Jun 12, 2014, 11:11 am
Last edit by: CodeAdam10
For discussion of the now expired offer for a 35K signup bonus, see Amex SPG 35,000 business and personal cards-2016 [No referral offers in this thread.]
USA-issued card benefits changed on August 11, 2015. (Announcement & extended discussion at American Express and Starwood enhance cobrand credit card benefits.) The benefits are slightly different for personal and business cards:
Public Links:
- The Annual Fee is $450.
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 3x on restaurants and airfare; 2x on all other purchases.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- FREE NIGHT AWARD: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- COMPLIMENTARY GOLD ELITE STATUS: Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with your Card. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Other Highlighted Benefits: Priority Pass Select Membership, Global Entry credit, No Foreign Transaction fees.
- $125 Annual Fee (If application received before 03/28/19, $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95)
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 4x at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services & on U.S. purchases for shipping; 2x on all other purchases.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- Complimentary Silver Elite Status
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Other related discussion:
USA-issued card benefits changed on August 11, 2015. (Announcement & extended discussion at American Express and Starwood enhance cobrand credit card benefits.) The benefits are slightly different for personal and business cards:
Public Links:
- Personal [Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card]: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant
- The Annual Fee is $450.
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 3x on restaurants and airfare; 2x on all other purchases.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- FREE NIGHT AWARD: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- COMPLIMENTARY GOLD ELITE STATUS: Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with your Card. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Other Highlighted Benefits: Priority Pass Select Membership, Global Entry credit, No Foreign Transaction fees.
- Business [Marriott Bonvoy Business Card]: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...s-credit-card/
- $125 Annual Fee (If application received before 03/28/19, $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95)
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 4x at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services & on U.S. purchases for shipping; 2x on all other purchases.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- Complimentary Silver Elite Status
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Discussion of Amex "one bonus per lifetime" policy (personal & business cards)
- Annual fee retention bonus for Starwood Amex Card
- American Express and Starwood enhance cobrand credit card benefits
- How to keep SPG points from expiring after 12 months of account inactivity
- New Card Art for the US Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
SPG American Express [Master Thread]
Aug 7, 2017, 9:47 am
#3211
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Jose, CA USA
Programs: UA Platinum 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 632
I know -- this happened to me.....AMEX keeps telling you to wait, when the problem is that the points posted to the wrong account.
Aug 7, 2017, 10:10 am
#3212
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 299
If your points don't post promptly, check to make sure the SPG number is correct. Log on to americanexpress.com and look at the SPG card account summary. On the right it tells you the YTD points earned and gives the last four digits of your SPG account. AMEX is known to mess up new accounts and issue a new SPG number rather than linking yours. If the account is wrong, you need to call to find out what the complete account number is and get AMEX to change it to your correct account number. Then you need to call SPG and "combine accounts" to get the points transferred to your real account.
I know -- this happened to me.....AMEX keeps telling you to wait, when the problem is that the points posted to the wrong account.
I know -- this happened to me.....AMEX keeps telling you to wait, when the problem is that the points posted to the wrong account.
Amex did assign me a new # for biz-- I worked it out with Amex and corrected that. I've been getting the points from the spend, just not the bonus. But you're right that this is a problem.
Aug 7, 2017, 2:47 pm
#3213
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Jose, CA USA
Programs: UA Platinum 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 632
Do your statements and/or the amex web site show that the bonus points were awarded? I know their agents are trained to say "wait 8-10 weeks" and try to get you off the phone fast, but it really never takes this long. Usually just a couple of days.
Good luck.
Sep 14, 2017, 2:43 am
#3214
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 951
I've had this card for over a decade, and i'm beginning to think it's hardly worth it anymore. I always go significantly past the 50K for Gold status minimum, and you can't hit platinum on spend only stays. What else is this card offering? Am I missing something? Thinking of switching to Amex Platinum which will still afford me SPG Gold, as well as other benefits.
Anything I will lose by switching?
Anything I will lose by switching?
Sep 14, 2017, 4:08 am
#3215
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVP; UA Gold; DL Gold; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 156
I've had this card for over a decade, and i'm beginning to think it's hardly worth it anymore. I always go significantly past the 50K for Gold status minimum, and you can't hit platinum on spend only stays. What else is this card offering? Am I missing something? Thinking of switching to Amex Platinum which will still afford me SPG Gold, as well as other benefits.
Anything I will lose by switching?
Anything I will lose by switching?
Sep 14, 2017, 6:20 am
#3216
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 951
Certainly the options to redeem all those Starpoints at your favorite SPG/Marriott hotels. Plus, you'd lose the SPG airline transfer partners (plus the +5K transfer bonus), but as you mention, you'd gain the SPG Gold status (plus the AMEX transfer partners) with the AMEX Platinum. Unless there is a specific airline transfer partner who's your go-to partner (e.g., Alaska or AA), then AMEX might be your best choice.
***Rate above a typo as mia points out below. Actual rate is USA Membership Rewards transfers 1000:333 to SPG. In many other countries the rate is 1000:500.
Last edited by 100% Green; Sep 14, 2017 at 3:11 pm Reason: clarification/accuracy based on mia's information
Sep 14, 2017, 2:28 pm
#3217
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,953
Sep 14, 2017, 3:10 pm
#3218
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 951
Sep 14, 2017, 7:21 pm
#3219
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,953
Sep 15, 2017, 6:42 am
#3220
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 299
If you had AMEX correct the number after they awarded you the bonus, then the bonus went to the new (incorrect) number. My experience is that AMEX can't fix that, only SPG can. SPG will fix it by "combining accounts".
Do your statements and/or the amex web site show that the bonus points were awarded? I know their agents are trained to say "wait 8-10 weeks" and try to get you off the phone fast, but it really never takes this long. Usually just a couple of days.
Good luck.
Do your statements and/or the amex web site show that the bonus points were awarded? I know their agents are trained to say "wait 8-10 weeks" and try to get you off the phone fast, but it really never takes this long. Usually just a couple of days.
Good luck.
Sep 21, 2017, 9:49 am
#3221
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SNA
Programs: UA Premier Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite (Lifetime Platinum), HHonors Gold
Posts: 241
When do the initial 5 nights/2 stays credit to your account?
I searched this thread but couldn't really find a definitive answer...
Here's my situation... I'm going to be a little short this year re-qualifying for Platinum, so I thought I'd finally get the SPG Amex for the 5 elite nights (and 2 stays) that you get as a benefit. Although I entered my SPG number when applying, Amex created a new SPG account for me. Once I realized that, I called Amex and had them put in the correct number. But a couple of weeks later, I haven't seen my 5 elite nights post to my account.
So my question is, when you first get the card, how long does it take for the 5 nights/2 stays to credit to your account? Based on the wording in the T&Cs, it sounds like I should get them immediately once the card account is approved/opened. Or do I not get them until my first statement?
My fear is that they were accidentally posted to the new SPG account that Amex opened for me (which I never bothered to activate).
Thanks
Here's my situation... I'm going to be a little short this year re-qualifying for Platinum, so I thought I'd finally get the SPG Amex for the 5 elite nights (and 2 stays) that you get as a benefit. Although I entered my SPG number when applying, Amex created a new SPG account for me. Once I realized that, I called Amex and had them put in the correct number. But a couple of weeks later, I haven't seen my 5 elite nights post to my account.
So my question is, when you first get the card, how long does it take for the 5 nights/2 stays to credit to your account? Based on the wording in the T&Cs, it sounds like I should get them immediately once the card account is approved/opened. Or do I not get them until my first statement?
My fear is that they were accidentally posted to the new SPG account that Amex opened for me (which I never bothered to activate).
Thanks
Sep 21, 2017, 9:55 am
#3222
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
Sep 21, 2017, 1:53 pm
#3223
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SNA
Programs: UA Premier Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite (Lifetime Platinum), HHonors Gold
Posts: 241
My apologies for the inconvenience, but this is exactly what has happened. But, it is an easy fix. Just call SPG customer service and ask them to merge the two accounts and once that is done, the 2 stays/5 nights will carry over to the account you want to keep. Note: Be absolutely clear about which account you want to keep. Once merged, they can't be undone.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
Sep 21, 2017, 6:42 pm
#3224
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,246
For the first time ever, I have a negative Amex balance due to a merchant return. I understand I'll loose those starpoints but my statement shows:
Points Earned for Eligible Spend -25,890
Total Bonus Points Earned -25,890
Total Starpoints® Earned -51,780
Also the YTD starpoint balance has been reduced by the 51,780. I called Amex, they transferred me to SPG, then transferred me back to Amex. The SPG agent was great both both Amex agents couldn't even understand the problem. The last one just said that the points will be posted to my account within a few days...haha. I said I had a negative balance and she just repeated that that the points would be transferred.
I have a special heart for call center agents after getting a glimpse into their world, but in this case how do I resolve this issue? It appears like a bonus is applied to my account somehow after earned the points and now they are removing 2x points.
In another topic....I'd like to know what that bonus is so I can maybe make use of it! Any advice?
Points Earned for Eligible Spend -25,890
Total Bonus Points Earned -25,890
Total Starpoints® Earned -51,780
Also the YTD starpoint balance has been reduced by the 51,780. I called Amex, they transferred me to SPG, then transferred me back to Amex. The SPG agent was great both both Amex agents couldn't even understand the problem. The last one just said that the points will be posted to my account within a few days...haha. I said I had a negative balance and she just repeated that that the points would be transferred.
I have a special heart for call center agents after getting a glimpse into their world, but in this case how do I resolve this issue? It appears like a bonus is applied to my account somehow after earned the points and now they are removing 2x points.
In another topic....I'd like to know what that bonus is so I can maybe make use of it! Any advice?
Sep 21, 2017, 7:06 pm
#3225
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Starwood:Lifetime Platinum, Air Canada:Basic, Asiana:Lifetime Diamond Plus, ANA: Basic
Posts: 980
For the first time ever, I have a negative Amex balance due to a merchant return. I understand I'll loose those starpoints but my statement shows:
Points Earned for Eligible Spend -25,890
Total Bonus Points Earned -25,890
Total Starpoints® Earned -51,780
Also the YTD starpoint balance has been reduced by the 51,780. I called Amex, they transferred me to SPG, then transferred me back to Amex. The SPG agent was great both both Amex agents couldn't even understand the problem. The last one just said that the points will be posted to my account within a few days...haha. I said I had a negative balance and she just repeated that that the points would be transferred.
I have a special heart for call center agents after getting a glimpse into their world, but in this case how do I resolve this issue? It appears like a bonus is applied to my account somehow after earned the points and now they are removing 2x points.
In another topic....I'd like to know what that bonus is so I can maybe make use of it! Any advice?
Points Earned for Eligible Spend -25,890
Total Bonus Points Earned -25,890
Total Starpoints® Earned -51,780
Also the YTD starpoint balance has been reduced by the 51,780. I called Amex, they transferred me to SPG, then transferred me back to Amex. The SPG agent was great both both Amex agents couldn't even understand the problem. The last one just said that the points will be posted to my account within a few days...haha. I said I had a negative balance and she just repeated that that the points would be transferred.
I have a special heart for call center agents after getting a glimpse into their world, but in this case how do I resolve this issue? It appears like a bonus is applied to my account somehow after earned the points and now they are removing 2x points.
In another topic....I'd like to know what that bonus is so I can maybe make use of it! Any advice?
AMEX can credit points to SPG and they can take points back by providing a negative credit (I have that happen in a few thousand points but not in the 25,000 area). So AMEX is indeed the ones to talk to. They probably need to do something manually after finding out whats going on.