stromile

the amex blue business plus gives 2% MR back on first $25k spend each year across all categories.

sikorloa

Each 1 of my SPG points used to be worth 3 MR points.

I could transfer 1 MR point to 1.5 Aeromexico points, and so I was saving my SPG points to get a ton of Aeromexico miles (1 SPG = 4.5 Aeromexico points). And it only cost 14,500 Aeromexico points to fly from San Diego (Tijuana) to almost anywhere in Mexico, with much availability. Meaning I'd only have to spend $3,222 for a free one way ticket to almost anywhere in Mexico.

Now I see I can transfer Marriott points to Aeromexico (and a ton of other partners) at a 3:1 ratio (meaning 30,000 Marriott points = 10,000 Aeromexico points, or any other airline point program).

I was assuming I'd earn 3 Marriott points for each, though I've only been earning 2.1x, on my most recent statement... Meaning instead of having to spend $3,222 for a one way Aeromexico ticket, I now have to spend $20,714 for each one way ticket (14,500 Aeromexico points).

Hollllllllly schniekeys.... They should make the new SPG logo mr. potato head, on fire, cause that's how fast I'm gonna drop this card.

Is there any reason to keep the SPG, for airline redemptions?

(NOTE: I'm not sure you could ever transfer SPG points to AMEX, though I always assumed you could with the reverse ratio (1:3). Even if it wasn't possible before, doesn't SPG pretty much suck now, for airlines redemptions? 3:1 conversion ratio is terrible, for all airlines.)

Jebby_ca

Starpoints to Aeromexico was a 1:1 transfer, based on this older article in Forbes... plus the 5000point bonus if you transferred 20k Starpoints.

With the new program, it'll be 3:1, and a bonus of 5000 airline points/miles every 60k Marriott points you transfer... so no change to the amount of Starpoints required compared to the old program since 1 Starpoint = 3 points..

Are you sure your original calculations were correct?

14,500 Aeromexico points = 14,500 Starpoints = $14,500 spend on the old SPG card, since it was $1 per Starpoint unless that spend was at a hotel.

As pointed out by @stromile below, you weren't able to transfer SPG Starpoints to Amex Membership Rewards Points before.. .it was a one way transfer from AMEX to SPG at 3:1.

In the new program, to get 14,500 Aeromexico points, you'd need 43,500 Marriott points, which means $21,750 spend, if your spend doesn't include bonus points.

14,500 Aeromexico points = 43,500 Marriott Points = $21,750 spend on new SPG card at 2pts/$1.

stromile

SPG to MR (the amex MR, not the marriott MR) was not an available transfer pre-merger (at least, the ~year or two immediately preceding the merger—no idea if it was available in the days of old). it was a one way transfer only, MR to SPG.

so you would have had to use the SPG 1:1 ratio, with the 5k bonus per 20k starpoints, for 1.25:1 optimal ratio (with some breakage when your target number is inevitably not a 25k increment). that puts you at ballpark $12k spend to hit the 14500 miles pre-merger.

kaw753

I used to just pay my cable bill on-line. $0.01, $0.02, $0.03....

sikorloa

Thanks Jebby,

Which card in your opinion is the best alternative to the SPG, nowadays?

Also, I have about $30,000 in credit line between my personal and business SPG. Can I move that credit to my Amex Everyday card before I close both CC's?
Am wondering if I can move that chunk of credit somewhere, so as not to lose it. Definitely closing the personal SPG... debating on keeping the business one open, but it seems pointless as I've moved spend to the 2% Cashback Spark card.

Explore SE Asia

The only reasons to keep either SPG card is for the annual free night and the age of the account. My SPG account has been open longer than any other credit card.

Kacee

Not the only reasons. SPG Amex is still good for spend at Marriott/SPG properties at 6x per.

asot550

It really depends... csr earns 3x ur which is worth ~4.5c/$ in my book. 6 Marriott is worth ~4.2-4.8c/$ so in some cases I'd seriously consider the csr. Depends on how many Marriott points I had at the time and if I was trying to top up for another reservation or not. UR is way more flexible to me than Marriott since I can use the portal at a pretty fixed 1.5cpp.

shuuy

sikorloa

In my opinion it just became the worst credit card to own.

Unless your job pays for your stay at Marriott or SPG properties, and reimburses you, then yes, it's great. Otherwise its sh**.

christianj

I've held the card for a very long time and was always a big cheerleader for it. Sure it is now a "sock drawer" card but I think your comment is untrue! For most the annual fee will pay for itself with the free night benefit. Would I put spend outside of MR/SPG on it like I used to in the past? NO but it is definitely not sh**!

heckofagator

yeah, keeping mine for the free night, AmEx Offers and the extended warranty features. won't get much spending anymore though, unfortunately.

sikorloa

Ah I see - since you can use that free night in any hotel worldwide correct? So even if the hotel costs $1000 a night, you can still stay a night there free?

Also, how do you redeem the free nights? When you book does it automatically deduct, or do you have to specially request it?

Do the free nights add up if you don't use them?

Edit: Data point - called in 10/24/18 to cancel personal SPG that I've had open since 2015. They offered $75 statement credit after $2k spend, or 20,000 starpoints after $2k spend, but I declined. I still have the business SPG account open however.

rrgg

It's not any hotel. You get a free night good at a hotel priced 35,000 points or fewer (or 50,000 points if you hold the luxury card). It does not roll over if unused. https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...eferred-guest/ (Someone else can respond about how to redeem it. MR screwed me on this certificate, so I haven't received one to try.)