Marriott Bonvoy members can now exchange their Marriott Bonvoy points for Rakuten Points, allowing them greater redemption options.
TOKYO – Marriott International, Inc. and Rakuten Group, Inc. announced a new agreement between the two companies, which enables Marriott Bonvoy members to exchange their Marriott Bonvoy points for Rakuten Points, Rakuten’s popular loyalty program.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of the new points exchange program between Marriott Bonvoy and Rakuten to bring even greater value and convenience to the members,” said Julie Purser, Vice President, Marketing, Loyalty & Partnerships, APAC, Marriott International. “The new points exchange agreement will enable Marriott Bonvoy members to choose how they would like to utilize their Marriott Bonvoy points – whether through the many services Rakuten Group offers, for daily purchases with Rakuten Points at affiliated stores across Japan, or using Rakuten Points for stays at hotels across the Marriott portfolio through the Rakuten Travel platform.”
The first phase of the capability will allow Marriott Bonvoy members to transfer their Marriott Bonvoy points to Rakuten Points, based on a transfer ratio of three Marriott Bonvoy Points to one Rakuten Point, starting from a minimum of 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points. As part of the next phase of the collaboration, Rakuten members can expect to be able to exchange their Rakuten Points for Marriott Bonvoy Points, essentially enabling a two-way points transfer capability through the strategic collaboration, bringing more travel and lifestyle benefits to customers traveling domestically and internationally.
Launched in late 2021, the collaboration between Marriott Bonvoy and Rakuten allows Marriott Bonvoy to connect directly with millions of Rakuten members to offer them unparalleled experiences. The program encompasses Marriott’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 8,100 hotels and resorts across 139 countries and territories around the world, including more than 75 properties in Japan. Whenever they dine or stay at participating hotels, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points to redeem for free nights, as well as enjoy the benefits of Elite status such as access to bucket-list experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, which provides VIP access to concerts, culinary experiences, premier sporting events and more.
Rakuten’s multi-faceted consumer offerings include e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications, united under its flagship loyalty program, Rakuten Points. Members earn points by shopping online through Rakuten Ichiba, making travel reservations through Rakuten Travel, or using a variety of the more than 70 services Rakuten operates. Members also can use Rakuten Points at restaurants, convenience stores and gas staions across Japan.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
