Get Started

Learn more about Credit Cards, Travel Programs, Deals, and more.

SPG and Marriott to Remain Separate in 2018 & Upcoming Program Changes

This post may contain affiliate links - Advertiser Disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Marriott and SPG Remain Separate Plus Upcoming Changes

Marriott and SPG Remain Separate Plus Upcoming Changes

Marriott, SPG and Ritz Carlton loyalty programs will continue to operate separately in 2018. Today, Marriott announced a few minor changes to Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest and they’re mostly positive- especially for SPG Loyalists. Click here for more complete details. Of course, if you haven’t already done so, make sure you link your SPG and Marriott Accounts for status matching and reciprocal benefits.

Marriott and SPG Remain Separate Plus Upcoming ChangesĀ 

Upcoming Changes

  • Hertz Benefits for top-tier members
  • End of Marriott Status buy-back and elite rollover nights
  • SPG Lifetime Status Members get to keep their points forever

Hertz Partnership

Marriott and SPG Remain Separate Plus Upcoming ChangesĀ 

Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite members andĀ SPG Platinum members will receive Complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status (registration required). While, Platinum Premier Elite and Platinum with Ambassador will receiveĀ Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Presidentā€™s Circle status. Hertz status benefits include complimentary upgrade and expedited rentals.

Marriott Ending Rollover Nights and Buy Back Status

You can no longer use excess nights to qualify for status in the following year. Rollover nightsĀ are those earned in excess of Elite requirements that can be applied toward retaining elite status the following year or may help achieve a higher Elite level. Any excess nights from 2017 will rollover to 2018 and count for status level, but no nights are eligible to rollover in 2019.

Perhaps the biggest and (most disappointing) upcoming change is that Marriott is ending the ability to buy back elite status. For years, Platinum members have been able to buy-back their status for a meager 40,000 Marriott Points. It seems unfortunate that many people will be left out in the cold since there was very little notice given of this change. Simply put, you will not be able to buy back status in 2018. I’m guessing many members would have done things a little differently if they had been given fair warning of this upcoming change.

SPG Lifetime Status Members

For SPG Lifetime Status members, points will never expire. This is a small but positive change and in line with Marriotts’ own policy.

Conclusion

These changes are definitely not earth shattering and won’t make too much of a difference in the way you’ve been doing things. Hertz status can be helpful for people who rent cars, but is available through several other programs, so it’s unlikely to help all that many people. Unfortunately, the only major change that could definitely adversely affect people is the end of elite status buy back and roll over nights. This definitely puts a dent in my plans for this year! How does this change your plans for 2018? Let me know in the comments.

HT: Doctor Of CreditĀ 

 

 

 

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Lower Spend -Ā Chase Ink Business PreferredĀ® 100K!

Chase Ink Business PreferredĀ® is a powerful card that earns 3X Ultimate Rewards points in a broad range of business categories on the first $150K in spend per year. Right now earn 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards points after $15K $8K spend in the first 3 months with a $95 annual fee.

Learn more about this card and its features!


Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the authorā€™s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Bethany Walsh
Bethany Walshhttp://Bougiemiles.com
Founder of BougieMiles.com, Bethany is a points, miles and loyalty program strategist who enjoys luxury travel and lives for a deal. When Bethany is not following her Miles to Memories family around the world to various meet-ups you can find her on a beach, in a casino or on a mileage run.

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related

7,703FansLike
9,903FollowersFollow
16,444FollowersFollow