Not sure what you're referring to, but I am specifically referring to Starwood asking for the password associated with my online access/account, to do as you say below (calling to redeem a reward). That's what I get asked, not for anything different. If there is a way to change this, and not be asked for that password but for something else that I could specify, I'd be interesting in knowing it. (But now back to your regularly scheduled United programming...! )