Awesome. Just linked my accounts.

and ? what happened ??

Not a whole lot. :p
But it does give you the ability to transfer points between programs. I am flush with MR and the ability to book SPG properties is great. And also to transfer these points to SPG opens up their transfer partners, along with the transfer bonus. Plus an instant status match bump if you hold a higher status in one of the two, in my case, a nice bump in SPG status.

^^^:D

It matches your status… I'm SPG Gold through my Amex Platinum and was matched to Marriott Gold.

I guess there's no harm in linking for status, but the transfer ratio seems bad...can you get a 15,000 SPG redemption that is equivalent to a 45,000 point Marriott redemption?

Woo Hoo! I can transfer 30,000 SPG points to get 90,000 Marriott points.After I get 50,000 enrolment points from a new application for the MR credit card,I'll have 140,000 points....enough for 5 nights at the Courtyard Waikiki,Hawai(would cost approx CAD$ 1200 ) !!!

Yes...this seems to be the big points transfer benefit if you're a marriott fan!

It depends on where you're traveling and what hotels are available. It's also a great way to get around the 2:1 transfer ratio to United.

The transfer ratio is amazing for SPG members on the high end, and ok to decent for Marriott members on the low end. Category 1 and 2 SPG with weekend discounts are really cheap in Marriott terms, and category 9 Marriott and tier 5 Ritz render most of SPG category 6 and 7 overpriced. Hawaii being a prime example

And in terms of earning, you can only get one SPG Amex (in each country, if you're eligible :p), but Marriott cards in Canada are seemingly (for now) infinite. Opens up a whole new way to collect a ton of SPG.

You can get both Personal and Business cards, at least in the U.S.

I have had both AMEX Canada SPG Personal AND Business together concurrently
It's fine

note that AMEX.ca only allows 2 CREDIT cards at once - SPG, Air Miles, SimplyCash. so SPG Personal+Biz would reach the limit already

Right. I was just thinking personal as not everyone knows how to/is comfortable with getting a biz card if they don't actually have a business. But the point I was really making is that Amex is one-and-done for cc bonii but Marriott cc in Canada in infinitely churnable as of now, thus opening up a very nice new earning opportunity for SPG points.

Infintely churnable is a bit of a stretch no? Older reports I recall made Chase sound a bit more tight on time between cards. Has that changed?

In any case I'm lining up for my next Chase Marriott.