Air Canada Aeroplan has announced a new way to redeem points — but only for elite status members.
Aeroplan members with elite status can now transfer their Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy at a rate of 1:1. You must transfer a minimum of 500 points, and you can transfer up to 100,000 points per day or 250,000 points per week.
Aeroplan members have the ability to earn up to 2 Aeroplan points per dollar on select Marriott stays; they can also transfer Marriott points to their Aeroplan account at a 3:1 ratio, with the ability to earn an extra 5,000 Aeroplan points for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred. This new Aeroplan-to-Marriott transfer option gives Aeroplan elite members more flexibility.
But just because you can transfer your points, does that mean you should? Let’s take a look at why you may or may not want to use this new transfer option.
Related: Post-Miles&Smiles devaluation: Why I’m using Aeroplan for Star Alliance redemptions
Should you transfer your Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy?
Although the transfer ratio is 1:1, meaning you won’t lose any points in the process, you will lose some value when transferring Aeroplan points to Marriott. That’s because, as of September 2024, TPG values Aeroplan points at 1.5 cents each and Marriott Bonvoy points at only 0.85 cents each.
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You could, in theory, get considerably more value by keeping those Aeroplan points in your account and redeeming them for Air Canada and partner flights than by transferring them to Marriott and redeeming them for hotel stays. Since Aeroplan is a member of Star Alliance, there are often great ways to maximize your points by booking transatlantic business-class flights to Europe for as low as 60,000 Aeroplan points. A night at some Marriott properties, on the other hand, can cost well over 60,000 Bonvoy points, thanks to Marriott’s dynamic pricing.
However, if you have some Aeroplan points you don’t plan to use in the near future, or you’re short a few points for a Marriott redemption, this is a good option. With program devaluations, remember that hoarding your rewards as a long-term investment is never a good idea.
Additionally, for Aeroplan members with elite status who also earn Capital One miles, such as with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can transfer your Capital One miles to Aeroplan and then transfer your points to Marriott.
Marriott is already a direct transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Related: You can get 50,000 Aeroplan points back when you redeem for hotel stays, but is it a good deal?
Bottom line
While transferring your points from Aeroplan to Marriott Bonvoy may not be the best way to maximize their value, there are cases where it could make sense. You can only take advantage of this new option if you’re an Aeroplan elite member, but your status might be closer than you think. For example, the Aeroplan® Credit Card grants you complimentary Aeroplan 25K elite status for the remainder of the calendar year plus the following calendar year.
