Canadian SPG American Express
Jan 2, 2010, 11:44 am
#76
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Welcome to FT.
a) 40K SPG points are potentially worth far more than $500.
b) The $ from Drivers Edge MC can only be used for a car purchase, IIRC.
c) I hate using gift cards. Hate. I've got enough cards already. Don't need to add another 5-10.
The SPG cards are great for those who travel. Unfortunately, the options you've provided aren't travel oriented.
If you want cash-back, there are better CC than Blue Sky.
a) 40K SPG points are potentially worth far more than $500.
b) The $ from Drivers Edge MC can only be used for a car purchase, IIRC.
c) I hate using gift cards. Hate. I've got enough cards already. Don't need to add another 5-10.
The SPG cards are great for those who travel. Unfortunately, the options you've provided aren't travel oriented.
If you want cash-back, there are better CC than Blue Sky.
Jan 2, 2010, 12:52 pm
#77
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YYZ, BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K, SPG Platinum, PC Gold
Posts: 211
It's odd to me to see all the comments about not being able to use Amex. I have an Amex Plat and an AeroPlat and my wife and I do the vast majority of our spending ($150K+ annually) on the Plat card. We have a CIBC Aerogold Visa for those places where Amex doesn't work, but in my experience it's 90/10 acceptance/rejection.
Still don't know what I will do about the SPG Amex. SPG points are much more valuable than MR or Aeroplan points, so $100/year for the SPG Amex is a far better deal than $400 for Amex Plat. On the other hand, I want the lounge access and other benefits of the Plat and AeroPlat. Oh, the dilemma!
Still don't know what I will do about the SPG Amex. SPG points are much more valuable than MR or Aeroplan points, so $100/year for the SPG Amex is a far better deal than $400 for Amex Plat. On the other hand, I want the lounge access and other benefits of the Plat and AeroPlat. Oh, the dilemma!
If I were you, I would keep the Platinum card, I will get the amex spg as well, just to put all the hotel charges to the card. ^
Jan 2, 2010, 6:44 pm
#78
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
However, I don't see that argument for Amex AP Gold. You only get 1.25x after $10K on the Amex whereas you can get 1.25x just on the normal SPG->AP transfer.
Jan 5, 2010, 11:52 pm
#79
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Programs: Aeroplan; Marriott Platinum; IHG Platinum; Best Western Diamond
Posts: 2,165
So there's still no news on whether there's a fee.
There are so many places I shop that don't take Amex. Loblaws, RCSS, No Frills, Price Chopper, my dentist, T&T, and most restaurants I go to. So after the MBNA SPG MC, I'll be looking for another MC.
If there's a fee for this new AMex, I may not get it.
There are so many places I shop that don't take Amex. Loblaws, RCSS, No Frills, Price Chopper, my dentist, T&T, and most restaurants I go to. So after the MBNA SPG MC, I'll be looking for another MC.
If there's a fee for this new AMex, I may not get it.
Jan 6, 2010, 7:47 am
#80
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: YOW
Programs: YOW-AC*SE,SPG Plat, Hertz #1 Club
Posts: 174
So there's still no news on whether there's a fee.
There are so many places I shop that don't take Amex. Loblaws, RCSS, No Frills, Price Chopper, my dentist, T&T, and most restaurants I go to. So after the MBNA SPG MC, I'll be looking for another MC.
If there's a fee for this new AMex, I may not get it.
There are so many places I shop that don't take Amex. Loblaws, RCSS, No Frills, Price Chopper, my dentist, T&T, and most restaurants I go to. So after the MBNA SPG MC, I'll be looking for another MC.
If there's a fee for this new AMex, I may not get it.
Jan 6, 2010, 1:49 pm
#81
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: AC 100K; SPG Plat (CEM); Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 95
Been reading this thread with great interest - here's my 2 cents:
Unlike many, I was actually very pleased to hear about this new card. MBNA has terrible service - they're so tight at managing risk, often at the cardholder's expense (ever try using the MBNA card internationally, just to have it rejected because they think it's out of pattern - good luck getting through to someone if their call centre's closed - don't know how many times that's happened to me - and all I do for a living is travel so they should see a pattern as I've had the card since it launched - anyhow, enough ranting on that point).
Yes, AMEX isn't as widely accepted, so Visa/MC would be preferred, but I'm not that fussed about it - it's certainly accepted in more places than it's not accepted (just use another points card for those places - don't most people keep more than 1 card?).
The 1pt per $1 spent is what appealled instantly to me, but of course we'll have to see what that really ends up looking like (after bonuses/annual fee is considered) - at least the MBNA card had the 5K bonuses at different spending thresholds - hope AMEX does that to some degree.
Based on my spending, I think it'll be better than MBNA, even with an annual fee. I see the logic of the member who did the math and avoids fee cards at all costs, but agree with the other member who said that 40K SPG points is worth more than $500 - that's at least 3 nights at a cat 5! or 5 nights at a cat 4 - depends on your travel patterns, I suppose.
I don't care about interest rates, as I never carry a balance (I suspect like most folks on here), so that's not a concern. I do care about the F/X rate though. I didn't think MBNA's was too bad (at least compared with my Diners/MC) - not sure how AMEX will fare in that regard - if the premium is noticeably high, I'll stick with a different points card.
Anyhow, overall, I'm quite happy with the change and looking forward to tearing up my MBNA card.
Unlike many, I was actually very pleased to hear about this new card. MBNA has terrible service - they're so tight at managing risk, often at the cardholder's expense (ever try using the MBNA card internationally, just to have it rejected because they think it's out of pattern - good luck getting through to someone if their call centre's closed - don't know how many times that's happened to me - and all I do for a living is travel so they should see a pattern as I've had the card since it launched - anyhow, enough ranting on that point).
Yes, AMEX isn't as widely accepted, so Visa/MC would be preferred, but I'm not that fussed about it - it's certainly accepted in more places than it's not accepted (just use another points card for those places - don't most people keep more than 1 card?).
The 1pt per $1 spent is what appealled instantly to me, but of course we'll have to see what that really ends up looking like (after bonuses/annual fee is considered) - at least the MBNA card had the 5K bonuses at different spending thresholds - hope AMEX does that to some degree.
Based on my spending, I think it'll be better than MBNA, even with an annual fee. I see the logic of the member who did the math and avoids fee cards at all costs, but agree with the other member who said that 40K SPG points is worth more than $500 - that's at least 3 nights at a cat 5! or 5 nights at a cat 4 - depends on your travel patterns, I suppose.
I don't care about interest rates, as I never carry a balance (I suspect like most folks on here), so that's not a concern. I do care about the F/X rate though. I didn't think MBNA's was too bad (at least compared with my Diners/MC) - not sure how AMEX will fare in that regard - if the premium is noticeably high, I'll stick with a different points card.
Anyhow, overall, I'm quite happy with the change and looking forward to tearing up my MBNA card.
Jan 7, 2010, 10:07 am
#82
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 568
I will never forget checking out of SPG's Danieli hotel in Venice with my MBNA SPG card which was refused ... with people behind me in earshot. I pulled out my Amex card and it went through without problems.
When I got home there was a message on voicemail from the fraud dept of MBNA -- they stopped use of my card because earlier that day I bought a 20 euro DVD of Venice in a bookstore there ... and this apparently happened because I didn't advise MBNA before my trip that I was going to Italy. I've never had to inform Amex of where I was travelling.
So I won't be unhappy to see that card go either. On the other hand, I'll have to use my BMO MC card more frequently as Amex isn't accepted universally...and I already have two Amex cards. I think SPG will be the loser in this change.
When I got home there was a message on voicemail from the fraud dept of MBNA -- they stopped use of my card because earlier that day I bought a 20 euro DVD of Venice in a bookstore there ... and this apparently happened because I didn't advise MBNA before my trip that I was going to Italy. I've never had to inform Amex of where I was travelling.
So I won't be unhappy to see that card go either. On the other hand, I'll have to use my BMO MC card more frequently as Amex isn't accepted universally...and I already have two Amex cards. I think SPG will be the loser in this change.
Jan 7, 2010, 10:30 am
#83
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kelowna
Programs: AS AC AA SPG IHG Gold
Posts: 215
My MBNA mastercard was refused at a Vancouver Marriott. The desk clerk was sympathetic, and when I asked to talk with the CSR, she said it was because I was 'out of town'. Either their geographic area is very limited, or they don't have a mapping database. Vancouver is a one hour flight or 4 hour drive from my home. Sheesh, it's a travel card.
As for exchange rates, I prefer the AMEX format, where they show me the rate they use. Math is not tough, but it's a nuisance to need to run through the MBNA bill to see what rate they used on different days of a trip.
As for exchange rates, I prefer the AMEX format, where they show me the rate they use. Math is not tough, but it's a nuisance to need to run through the MBNA bill to see what rate they used on different days of a trip.
Jan 13, 2010, 1:38 am
#84
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 5
Hi all, first post here.
I'm an SPG points collector myself, so I'm looking forward to this AMEX card in March. The $1/point is definitely great compared to MBNA, I just hope the annual fee isn't too high - since I don't spend that much (40-50k a year?) so if it's too high then I might stay with my other cash back card.
I really hope the card looks better than the one shown in the webpage though... one of the ugliest card I've seen.
I'm an SPG points collector myself, so I'm looking forward to this AMEX card in March. The $1/point is definitely great compared to MBNA, I just hope the annual fee isn't too high - since I don't spend that much (40-50k a year?) so if it's too high then I might stay with my other cash back card.
I really hope the card looks better than the one shown in the webpage though... one of the ugliest card I've seen.
Jan 19, 2010, 8:51 pm
#85
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hilton Honours Gold, Air Canada Elite
Posts: 8
So there's still no news on whether there's a fee.
There are so many places I shop that don't take Amex. Loblaws, RCSS, No Frills, Price Chopper, my dentist, T&T, and most restaurants I go to. So after the MBNA SPG MC, I'll be looking for another MC.
If there's a fee for this new AMEX, I may not get it.
There are so many places I shop that don't take Amex. Loblaws, RCSS, No Frills, Price Chopper, my dentist, T&T, and most restaurants I go to. So after the MBNA SPG MC, I'll be looking for another MC.
If there's a fee for this new AMEX, I may not get it.
Same dilemma for me - Is it worth giving up my lounge access to get the SPG AMEX? I am still undecided.
The real question is, if I do make the switch I will put all purchases on my SPG AMEX, but what FREE credit card (Visa or MC) should I get for places that don't take AMEX? Any ideas on the best free credit card in Canada?
Jan 20, 2010, 7:33 am
#86
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 709
what if the SPG Amex came with more perks?
What if the SPG Amex came with lounge access, at the cost of a higher fee?
I'd kinda prefer the best of both worlds? Esp. since Amex Canada has Aeroplan on board with them already…
Wishful thinking on my part?
I'd kinda prefer the best of both worlds? Esp. since Amex Canada has Aeroplan on board with them already…
Wishful thinking on my part?
Jan 20, 2010, 8:23 am
#87
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kelowna
Programs: AS AC AA SPG IHG Gold
Posts: 215
The links in this article give the most complete Canadian credit card comparisons I have seen. However, I don't agree with his top choices. Just because a card is popular doesn't mean it is good.
What's best also depends on where you live and your travel patterns. For Western Canadians, the free SaveOn Visa (in its own strange way, it's a travel card--read the redemption page on AS awards) and the AS Mastercard combine to make a winning team. Although the AS MC isn't free, the benefits more than pay for the card. But I will still miss the flexibility of SPG points, so expect I will get the new card.
Jan 20, 2010, 12:29 pm
#88
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: Marriott Titanium, AC E50, National Exec
Posts: 516
Probably, I don't think Aeroplan would be very happy considering their relationship with AMEX in Canada.
Jan 26, 2010, 10:45 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: Via Preference Privilege, AC*A, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,334
I will never forget checking out of SPG's Danieli hotel in Venice with my MBNA SPG card which was refused ... with people behind me in earshot. I pulled out my Amex card and it went through without problems.
When I got home there was a message on voicemail from the fraud dept of MBNA -- they stopped use of my card because earlier that day I bought a 20 euro DVD of Venice in a bookstore there ... and this apparently happened because I didn't advise MBNA before my trip that I was going to Italy. I've never had to inform Amex of where I was travelling.
So I won't be unhappy to see that card go either. On the other hand, I'll have to use my BMO MC card more frequently as Amex isn't accepted universally...and I already have two Amex cards. I think SPG will be the loser in this change.
When I got home there was a message on voicemail from the fraud dept of MBNA -- they stopped use of my card because earlier that day I bought a 20 euro DVD of Venice in a bookstore there ... and this apparently happened because I didn't advise MBNA before my trip that I was going to Italy. I've never had to inform Amex of where I was travelling.
So I won't be unhappy to see that card go either. On the other hand, I'll have to use my BMO MC card more frequently as Amex isn't accepted universally...and I already have two Amex cards. I think SPG will be the loser in this change.
Jan 26, 2010, 11:49 am
#90
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 106
Credit limit?
Just curious about something which may not have a standard answer - I've never dealt with Amex before on a personal level and will likely sign up for the new card when it gets launched.
I can't imagine they'll base the credit limit on the old MC limit which was a value that worked for me. I noticed postings on the US thread about $3k and $5k limits and now I'm wondering if this is the norm until you've built credit history with Amex?
Anyone have any input based on their personal experience?
I can't imagine they'll base the credit limit on the old MC limit which was a value that worked for me. I noticed postings on the US thread about $3k and $5k limits and now I'm wondering if this is the norm until you've built credit history with Amex?
Anyone have any input based on their personal experience?