Credit card transfer bonuses are a prime opportunity for Canadians to maximize points value with both airline and hotel programs.
It’s a great way to get more value from your rewards by transferring them to an airline or hotel partner during a transfer bonus period, getting you closer to your next nearly free flight or hotel stay.
American Express® has just released a new transfer bonus, letting you transfer your Amex® Membership Rewards® points to Marriott Bonvoy® with a 30% bonus.
The standard transfer rate from Amex Membership Rewards® to Marriott Bonvoy® is 1:1.2, but this 30% transfer bonus elevates this transfer rate to 1:1.56 through January 31, 2026.
Remember this transfer bonuses is only until January 31, so you’ll need to act fast if this current offer aligns with your travel plans.
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Travel more using points
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What Are Amex MR® Points
Membership Rewards® are the points you earn through the American Express Membership Rewards® program.
You’ll need a card that earns Membership Rewards® such as the American Express® Cobalt, Gold Business Gold, Platinum, and Business Platinum.
You’ll earn points every time you use a participating card, with some earning more on categories like groceries, dining, or travel.
You can redeem Membership Rewards® for cashback, gift cards, and more. You’ll get the highest value when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners for travel.
How to Earn Amex MR® Points
You can earn Membership Rewards® with American Express® cards like the Cobalt®, Gold®, and Platinum®. You don’t need to be a big spender to get started.
You’ll find many ways to earn points. Welcome bonuses are the fastest, but you’ll also earn through everyday spending, Amex® Offers, referrals, upgrade promotions, adding authorized users and and shopping portals.
Check out our guide to earning Membership Rewards® for more easy strategies to earn points without overspending.
Best American Express® Membership Rewards® Cards
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
30% Transfer Bonus From Amex® To Marriott Bonvoy®
American Express® has just released a new transfer bonus, letting you transfer your Amex® Membership Rewards® points to Marriott Bonvoy® with a 30% bonus.
The standard transfer rate from Amex Membership Rewards® to Marriott Bonvoy® is 1:1.2, but this 30% transfer bonus elevates this transfer rate to 1:1.56 through January 31, 2026.
This means for every 1,000 American Express® points you transfer, you will receive 1,560 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Amex® notes transfers can take up to 48 hours, but we often see them show within an hour. Transfers are final, so poinst can be transferred back.
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to transfer Amex® Membership Rewards® points to travel partners.
Is This Amex® to Marriott® Transfer Bonus Worth It?
Whether this bonus is worth it depends on your travel plans. You should avoid transferring points without a specific redemption in mind.
However, since this bonus only occurs once or twice a year, it is a perfect time to transfer your points if you need to top up your Bonvoy® balance for a future stay.
Here’s when taking advantage of the transfer bonus makes most sense:
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Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Should You Transfer Points?
It is easy to get excited when you see a transfer bonus pop up, and any chance to grab extra points feels like a win. However, transferring your American Express® points just because there’s a bonus is not the best move.
Amex® MR® points are super flexible and the most valuable. But once you transfer them out to an airline or hotel partner, you can’t transfer them back.
Always consider your other opportunities, as American Express® has multiple airline and hotel partners. Here are all the ways to redeem your Membership Rewards®.
Ultimately, transferring American Express® points to a partner during a promotion makes sense when you have a redemption lined up or routinely use a specific program for high-value redemptions. A bonus can get you to your next trip much sooner and for less.
If you need more points and have the time to accumulate them, you are likely better off earning rewards through card welcome bonuses and everyday spending.
Best Amex® Welcome Offers
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
How to Calculate Your Transfer
The American Express® transfer calculator doesn’t typically show you the final number of points, including the bonus.
It usually still shows the normal 1:1 or standard ratio. So, you’ll need to manually add the bonus percentage to know exactly how many points will get in your partner account.
To find out exactly how many points you need to send over, divide the total points needed for your booking by 1.x (where x is the bonus percentage).
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for March 2026.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for March 2026.
Bottom Line
We value American Express® Membership Rewards® because they are super valuable and flexible. Amex® has great travel partners, but once you transfer your points, you can’t transfer them back.
That’s why you should transfer your points only when you have a specific redemption in mind, if you frequently use a partner program, or plan to redeem them soon.
With that said, the transfer bonus can absolutely help you get more value from your points and miles.
