FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Amex Membership Rewards and Amex SPG-- what are the major differences ?
Old Jul 14, 2011 | 7:18 am
  #7  
mia
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Originally Posted by makemoretospendmore
...3:1 ratio when transferring MR to SPG points with Amex Platinum? Unless you're getting 3x bonus for every purchase, it would seem that the SPG Amex would be a better way to earn points.
The SPG credit card is (unsurprisingly) better for earning Starpoints, but it is generally not better for earning airline miles. When comparing credit cards it's important to calculate the reward per dollar spent, rather than focusing on the quantity of points or the value of each point in isolation.

The SPG credit card reliably generates 25,000 miles per $20,000 spent, but there are seldom any promotions on either the earning or redeeming end. Premier Rewards Gold generates more points per dollar on some spending categories, adds a 15,000 point annual bonus at the $30,000 threshold, plus there are transfer bonuses to BA, DL and others.
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