Starwood Preferred Guest - Question about Amex and Starwood

I have a question that I seem to not be finding an answer for. I am Hilton Gold, but am looking at future stays at SPG properties in Italy in the next year.

I had an SPG account back when Caesars Palace in Vegas was part of the program, but have not used it since 1999, so the account does not show up online as a valid acct number. I have read here that SPG points have a greater value than Hilton Points, and are harder to obtain by other means like MyPoints, Erewards, etc.

I have an Amex Platinum card, and according to the terms it says that I can be SPG gold by virtue of having that account if I reopen a SPG acct.

I see that there is also a Amex Plat SPG card that gives 4000 SPG points and points for purchases.

Question is, should I get the SPG card for the bonus points and then tell them I have the gold status from my other Plat card? Or should I just continue to charge on the Amex Platinum card and then transfer MR points to SPG?

Just need a learned opinion.
JudyJFLA

You should definitely use the SPG/Amex card since the dollar-to-point ratio is $1:1 versus $3:1 using MR. You will receive Preferred Plus status with the SPG/Amex card, which is the same as gold without the extra points for stays. You can then bump that up to Gold status using your Amex Platinum card.

Yes, that's what I do -- most of my charges go on my SPG Amex credit card, but I also have a Platinum Amex charge card which gives me Gold status. You have to call to get your status upgraded to Gold, though I can't remember if you need to talk to Amex or SPG.

Use this link to apply for the Starwood Amex. You will get 6000 bonus points instead of 4000. https://www201.americanexpress.com/cards/Applyfservlet?csi=6/14478/b/57/0893594740/089122107854/0/n

Thanks for the info,
Of course I applied and was approved just before I saw the 6000 point post, so when I receive the card I will call and mention the offer to see if they will add to 2000 more points, or cancel it and reapply for the better offer. I don't think they can find it before it comes, as I did not add my Starwood number at the time of application as it had expired, and I called, and they kept the same number. I think I put the cart before the horse on this one!

JudyJFLA

I applied for the card in Feb and I had my first Starwood stay late March this year. When do the bonus points get posted?

I applied for the card in Feb and I had my first Starwood stay late March this year. When do the bonus points get posted?

I've been an SPG member for years, but just got the SPG AMEX this Jan. My first stay (paid for with SPG AMEX) was on 1/16 and I got the 6,000 bonus points on 1/23. If you haven't rec'd them by the time a full-billing cycle has completed I would call SPG Customer Svc.

I finally got my rear in gear and got the card. Made my first purchase in mid January (tickets to Hawaii) and am still waiting for my bonus points to post! I have called SPG Plat line - told to call Amex. Amex is working on it!

Any thoughts?