I contacted American Express Canada today to see if there is any info about this new card.
I got the following answer. Take it with a grain of salt but that is where we're heading.Lastly about the merger of SPG with Marriott, here's what I would like to share:
In August 2018, Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and SPG will become one powerful program. Individual program names will stay the same until 2019 but Marriott will consolidate everything else to give Members easier access and more opportunities.
For the first time, Members will have seamless access to book stays and earn and redeem points among 29 participating global brands with 6,500 hotels in more than 127 countries and territories. To learn more about the program changes, go to
www.members.marriott.com.
Until August 2018, the programs will remain separate.
•SPG members will continue to earn Starpoints and receive SPG benefits at hotels participating in the SPG program.
•Marriott Rewards members will earn Marriott Rewards points and receive Marriott Rewards benefits at hotels participating in that program.
Marriott will send all SPG members a new 9-digit loyalty account number in August 2018. You do not need to provide us with the new loyalty account number.
Earn rate will be:
•5 points for every eligible dollar spent at participating Marriott and Starwood hotels (no expiration date)
•2 points for every eligible dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Points Conversion will be:
As of August 2018, Starpoints will be converted to points at a 1:3 ratio (1 Starpoint will convert to 3 points). For example, existing Starpoint balances of 10,000 will become 30,000 points.
•Points earned after the changes go into effect will reflect the new earn rate listed above.
•We will calculate all deductions for returns, credits, and adjustments at the point earn rate in effect at the time of the return, credit, or adjustment.
When the program changes become effective, the number of points needed to redeem in the loyalty program will change.
Status will be:
Automatic Silver Elite Status
•Complimentary standard in-room internet access
•10% points bonus
•Priority Late Check-Out when available
•Ultimate Reservation Guarantee