When Chase first started offering upgrades to the Marriott Premier Plus, a lot of people were offered less than the maximum of 50,000 points. This recently changed and most users are now seeing that 50,000 point offer. Interestingly it seems that Chase is now willingly matching some people who signed up for less than 50,000 points to the 50,000 point option. Reddit user takeshilevkovacs took a 10,000 point offer in June and got matched recently, their partner also took a 10,000 point offer in September and also got matched. It seems all you need to do is send a secured message asking for the match and hope for the best. Other readers have also successfully matched recently, although there are now a number of comments from readers that weren’t matched. In any case it’s worth writing a quick note asking for a match to the higher 50,000 point offer.
View Comments (77)
Just received an offer today for $200 statement credit after spending $5,000 for upgrading.
Offer expires 3/31/19
I missed on the 50k points by not applying before December 31. Right now they have the offer of $200 statement credit if I upgrade to Marriott Premier Plus and spend $3000 by 3/31.
Guys, do you think I should take this offer? or should wait for a better one?
I was promised 50000 but only given 10000. The rep I just spoke to confirmed that I am due 50000. He said something about them not all being given at the same time. Anyway I just sent a secure message asking for the rest. Let's see what happens.
Good news, the extra 40000 showed up exactly as the rep said they would, on the last day of the statement cycle. I really don't understand though why they can't just give all 50000 at the same time.
Does anyone know if this upgrade bonus will be considered taxable? I know the general rule is no, if it’s contingent on meeting a certain level of spending— but this bonus seems to be issued after the first purchase using the new card. (But then again, there is the annual fee— if that has any bearing?)
Thanks for any insight you might have.
I can't point to you a source but my understanding is that it wouldn't be.
Upgraded in June 2018, got 20000 points in Marriott account in July. Sent secured message on 14 Nov, got declined. Send via "Rewards Inquiry". The message was "we reviewed your account and noticed that the
upgrade was done on June 01, 2018 therefore it doesn't
qualify for the upgrade bonus points as its past the time
frame."
Sent secured message again on 16 Nov, got another decline message.
I was told I missed the 90-day matching window...
Interesting DP: I was succeful to get matched via Secure Message on Oct. 30 and they said they are depositing the points in 1-2 statement. However, today (11/10) I just received a mail letter from Chase, saying I don't qualify for the 50k offer (without mentioning anything from Secure Message). I am not sure which one to trust now.
I sent a message to Chase yesterday to ask when I will receive the bonus and today I just receive their reply.
1. Chase didn't answer my question (when I will receive the bonus).
2. Chase mentioned nothing about the previous message with successful match.
3. Chase only replied "account is ineligible for the 50k offer".
I am not sure if anyone has the same problem. Has anyone received the matched bonus yet?
Took the 10k upgrade offer when it first came out. SM'd today to match and they responded saying my account isn't eligible :(
Interesting DP some of you might find helpful. The day the upgrade offer was announced, I accepted my 20,000 point upgrade offer, and the Premier Plus card came a few days later.
However, after reading online that upgrading made you lose your free night certificate *and* (more importantly for me this year, as it would help me hit Platinum Premier) 15 elite nights.
When the new card arrived, I immediately called Chase, declined the Premier Plus, and had them restore me to the Premier card.
After doing battle with Chase the last few months, my free night cert and 15 elite nights finally posted.
I called Chase the day after they posted, asking if I still had an upgrade offer. They told me yes, I had the 20,000 point offer - they couldn't do better over the phone, so I accepted.
The day after that, I sent in a secure message asking them to match the 50,000 point offer. They said they would do it for me, and just to message them after making a purchase on the new Premier Plus card.
So all told, I managed to get my elite nights (I now have Platinum Premier status), a free night up to 25,000 points, and 50,000 bonus points on top of that!
So after the upgrade happened you (initially) lost the 15 nights that you received from the premier card? Did you have the card at the beginning of the year and then they removed them from your Marriott account after you upgraded?
I'm in the same boat as you I need the 15 Nights to qualify for platinum this year but I'd really like to upgrade my card!
I have an interesting data point and a theory
I upgraded for 10k in June
On October 30th, I sent a secured message under the topic of "General Comments" and was denied a match
Today on November 1st, I sent another secured message under the topic of "Rewards Inquiry" and was accepted for a match
So here's my theory: "General Comments" and "Reward Inquiry" are each routed to a different approval group with the latter being more generous to the match.
I could be way off here, but would love to know if your experience confirms or denies my theory!
DP: Accepted 20k offer. Matched to 50k on first SM with no questions.