Marriott is taking the next step in its merger with Starwood, this time with its co-branded credit cards. As of today, Starwood Preferred Guest American Express cardmembers can now earn 2 Starpoints for each dollar of eligible purchases made at participating Marriott Rewards hotels. SPG Amex cardmembers will also continue to receive 2 Starpoints per dollar spent at Starwood hotels and resorts. Participating Marriott brands include: Marriott Hotels®, The Ritz-Carlton, BVLGARI® Hotel & Resorts, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, The Delta Hotel by Marriott, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott®, Residence Inn by Marriott®, SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn & Suites® by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, Protea Hotels®, Moxy Hotels®.

Linking your SPG and Marriott accounts

You do not need to link your SPG account and your Marriott Rewards account in order to receive this new bonus. However, if you want to transfer points between your SPG account and your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards accounts, you will need to link your accounts.

You can learn more about how to link your accounts at spg.com, Marriott.com or RitzCarlton.com. Transferring points between programs is only available online–you won’t be able to transfer points by contacting the SPG, Marriott Rewards or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards customer service.

Marriott and Ritz-Carlton cards

As part of this change, the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton co-branded cards were affected as well.

The Chase Marriott Rewards Premier credit card and the Marriott Rewards Premier business credit card now both earn 5 points per dollar at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood properties as well.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards credit card will also earn 5 points per dollar at Starwood properties, in addition to Marriott and Ritz-Carlton properties.

Since Starpoints transfer 1-to-3 into Marriott points, this means that you’re best off putting all your Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood spend on your SPG Amex, provided you have one.