Many programs have introduced their own ways to reward customers on everyday purchases, aside from a traditional shopping portal. For example, United introduced the MileagePlusX app in addition to their online shopping portal presence, and Club Carlson rolled out the “Extras” section of their mobile app, which allows members to earn points with purchase and prevent points from expiring.
Today Marriott Rewards launches their own tool – Marriott Rewards® MOREâ„¢, a one-stop shopping app (available on iOS and Android) and desktop toolbar extension, that allows members the opportunity to earn Marriott Rewards points for purchases from over two-dozen major US, UK, and Canadian retailers, as well as redeem points in their accounts for purchases.
Participating Marriott Rewards MORE retailers:Â
Two great things stood out with this offer:
- Points are immediately available after your transaction (which means making a purchase can instantly prevent your points from expiring).
- As an introductory offer, by shopping with the new mobile app and desktop extension, you can earn an additional 1,000 points with first transaction of $25 or more. To sweeten the deal, if you pay with your Marriott Rewards credit card, you’ll will earn 25% more bonus points after each transaction.
I personally think this is an easy way to  earn a quick 1,000 Marriott points (or 333 Starpoints, worth over $6 in value) when making a $25 purchase. While I normally shop on Amazon through the JetBlue portal, I’ll probably make a $25 Amazon purchase through Marriott Rewards MORE to get the bonus points.
The not so great thing about this offer:
- Redeeming Marriott Rewards Points (or a combination of cash + points) for merchandise directly on top-retailer sites.
Of course, new ways to earn points is a good thing, but redeeming Marriott Rewards points for merchandise is just a bad deal (as merchandise redemptions give you an awfully-low redemption rate of .0037 cents per point).
Bottom Line
I’ll take advantage of the introductory offer for 1,000 points after my first $25 purchase, but after that, I’ll stick to other ways/portals to earn points on my purchases.
How about you? Will you use Marriott Rewards MORE?
Just made my first purchase using the app. Couple interesting observations: I got a 50% Platnium bonus on the order – just like I would on a stay! That’s pretty awesome. Also got the MR cardholder bonus even tho I used an Amex card. I also have drop points registered to that card with Amazon (20 per dollar) so yay for stacking!