Two exciting new benefits added to the SPGŪ Credit Card from American Express (U. S.)
Jul 30, 2010, 12:57 pm
#31
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
BTW.. I have 2 SPG AMEX business cards, would that still qualify?
Best regards,
William
Jul 30, 2010, 1:04 pm
#32
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
To me, these new "benefits" are just as useless as the SPG50. So it's just a fee hike with no additional benefits. But seeing fees go up on credit cards is certainly nothing new, and it's the basic cost/benefit calculation that will determine what happens. I still think the Starpoint earning is still worth it (and is the only reason I got the card in the first place), though probably just for me - we'll definitely cancel + 1's card when it comes up for renewal.
Jul 30, 2010, 1:08 pm
#33
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond, BW Diamond Select
Posts: 469
Oh BOO!! I finally got the SPG Amex card and now they increase the annual fee on me?!?! UGH!!!!! Not happy!!!!! I'm going to see how this card turns out for me this year before I decide to keep it or not.
Jul 30, 2010, 1:10 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
No. SPG is, and we all know that. From upgrades, to annual Platinum "gift", to the promos, and then their CC. Truly, best-in-class!!
I know you came in to the game a little later, but trust me when I say SPG used to be far more generous.
I know you came in to the game a little later, but trust me when I say SPG used to be far more generous.
Jul 30, 2010, 1:28 pm
#35
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
Jul 30, 2010, 1:38 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CHS
Programs: Delta, AA, BA, United, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Marriott Gold, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,142
$30 K spend
If that's the case, then it's very deceitful and there's only one new "benefit" - achieving elite status a little faster. In my particular situation, I get zero new benefits because I achieve Gold through $30K spend, but I never rack up enough nights/stays for Plat.
The one thing I do get is the 44% increase in annual fees
The one thing I do get is the 44% increase in annual fees
Jul 30, 2010, 1:39 pm
#37
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Jul 30, 2010, 2:06 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
If you have both SPG Personal and Business cards, will you get 10 nights total credit or still only 5?
Jul 30, 2010, 2:40 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
William, -- preferring to see the glass as half full....
For me, the five nights' credit works out perfectly. I only just barely qualified for PLT for the first time last year using the multipliers at the end of the year, and could be in the same boat this year. After next week's trip, which could be my last for 2010, I'll be exactly six nights short of requalifying, so this is great for me.
As far as the 3 for 2 at participating Sheratons, the value determinative factors will obviously be which properties participate and what rate is applied to the two paid nights.
With regard to the fee increase, I don't care about a fee increase of just under US 39Ē per week.
Although promotions and specials are always attractive to some people but not others, I give Starwood credit for mixing things up and trying new ideas. Not all will be successful, but I've always believed that it's good to try them.
Thanks.
For me, the five nights' credit works out perfectly. I only just barely qualified for PLT for the first time last year using the multipliers at the end of the year, and could be in the same boat this year. After next week's trip, which could be my last for 2010, I'll be exactly six nights short of requalifying, so this is great for me.
As far as the 3 for 2 at participating Sheratons, the value determinative factors will obviously be which properties participate and what rate is applied to the two paid nights.
With regard to the fee increase, I don't care about a fee increase of just under US 39Ē per week.
Although promotions and specials are always attractive to some people but not others, I give Starwood credit for mixing things up and trying new ideas. Not all will be successful, but I've always believed that it's good to try them.
Thanks.
Jul 30, 2010, 3:08 pm
#41
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: BNA
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Bonvoy Plat, HHonors Diamond, DL Gold
Posts: 383
William,
Thank You for apprising the FT Community of changes to the American Express Starwood card. It is better learning about the changes here sooner than reading the small print in changes to the terms and conditions, which AMEX might mail to card members some day.
With the increase in the annual fee to $65, it is a bit disappointing that there were not more benefit enhancements. A few months ago, I recall there being surveys of American Express Card members as to which benefits were preferred most. After enough research, I thought there would be a better result.
American Express currently offers a Hilton HHonors Surpass card, which has nice enhancements over the standard American Express Hilton card. For a higher annual membership fee, benefits such a Priority Pass membership for access to airport lounges is included. It would have been nice that if the Starwood card would have added features like that if the annual fee were to be increased.
Thank You for apprising the FT Community of changes to the American Express Starwood card. It is better learning about the changes here sooner than reading the small print in changes to the terms and conditions, which AMEX might mail to card members some day.
With the increase in the annual fee to $65, it is a bit disappointing that there were not more benefit enhancements. A few months ago, I recall there being surveys of American Express Card members as to which benefits were preferred most. After enough research, I thought there would be a better result.
American Express currently offers a Hilton HHonors Surpass card, which has nice enhancements over the standard American Express Hilton card. For a higher annual membership fee, benefits such a Priority Pass membership for access to airport lounges is included. It would have been nice that if the Starwood card would have added features like that if the annual fee were to be increased.
Jul 30, 2010, 3:09 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 4,049
I'm not complaining, as I've never considered getting yet another credit card. But I will mention that if this gave you 2 or more stay credits, I would get an SPG Amex. Maybe consider that for a future promotion!
Jul 30, 2010, 3:29 pm
#43
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ATX
Programs: AA LT PLT, Marriott LT PLT
Posts: 277
4 thumbs down! I'm sure that for a select few on this forum, the 2 benefits are useful...but the rest of us will owe an add'l $24/yr for very little return. I'll be canceling at least one of my accounts b/c of this.
Jul 30, 2010, 3:41 pm
#44
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Sol III
Programs: FPC Plat, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, PC Plt Amb
Posts: 1,329
Wow. Percentage-wise a pretty hefty fee increase in return for.... Definitely not feeling any love at the moment.
Jul 30, 2010, 3:43 pm
#45
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
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