American Express Membership Rewards - Amex MR vs Amex Starwood Points

Can someone please explain why anyone would want to earn MR instead of Starpoints? They are both Amex cards and it seems that MR points are worth so much less than Starpoints.

You advise is much appreciated....

Only things I use my AMEX card for are those purchases that earn 2x points like grocery stores, phone bills, etc. Other than that it's SW AMEX for everything else unless they don't take AMEX.

Some people prefer AMEX MR points because they can be redeemed for gift certificates or other non-travel related things. IMHO this isn't a good return but people view things differently if they are not looking to travel with their points.

...it seems that MR points are worth so much less than Starpoints.I use it only to get Hilton points, and only when there's a 2X (or 3X) promo - 4 (or 6) Hilton points/$CC is better than you can get with any other card.

Only things I use my AMEX card for are those purchases that earn 2x points like grocery stores, phone bills, etc. Other than that it's SW AMEX for everything else unless they don't take AMEX.



Exactly how I use my cards, too.

MR transfers to LUV, HiltonH (and other Hotel)

Frankly Hotel nights can be a better use of points than airlines.

When I had AMEX Gold Rewards, it was $155. a year for up to 5 cards on the account.

Now I cover my 3 cards on Starwood for $30. and the first year was free.

78 message discussion of this exact topic here...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=523503&highlight=starwood

...short answer is that because Membership Rewards offers ongoing bonuses plus recurring promotions it is possible to earn substantially more airline miles per dollar charged than with the SPG card. It's not an either/or proposition, use both to maximize earnings.

dennis