Hey Guys

I am working in China for a long period of time. After discovering how boring the Chinese Union-Pay rewards programs are, I decided to use my US cards. Also since Visa cards in China always run into Dynamic Currency Conversion (exorbitant exchange rate) problem, I am thinking using AMEX in China whenever you can.

Now I have a SPG card. If I spend 16000 USD (everyday spending is 1$ to 1 point), which is around 97700 CNY, I can get 16000 points for a night of stay in Westin Financial Street, which costs at least 1500 CNY including taxes. Since there is a 2.7% conversion fee, my final spending is 100366 CNY, and I am getting 1.5% back.

I am also thinking of getting a Platinum. This way I can get SPG Gold for free, and I can have benefits I need. However, I am not really familiar with AMEX's Rewards Program, so I don't know how much percent I can get back. I know I can transfer 90000 points (90000 USD in spending) to ANA, and get a one way Business from China to LAX for 90000 miles, plus $350, which values at least $2000. This way it gives back around the same 1.5%.

There is no currency conversion fee, but there is a $450 annual fee.

How does everyone think regarding my calculation? Any suggestions on which card to use in China for the reward?

Thanks in advance.