Howdy.

I have decided to give up my MR card. It seems ridiculous to pay $110 per year for points that covert at terrible ratios. I am going to get an SPG Amex. But first...

Question 1: There is currently a Starwood promo -- convert MR points to SPG points at 50% (1000 MR points = 500 SPG points instead of 333 points). Is this a good deal? Are there better ones?

Question 2: If I pay my balance in full now, will all the MR points post immediately or is there a lag? I'm trying to figure out how not to "leave points on the table" when I cancel the card.

Advice appreciated.

--ks