Cobalt Cardholders Face Dilemma: Transfer Points to Marriott Bonvoy or Use Them for Travel Credits

The American Express Cobalt card is a travel hacker's dream come true. Jean-Maximilien Voisine, President and Founder of Milesopedia, recommends it as one of his favorite credit cards due to its generous welcome bonus and flexible rewards program.

The Cobalt card offers 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at grocery stores, restaurant-bars, convenience stores (including gift cards), and can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1.2 rate.

Transferring points to Marriott Bonvoy allows travelers to earn free nights with the fifth night free promotion, which saves almost 20% in points on the whole stay. Alternatively, Membership Rewards can be used as travel credits at the rate of 1,000 points = $10, making it a more flexible option for booking accommodations.

A key consideration when deciding whether to transfer points or use them as travel credits is the value of the points versus the cost of the accommodation. For example, transferring 20,833 Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy would cover a category 4 hotel stay, but if used as travel credits, those same points have a value of $208.33.

In conclusion, being a successful travel hacker means knowing how to calculate and make informed decisions about when to transfer points or use them as travel credits. By considering the price of accommodations, promotions available, and alternative accommodation solutions, travelers can unlock the full potential of their Membership Rewards.