Agree. If Amex execs had any brains (they don't) they would copy Chase and offer 3x points on the $450 AF card and 2x points on the $95 AF card (as Chase does for CSR and CSP). 2x points just doesn't cut it for everyday spend, particularly with all the devals after program merger.

My guess is that they contractually can not offer more per $ than the Chase Marriott cards. That’s why the 25k for $25 is kind of brilliant as a promo. Obviously they can afford the economics, but I’m guessing their hands are tied contractually.

Concur on this. I think Marriott had to find a way to keep both happy after the merger (presumably they either contractually couldn't get rid of either of them, or either or both banks threw so much money at Marriott such that they decided to keep both).

Though I still find it surprising that Marriott didn't want to or didn't allow Amex to sweeten the offer on the $450 card. The premium credit card space is pretty crowded these days and the Bonvoy Brilliant card is perhaps the lamest $450 card out there, at least among those from the major banks.

In case anyone cares, the Long Beach, CA Marriott is 35K points and the day I used the cert recently the hotel rate was $180. And it has free parking which is a rare thing at So Cal Marriott properties.

One neat thing that you can use the Bonvoy card, or many other Amex cards for is the Plan It feature. It can come in handy if you are temporarily juggling finances. I'm not sure if the Chase Sapphire has this?

But why not 10k for 1x bonus or 5k, etc. What is magical about the $25k spend level? Either way I hope they continue some spend incentive in 2020. Won't use the card unless they do, it doesn't make financial sense without the incentive.