Marriott International has announced new co-brand credit card agreements with JPMorgan Chase and American Express that will affect the Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Visa and Starwood Preferred Guest credit cards.
“Marriott’s co-brand credit cards have been a meaningful contributor to the success of Marriott’s loyalty programs and a sign of the extraordinary value of our portfolio of brands,” said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International. “We are pleased to bring together the power of JPMorgan Chase and American Express with our global portfolio of brands to continue to provide consumers with choices. We expect our loyalty program members, owners and franchisees, and our shareholders will see significant incremental benefits from these new agreements.”
The company plans to roll out new card products in 2018 that will offer enhanced member benefits. Those offerings are expected to include super-premium consumer and small business co-branded cards from American Express and mass-market and premium consumer co-branded cards from JPMorgan Chase. Specific details and terms will be announced next year. In the meantime, Marriott says there will be no immediate changes for current co-branded cardholders.
Jennifer Piepszak, CEO of Chase Card Services, commented on the collaboration: “We are excited to build on our long-term partnership with Marriott and look forward to continuing to serve our mutual customers with the products and experiences they love. Together, we also plan to invest in new mass and premium consumer products that will bring choice and variety to the marketplace, along with the depth and breadth of Marriott International’s portfolio of brands.”
Glenda McNeal, president of strategic partnerships at American Express, noted the long history between the companies: “The American Express relationship with Marriott dates back more than 60 years and we are pleased to continue an important component of our partnership. We’ll continue to provide our Starwood Preferred Guest card members with the award-winning benefits, services and experiences they have come to enjoy on their existing product, while building our portfolio within the family of Marriott brands to serve affluent travelers and small businesses.”
Overall, the new agreements signal an expanded collaboration among Marriott, JPMorgan Chase and American Express aimed at delivering a wider selection of co-branded credit cards and improved benefits for loyalty members and frequent travelers. Travelers and cardholders can expect formal product announcements and program details from the companies in the coming year.