Details around the SPG and Marriott Program merger:
https://thepointsguy.com/news/details-unified-marriott-spg-loyalty-program/
The new program will have one unified loyalty account with Marriott-style points, meaning SPG points will be converted into the new program at a 1-to-3 ratio. You’ll use this one account to earn and redeem across all three chains — Marriott, SPG and Ritz-Carlton.
There’ll be a single new 8-category award chart with bands for standard, peak and off-peak times of the year.
Elite status will be streamlined into one system, but you’ll still have the option in 2018 of earning toward status under the current SPG elite system.
Airline transfers are staying, with all the old airlines available (plus some new ones) and a transfer ratio of 3 points in the new program to 1 airline mile. And yes, there’s still a transfer bonus.
New credit cards will be introduced by both Chase and American Express, including a brand new premium card with fee credits and an annual free night.