Originally Posted by
UASPG
Maybe, there is something that I am missing: I thought the transfer rate from Starpoints into miles was 1 to 1, unless you do it in increments of 20,000 pts. In this case, there is an additional 5,000 miles. This bonus would be at a cost of $95 per year, if I decide to get back the Starwood Amex card to use for stays at Starwood properties instead of my INK card.
So, if I need miles instead of Starpoints, the benefit would show only if I transfer at least 40,000 pts per year.
If the total of points transferred is only 40,000 pts, the actual bonus would be 5,000 miles since the first 5K would be the equivalent of the new yearly fee of $95.
Not sure that I need 40K or 60K Starpoints transferred into miles on a yearly basis.
You don't need a Starwood CC to transfer Starpoints into miles. And the CC fees are waived the first year. So you get the card, get your Starpoints, and shut it down within a year. Even then, you can transfer your points into miles anytime you want. And if later on you want to get the CC again, you can, and again withe annual fee waived. I believe you can churn the business card but not the personal card.