Points Just for Linking: Explaining the Marriott and JMB Partnership
Big news that travel lovers shouldn't miss has been announced. Marriott International and Japan Airlines (JAL) have entered into a strategic partnership, and a mutual status match between "Marriott Bonvoy" and "JAL Mileage Bank (JMB)" has begun. We will explain the details and procedures.
What is the Marriott Bonvoy × JMB Member Linking?
On July 14, 2026, JAL and Marriott International announced a strategic partnership to link JAL's mileage program, "JAL Mileage Bank (JMB)," with Marriott's travel program, "Marriott Bonvoy."
While there has been a point exchange program between the two in the past, this time they have taken a step further to realize a status match that mutually recognizes each other's elite member status JAL describes this as a "boost type," and it is quite a bold move, as it grants Marriott members FLY ON Points (FOP), which are usually only earned through flight activity.
There are two main directions for the points.
Marriott Bonvoy members → Earn FLY ON points annually based on elite status just by linking with JMB
JMB members → Earn Marriott elite member status based on FLY ON status
Let's take a closer look at each.
Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy members (FLY ON point grant)
Marriott Bonvoy members can automatically earn 2,000 to 40,000 FLY ON points annually based on their member status just by linking their JMB account. The breakdown is as follows.
General Member: 2,000 FLY ON points per year
Silver Elite: 5,000 FLY ON points per year
Gold Elite: 10,000 FLY ON points per year
Platinum Elite: 20,000 FLY ON points per year
Titanium Elite: 30,000 FLY ON points per year
Ambassador Elite: 40,000 FLY ON points per year
FLY ON points are fundamentally points earned only based on flight activity on JAL flights, which are the basis for acquiring JAL status (so-called "JGC training"). The fact that you can receive them every year without flying is a generous offer that was unthinkable in the past.
Furthermore, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members will be automatically granted JMB Crystal status or higher based on their cumulative FLY ON points after the grant. In fact, there are reports of Titanium members having 30,000 FOP added immediately after linking, confirming their promotion to Crystal status on the spot.
※FLY ON points will be credited within a maximum of 6 weeks after account linking. ※From the second year onwards, they will be credited around spring each year.
Benefits JMB members can receive (Marriott elite status)
The benefits also work in the other direction, meaning JAL members can receive perks at Marriott. Depending on your JMB FLY ON status, you will be granted Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
JMB members (without FLY ON status): Earn Silver Elite status by staying 6 nights within 6 months of linking.
JMB Sapphire members: Automatically granted Silver Elite. Furthermore, earn Gold Elite status by staying 10 nights within 6 months.
JMB Diamond and JGC Premier members: Automatically granted Gold Elite
With Marriott elite status, you can enjoy elite benefits such as room upgrades and late check-out at over 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels worldwide.
* Elite status will be provided within a maximum of 6 weeks after linking accounts. * Granted elite status is valid for at least 12 months from the date it becomes active. * Stays earned through promotions, etc., do not count as "qualifying stays" for challenges.
Regarding the treatment of JGC (JAL Global Club) members, there is no specific "JGC" category mentioned in the official benefits table. However, there have been reports from users who linked their accounts and were granted Silver Elite status without any stay requirements. For JGC members, it is best to check how your JMB service status will be treated at the time of linking.
How to link accounts and the steps to receive benefits
Linking is completed online and takes only a few minutes. The steps are as follows:
Access the official JAL status match guide page, or the Marriott Bonvoy travel partner page.
Click the "Link Accounts" button.
Log in with your Marriott Bonvoy membership number and password.
Continue by logging in with your JAL Mileage Bank membership number and password to link the two accounts.
Once linking is complete, your FLY ON points and elite status will be reflected within a maximum of 6 weeks!
Make sure to register for both memberships in advance
Linking requires membership numbers for both Marriott Bonvoy and JAL Mileage Bank. If you do not have one, please complete the membership registration (both are free to join) before proceeding with the linking process.
Who benefits the most?
Personally, I feel that the following people will see the greatest benefits.
For Marriott elite members who also fly JAL: Simply by linking your accounts, you will accumulate FOP every year, bringing you much closer to reaching Crystal or Sapphire status. This significantly lowers the hurdle for what is known as 'JGC training'.
For JAL status holders who stay in hotels frequently: You can obtain Marriott elite status with zero stay history and enjoy benefits like room upgrades and late check-out.
For holders of Marriott-affiliated credit cards: Since the elite status included with your card qualifies you for FOP accrual, there is no reason not to link your accounts.
[Recommended Credit Card Introduction] Marriott Bonvoy Card
For those who do not yet hold a Marriott-affiliated credit card, I explain the enrollment procedure with a referral code. Let's save up points and miles to enjoy traveling for less!
I have seen various airline and hotel partnerships, but this collaboration, which unlocks FLY ON points—the foundation of flight history—is, in my opinion, unprecedented in Japan. The conditions may change or end, so I recommend that those who are eligible link their accounts as soon as possible!