Canadian SPG American Express
#736
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I applied for the card online, and it looked like it was going to approve instantly, but at the end it surprised me with the 'you'll have to wait' for your approval. I didn't think much of if, and certainly wasn't going to call and ask.
It arrived in the mail a few days ago (about 2 weeks from applying). But there was no indication of the credit line. I activated it, then called into the phone system to check my balance. It's got a pretty low credit limit, but then again, I've got lots of cards and don't need any more credit.
Anyway, looking forward to using it at the SPG properties....
It arrived in the mail a few days ago (about 2 weeks from applying). But there was no indication of the credit line. I activated it, then called into the phone system to check my balance. It's got a pretty low credit limit, but then again, I've got lots of cards and don't need any more credit.
Anyway, looking forward to using it at the SPG properties....
#737
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Starwood:Lifetime Platinum, Air Canada:Basic, Asiana:Lifetime Diamond Plus, ANA: Basic
Posts: 980
update on the exchange charges
[QUOTE=yeunganson;13810195]I am heading Japan next week too..
AMEX changes from JPD to USD (loss in exchange spread), and then USD to CAD (lose another exchange spread) and finally a 2.5% fee.
MC/VISA changes from JPD to CAD (loss in exchange spread) and then slap the 2.5% fee.
So basically, using AMEX, we will lose extra money on the exchange spread between the banks. Now, how much is that exchange spread relative to the amount?? 1%? 2%?
[QUOTE]
I went online shopping in Japanese store and got bought something that was 60000 yen yesterday. (so the stuff will be ready when I visit next week)
Under official exchange rate (from www.x-rate.com) I got for April 20 -day of purchase:
60000 yen - $C 654.24
With AMEX:
60000 yen converted to $C 683.81 (ie $C 29.57 extra)
With caclualtions
29.57/654.24 x 100% = 4.52%
So, if we are overseas and use AMEX, we will be paying 4.52% higher (including conversion fees) than the official conversion rate.
Now question is... how is VISA/MC? Is it also just the exchange rate + 2.5%?
AMEX changes from JPD to USD (loss in exchange spread), and then USD to CAD (lose another exchange spread) and finally a 2.5% fee.
MC/VISA changes from JPD to CAD (loss in exchange spread) and then slap the 2.5% fee.
So basically, using AMEX, we will lose extra money on the exchange spread between the banks. Now, how much is that exchange spread relative to the amount?? 1%? 2%?
[QUOTE]
I went online shopping in Japanese store and got bought something that was 60000 yen yesterday. (so the stuff will be ready when I visit next week)
Under official exchange rate (from www.x-rate.com) I got for April 20 -day of purchase:
60000 yen - $C 654.24
With AMEX:
60000 yen converted to $C 683.81 (ie $C 29.57 extra)
With caclualtions
29.57/654.24 x 100% = 4.52%
So, if we are overseas and use AMEX, we will be paying 4.52% higher (including conversion fees) than the official conversion rate.
Now question is... how is VISA/MC? Is it also just the exchange rate + 2.5%?
#738
yeunganson - re:exchange rates, yes AMEX is the WORST from my experience.
I go to the USA often, and have done a few experiments. At the same gas station I put in $10 AMEX, $10 Visa $10 MC.
Amex about 4.5%
Visa about 3.5%
MC about 3.8% over forex posted rates.
Now I think unless you are a banker or get special bank rates, you are always probably paying atleast .5% - 1.5% over forex rates.
So yes cash is usually the best (but no earning FF points)
PS I have not tested the cards in Japan yet. Also sometime the fluctuation comes from when the credit card company posts the transaction. In my transactions at gas stations, they often posted on different days.
I go to the USA often, and have done a few experiments. At the same gas station I put in $10 AMEX, $10 Visa $10 MC.
Amex about 4.5%
Visa about 3.5%
MC about 3.8% over forex posted rates.
Now I think unless you are a banker or get special bank rates, you are always probably paying atleast .5% - 1.5% over forex rates.
So yes cash is usually the best (but no earning FF points)
PS I have not tested the cards in Japan yet. Also sometime the fluctuation comes from when the credit card company posts the transaction. In my transactions at gas stations, they often posted on different days.
#739
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: YYZ
Programs: TK*G, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 678
Just rec'd mine today. Read the insurance policies in details...IT SUCKED! Royal & Sun Alliance is the underwriter for most travel benefits - all stripped down versions with bare minimun benefits. I disliked my RBC Avion Infinite & USD Gold travel insurances when compared to a standalone one from Blue Cross. But now compared to AMEX SPG, RBC looked great.
#740
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE
Posts: 1,881
I've received my first statement from Amex about 5 business days ago, but still haven't received the points yet. Anyone get the points from their SPG Amex yet?
#743
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Beautiful Atlantic Canada
Programs: Bonvoy Platinum & LFT Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Silver, Airmiles Onyx, Aeroplan, Avis President's Club
Posts: 1,203
#744
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE
Posts: 1,881
#745
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AA
Posts: 873
Has anyone converted their SPG point to AAdvantage points? How does it work? How do you do it?
#746
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Beautiful Atlantic Canada
Programs: Bonvoy Platinum & LFT Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Silver, Airmiles Onyx, Aeroplan, Avis President's Club
Posts: 1,203
#747
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary
Programs: A Few
Posts: 2,339
#748
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,512
No card to be seen
I applied the first day.........Was approved the first day.........Still have seen no signs of my card........I have called Amex twice
#749
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 600
You should get them if you have spent the required $1000 already but no points are given until the $1000 is spent in the first 3 months.
#750
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
To be clear, regular points from purchases are given. The 11K bonus isn't given until the $1K spend is reached.