Any downsides to SPG Gold?
Jun 30, 2010, 11:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cambridge, MA
Programs: AA EXP, UA1k, AmEx Plat, Global Entry & Pre✓
Posts: 852
Any downsides to SPG Gold?
I've heard this is the best AMEX card. What are the downsides? I don't spend a lot each year with CC purchases, so the $45 fee is enticing.
Jun 30, 2010, 11:42 am
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
There is no "gold" Starwood Preferred Guest credit card. If you spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year you will receive SPG Gold elite status, perhaps that's where the confusion arose?
The SPG credit card is a good product, but it isn't the "best" card for everyone. (In particular the transfer rate from SPG to UA is unattractive.)
What type of rewards do you want to earn? (Be specific, a card that's great for international business class airfare may be mediocre for domestic economy flights). How much do you expect to spend on the card? What hotel chains do you use?
The SPG credit card is a good product, but it isn't the "best" card for everyone. (In particular the transfer rate from SPG to UA is unattractive.)
What type of rewards do you want to earn? (Be specific, a card that's great for international business class airfare may be mediocre for domestic economy flights). How much do you expect to spend on the card? What hotel chains do you use?
Jun 30, 2010, 3:45 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,945
This offer might help you with your decision: http://flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-...-spending.html
Jul 1, 2010, 8:18 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,233
Downsides? Probably a high interest rate. May or may not be relevant.
Upsides? Lots of airline partners, most with good transfer ratios (when you factor in the 5k bonus for 20k transfers). Some (CO/UA I think) have terrible transfer ratios though, so if those are your airlines, look elsewhere.
Upsides? Lots of airline partners, most with good transfer ratios (when you factor in the 5k bonus for 20k transfers). Some (CO/UA I think) have terrible transfer ratios though, so if those are your airlines, look elsewhere.