Let’s talk about alternatives to the SPG Amex after the massive Marriott devaluation
Dec 18, 2019, 5:41 pm
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
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.
Dec 19, 2019, 11:04 pm
#707
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: The road less traveled
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA EXP, Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Natl EE, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 5,118
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.
Dec 20, 2019, 8:28 am
#708
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
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.
Dec 20, 2019, 8:05 pm
#709
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
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?
Dec 21, 2019, 11:48 pm
#710
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,017
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.