An update on how the Marriott Platinum Challenge works

If you took the Marriott Platinum Challenge earlier this year, as I did (you received Marriott Platinum status with nine stays in 90 days), you may have been surprised to find yourself with Platinum status in the new combined Marriott / Starwood programme.

In theory you should have been given Platinum Premier status, not just standard Platinum.  The reason I didn’t make a fuss is that the difference between the two is minimal.  Platinum Premier gets a 75% points bonus on stays (Platinum just gets 50%) and you might get a suite upgrade at The Ritz-Carlton (Platinum members are blocked from these).

It only makes a real difference if Marriott decides to do a soft landing in early 2020, because dropping from Platinum Premier to Platinum would keep lounge access and late check-out.  Being Platinum and dropping to Gold would not.

However, I overlooked one thing.

In order to do the Platinum Challenge, you had to be Gold already.  Whilst my Gold came via a credit card freebie, most Gold members earned it via stays.  Those who earned it via stays would have become Platinum anyway in the new programme.  It therefore made sense that Platinum Challenge members would get Platinum Premier.

This is a long-winded way of getting to the point: if you did the Platinum Challenge, whilst your account showed Platinum status last week, if you check again it will now show Platinum Premier.

PS.  Before anyone asks, the Platinum Challenge is currently suspended.  It may or may not return.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.