Why Transferring Marriott Points to Airlines Is a Mistake
By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Marriott Bonvoy lets you transfer points to airline miles, but at roughly 3 Bonvoy points per 1 airline mile, which crushes their value since Bonvoy points are worth well under a cent each to begin with. Almost always, you get far more by redeeming Bonvoy points for hotel nights instead.
The 3-to-1 trap
Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to most airline partners at about 3 to 1, so 60,000 Bonvoy points become only 20,000 airline miles. Because Bonvoy points are worth well under a cent each, that 20,000 miles represents a poor return, and the old transfer bonus that once sweetened it does not rescue the math. See our Marriott Bonvoy guide.
Why hotel nights win
Bonvoy points shine as hotel nights, where a property capped at a reasonable points price can have a high cash rate, and a fifth-night-free benefit stretches them further. Converting them to a small pile of airline miles throws that away. Unless you are topping up a tiny airline shortfall for a specific award, the transfer is a value loser. See what points are worth.
What to do instead
Use Bonvoy points for hotel stays, especially where the cash rate is high relative to the points price, and earn airline miles directly through a transferable bank currency or a co-brand card rather than converting Bonvoy. Keep the two currencies in their lanes. See transferable points explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Marriott to airline transfer ratio?
About 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per 1 airline mile for most partners. Because Bonvoy points are worth well under a cent each, that ratio makes the transfer a poor value compared with redeeming for hotel nights.
Is it ever worth transferring Marriott to airlines?
Rarely, mainly to top up a small shortfall for a specific airline award you are about to book. As a way to generate airline miles in bulk, the 3-to-1 ratio destroys value.
What is the best use of Marriott Bonvoy points?
Hotel nights, especially at properties where the cash rate is high relative to the points price, using the fifth-night-free benefit to stretch them. Earn airline miles separately rather than converting Bonvoy.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
