Canadian SPG American Express
Jun 28, 2018, 8:58 am
#1966
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE
Posts: 1,881
Got the email as well. Actually, doesn't this favour Canadians, since it is 2 points / $CAD, which is a slightly better earning rate than the US version of the card?
I know, still not as good as the old 1 Starpoint per $CAD...
I know, still not as good as the old 1 Starpoint per $CAD...
Jun 28, 2018, 9:16 am
#1967
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,762
Definitely a downgrade. the "silver lining" is the FN cert that is a bit more usable than the lousy old one that required 40k spend. The card is certainly a lot less useful than the old one. But earning 2 MR/CAD is better than the new US cards that earn 2MR/USD 
. (almost 2.6MR./USD)..
. (almost 2.6MR./USD)..
Jun 28, 2018, 10:03 am
#1968
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Montreal
Posts: 586
The downgrade is easier to swallow given that we are earning 33% more points than Americans at the moment due to the CAD. The free night cert is a major improvement over the old free weekend night. Since it is equivalent to (35,000/3) 11,666 Starpoints at the moment, I'd say the annual fee of the business card pays for itself.
In fact, I'd say the new changes make the business SPG much better for some. With the new changes, you don't have to be conscious about always hitting $40k spend every year to get the free weekend night, the new free night cert is usable at more hotels and days as it isn't just limited to Starwood on weekends. Given that the new business SPG will not devalue earning for travel, gas, and dining, you could conceivably just keep the card for that as the free night cert pays for the card and you get Amex's great insurance to boot.
In fact, I'd say the new changes make the business SPG much better for some. With the new changes, you don't have to be conscious about always hitting $40k spend every year to get the free weekend night, the new free night cert is usable at more hotels and days as it isn't just limited to Starwood on weekends. Given that the new business SPG will not devalue earning for travel, gas, and dining, you could conceivably just keep the card for that as the free night cert pays for the card and you get Amex's great insurance to boot.
Jun 28, 2018, 10:20 am
#1969
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: YOW
Programs: AC SE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 395
I'm thinking I will keep the card. The free night covers the annual fee. However, I will likely only use it for SPG/Marriott properties.
Jun 28, 2018, 10:53 am
#1970
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Aeroplan Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott
Posts: 1,839
I really hoped they offer 15 elite night credits.
Jun 28, 2018, 11:26 am
#1971
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
Looks like I'll keep it and only use it for SPG/Marriott properties.
Jun 28, 2018, 12:43 pm
#1972
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Starwood:Lifetime Platinum, Air Canada:Basic, Asiana:Lifetime Diamond Plus, ANA: Basic
Posts: 980
The official site for change
https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/e...red-guest.html
https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/e...red-guest.html
Jun 28, 2018, 12:49 pm
#1973
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE
Posts: 1,881
So no night credits for the Canadian version of the SPG card...
Jun 28, 2018, 12:58 pm
#1974
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Starwood:Lifetime Platinum, Air Canada:Basic, Asiana:Lifetime Diamond Plus, ANA: Basic
Posts: 980
It's so infuriating. We have no night credits and no "Luxury" card option. They didn't mention the annual fee so perhaps it stays the same. The business card version is slightly better earn rate (for dining, travel and gas) than the personal one but $20 more in annual fees.
Some card review website spin it like it was a "win" because the loss was less than expected...
AMEX can really tie our hands if they kill off the AMEX Membership Rewards transfer (or make the ratio even more hostile). We just have to wait and see.
Some card review website spin it like it was a "win" because the loss was less than expected...
AMEX can really tie our hands if they kill off the AMEX Membership Rewards transfer (or make the ratio even more hostile). We just have to wait and see.
Jun 28, 2018, 1:06 pm
#1975
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
I received the email earlier today and reading the first part of the changes I thought ... since the earn rate is slightly lower in this newer iteration than with the Starpoints. I was debating whether it made sense to keep the card at all. However, upon reading the remainder of the announcement (i.e. free reward night, automatic Silver status and the addition of free premium) it made the card a definite keeper particularly if the annual fee stays the same. At the moment I'm Marriott Gold thanks to my hitting UA Gold every year but who knows how long that partnership will last.
Safe Travels,
James
Safe Travels,
James
Jun 28, 2018, 1:52 pm
#1976
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: YVR
Posts: 1,082
So the only difference between the business and personal card is the 3pt/$ category?
Not entirely sure that's worth the extra $20 a year, if annual fees remain the same.
Not entirely sure that's worth the extra $20 a year, if annual fees remain the same.
Jun 28, 2018, 2:28 pm
#1977
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM; SPG Plat
Posts: 424
This is the biggest problem with the transition from SPG. I was also really hoping for this, to put us on a level playing field with those holding credit cards south of the border. Makes a big difference in earning status levels.
Jun 28, 2018, 4:25 pm
#1978
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC, UA, IHG, SPG, Carlson
Posts: 193
I called in today for something unrelated and mentioned the earn rate devaluation, the rep says (in a tone to console me) that this card now offers supplementary card at no annual fee (implying there used to be a fee for that).
Just wanted to throw this info out there in case it matters to someone.
Just wanted to throw this info out there in case it matters to someone.
Jun 28, 2018, 7:10 pm
#1979
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: West
Posts: 3,357
I will be canceling the card.
Jun 29, 2018, 6:11 am
#1980
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,511
I called them last night.......said I wasn't happy being a long term customer. Explained the glaring difference with our card vs. the US card. Representative agreed and said many have cancelled but urged me to hold tight for at least a couple of weeks as he "believes the Canadian Marketing team is apparently looking at options for the current cardholders and might come out with something"? Not sure how much stock I put into that but I will hold tight for a bit yet. He did say he will log my call and put it on my account? Maybe I will get some bonus points or something but I will have to make a decision in the next 2-3 weeks.