SPG transfers after Marriott merger

[MikeeB]

Anyone have any news on whether Diners Club will offer some sort of Marriott option after the merger completes with SPG in August?

 

[albyd]

I called Diners yesterday out of curiosity as my DC card hasn't seen any action since their devaluation. Might be a case of different knowledge for weekend staff )I'm not convinced this is the case), but the 2 staff I spoke with didn't know what SPG was but one, unprompted did take a lot of details and said he'd get back to me during the week. I asked him to investigate:

• Whether the new program will be a DC Transfer partner after SPG is defunct; and
• What the DC to Marriott transfer rate will be (currently 2.5:1 I believe) - I'm hoping for retention of parity with the current rate (might not be as Amex look like they're not maintaining it - which would imply 0.83DC:1 Marriott (If my maths is right).

Will report back what I hear back. DC might still be in the race

 

[MikeeB]

Thanks for the info! I’m looking really forward to your update. The AMEX to SPG/Marriott devaluation was such a kick in the guts it would be nice to see Diners maintain some sort of parity with their current rate. Could even sway me to apply for an account!

 

[andye]

Think unlikely they will 1/3 the rate.
My guess it will just go or maybe 1:1.
Will have to run the maths but even 0.83 feels pricey
Hopeful that they will (probably inadvertently) come up with something nice
Then again I'm also hoping that the rumours about the Amex rate not being a done deal are true

 

[albyd]

Been a while since my last post so just wanted to give an update.

In short, while they’ve been good on the initial follow up, there’s been no new information - even during Australian business hours.

Doesn’t sound like they have an agreement in place with Marriott yet.

 

[MikeeB]

Fair enough. I think I saw the American and Canadian diners club members can already transfer points to Marriott, so hopefully here they follow suit (at a more favourable rate than AMEX!) *fingers crossed* anyway.

 

[FromTheRail]

No more news yet?

 

[andye]

Just received a letter saying no more transfers to SPG (or AA or EVA).
Doesn't say anything about Marriott but imagine they won't.
Not that I've spent a $ in the last 18 months on the card. A good Marriott rate might make me reconsider

 

[boffman]

Just received a letter saying no more transfers to SPG (or AA or EVA).
Doesnt say anything about Marriott but imagine they won't.
Not that Ive spent a $ in the last 18months on the card. A good Marriott rate might make me reconsider

I just got the same letter. I was trying to work out if I care. Both about the letter and keeping the card....

I use points to fly to Europe. Seems to me best value from Diners is to transfer 1:1 to Velocity and then 1.35:1 to Kris (until end of year). Doing that, a one way will cost me 141,750 diners points and no fuel surcharge. Or I can go 2:1 to Asia Miles and it will cost me 170,000 Diners points or pretty much the same with AA going via SPG.
Does that add up? Anyone else have a better way to get value from their Diners points for long haul. Maybe I'm missing a trick with Alaskan?

 

[Mattg]

Just received a letter saying no more transfers to SPG (or AA or EVA).
Doesn't say anything about Marriott but imagine they won't.
Not that I've spent a $ in the last 18 months on the card. A good Marriott rate might make me reconsider

When are they removing SPG/AA/EVA transfers? These are still listed as options on the Diners Club Rewards website.

 

[boffman]

Today

 

[Mattg]

Today

OK, I see there is now a message on the website saying that it applies from 25 October.

These are still listed though on the page listing all the points transfer options.