Marriott's cards added more franchise fees than hotel growth did

Marriott’s co-branded credit-card fees rose $68 million from a year earlier in the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Higher revenue per room and growth in franchised rooms together added $36 million to franchise fees.

The comparison shows a second source of growth alongside stronger hotel performance. Marriott earns fees from managing hotels, licensing its brands and its loyalty-linked card partnerships, rather than relying only on the properties it owns.

The card agreements were already in the plan

The $68 million is the increase in credit-card fees from a year earlier. Marriott groups those payments with franchise fees, which also include fees paid by hotel owners to use its brands.

Marriott had already included new terms with JPMorgan Chase and American Express in its August outlook. The latest results show how much those card fees are contributing: more than the combined franchise-fee gain from better room revenue and more rooms.

The hotels also beat their own forecast

Research by Ticker Byline shows that worldwide revenue per available room grew 6.5%, compared with the 3.5% to 4% range Marriott forecast on August 3. Both comparisons use comparable hotels and constant exchange rates.

This measure, known as RevPAR, combines the effects of room prices and occupancy. Marriott said both improved. Growth was 7.4% in the U.S. and Canada and 4.4% in international markets.

Adjusted earnings reached $3.02 a share, 20 cents above the top of the earlier $2.74 to $2.82 forecast. The quarter included a $12 million expected insurance recovery worth 3 cents a share after tax. The adjusted figures remove reimbursed revenue and expenses and certain property charges.

A stronger full-year target

Marriott now expects annual RevPAR growth of 4.5% to 5%, up from 3% to 3.5% in August. Its adjusted earnings target rises to $12.07 to $12.14 a share from $11.64 to $11.81.

Across franchise, base management and incentive fees, quarterly revenue rose to $1.522 billion from $1.338 billion.

The Marriott company profile tracks the earlier forecasts, latest results and cash returned to shareholders alongside borrowing.