching status if you already hold United Premier Silver or higher status.

Related: The ultimate guide to earning top status with United cards

Transfer rewards between programs

In addition to equivalent elite status, the RewardsPlus partnership opens up the ability to convert Marriott points to United miles and United miles to Marriott points.

Converting Marriott points to United miles

You can convert between 3,000 and 240,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to United MileagePlus miles every day here.

For every 3 Marriott points you transfer, you'll earn 1 United mile. Additionally, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 Marriott points you transfer. So, if you transfer 60,000 Marriott points to MileagePlus, you'll get 30,000 United miles.

TPG's July 2024 estimates pegged the value of 60,000 Marriott points at $510 and 30,000 United miles at $405. Therefore, you will lose value on this transfer unless you make a maximum number of United MileagePlus redemptions.

Related: How to get the best value on the United MileagePlus program

Converting United miles to Marriott Bonvoy points

If you have United Premier elite status, you can convert up to 100,000 United miles to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio every calendar year here. Each transfer must be at least 500 miles.

We do not recommend converting United miles to Marriott points unless you have a special high value redemption. After all, our estimates for July 2024 cost United miles at 1.35 cents each and Marriott points at 0.85 cents each.

Related: Ways to increase Marriott Bonvoy's nightly award redemptions

Earn United miles for Marriott stays

Finally, if you plan to stay with Marriott Bonvoy at your United flight destination, consider starting your hotel search on United's Marriott Bonus promotion page to earn bonus miles. These miles are added to your regular Marriott Bonvoy earnings.

When you visit the Marriott Bonus promotion page and log in, you'll see the upcoming flights associated with your United MileagePlus account. Select “Book a hotel” in your flight details and book a price to receive bonus points (bonus points will appear in your account approximately 90 days after check-out). Since you're booking directly with Marriott, you'll still get the perks and benefits of exclusive members on site.

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

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

If you use Marriott points or book a different rate than Marriott's regular membership rate, you may not earn bonus miles even if you book through a Marriott bonus link.

Related: How to earn miles with the United MileagePlus Dining program

Bottom line

Despite the lackluster transfer rates, the RewardsPlus partnership is a great way for select travelers to earn additional elite status. It's also good for United Premier elite members to double-dip Marriott stays after United flights.

While Marriott Gold Elite and United Premier Silver are useful features, it would be nice if travelers who benefit from these relationships also get a head start on earning elite status in these programs. However, with just a few clicks, you can unlock a new tier and earn bonus United miles at other Marriott accommodations.