I have to travel for a business trip next month and I will be staying at a Marriott (total cost ~$1000). I could just pay the bill with my Chase Sapphire card and get 2x the URs and also the Marriott Rewards points.

Is there any downside to purchasing $1000 of Marriott gift cards from Staples.com and getting the 5x Ink Bold bonus and 4x Staples.com bonus. Will I still get the Marriott Rewards points if I use a gift card to pay the hotel? I do have a concern about reimbursement for gift cards from my company, but I will check on that.

Finally, if someone were to sell you UR points, what is the most you would be willing to spend? Obviously, at least 1 cpp. If I do get URs transferred into my account does that count toward the year end 7%?

Thanks.