To get that 20%, you *definitely* had to pass on the 5 MR points/$ you could otherwise earn via the Chase Marriott Premier Visa, as well s the 4% cash back you could get by ordering a Marriott Gift Card via the normal channels. If you value MR points at 1 cent per point, that's 9% foregone. The 20% off would still put you ahead, but then you have to factor the *risk* involved with buying the Travel Card via that deal, where the terms stated that points for your stay will also not be earned. Many question whether this will be enforced, as it often hasn't been in the past, but it's still a risk you take either way. If you're not worried about the risk, the 20% still puts you ahead. Last, you have to consider whether other opportunities to load up on gift cards without restrictions are preferable. There are frequent offers for 10 points/$ or 10% off with no strings attached, sometimes even better. Someone with an upcoming stay, no current gift card balance, and no Chase Marriott Card in hand will likely have found the Discover America offer superb. Those lacking the named variables? Maybe not.