Given that the credit card limit is only $250 per month, I personally would stick with the debit card feature. Since you're just buying gift cards using your credit card either online or at the store, then yes, those count as point earning purchases. Too much hassle and uncertainty just to get $250 in spending each month.

One could argue that a referral bonus is a goodwill gesture. In exchange for your goodwill in being a loyal customer and assisting them in getting an additional customer, they are showing you some goodwill by giving you some extra points.

But whatever. Let them think what they want, or frame it however they want. If you get your points, does it matter what they want to call them?

I'm sorry, but no, it's not a "goodwill gesture." It's part of a contract I entered into with American Express. There are explicit terms. I do X and they do Y. We agreed to that via their website.

If I sell you a car and you pay me, should I consider that payment a "goodwill gesture"?

Benefit of using SPG Amex vs. Chase Ink Bold?
 

I've been consistently using the SPG Amex at Starwood properties because I want the points bonus for spend at those properties. I also have the Chase Ink Bold and Plus cards, and love collecting UR points using those cards.

I've been evaluating using the SPG Amex at Starwood properties, as I'm not sure what the value is compared to using the Chase Ink cards. From my understanding both cards will provide a 2x points bonus at hotels, so does it really just come down to preference of collecting SPG vs. UR points? Compared to the Ink cards, is there no benefit to using the SPG Amex at Starwood properties?

Sorry if I'm offending some die-hard SPG fans with this question, I don't mean this to be offensive, I'm just new to SPG and going for gold for the first time.

actually, u r mistaking the chase ink card for chase sapphire preferred. chase ink does NOT give 2x points for travel awards.

chase ink:
Earn 5X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services

Earn 2X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at gas stations and for hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.

Earn 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

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Use SPG Amex for Starwood properties spend for sure. U get 2 Starpoints for every dollar spent there and more if you are a Gold or Platinum member.

If you ask which is better SPG Amex or Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP)? I would say it depends what you want to do with your points.

CSP transfers well to Hyatt and United. There's also no FX and easy ways to earn double points through restaurants, travel, and shopping portal.

SPG Amex is great if you love staying at SPG properties. Starpoints best used for cash and Points and 5 night free.

Hi all,

Got a question regarding the new SPG promo (15k + 1st year free). I applied a month ago or so and have just been approved (did not get the card yet, should be mail to me within a week). At the time I applied, There was no promo and I signed up for the 10k and 120CAD/year.

Is there anyway you might think I can still enjoy the current promo? Should I give them a call and ask for it? Anyone tried to do that in the past?

Thanks

I did mean the Chase Ink cards. As you stated, they DO give a 2x bonus on direct Hotel spend (same as SPG Amex it seems).

Does the Gold and Platinum bonus only come into play if I use the SPG Amex? :confused: In that case that's indeed a big reason to use that card if I have SPG status.

Absolutely true. Sounds like it does come down to a decision on how I want to redeem points. Thanks for your input!

With your info. stated above, yes you should call them asap.
They should honor the promo you stated since none was offered and you don't have the card yet.

That's not such a wonderful promo either.Any reason why you did not want to wait for a promo to be running to jump on that card? (just curious).

I konw the promo is not that interesting but since this is a transfer from a french Amex Card to a Canadian One, it has to me done in a few month after moving on, at least to keep the Amex history as well as not to have to provide Amex Canada with any information such as income or so...

Moreover, that Amex is the only one that allows transfer to Flying Blue

Called them this morning. Hvae been told that there was no way to do that and that I should cancellled the one I am gonna have in the mail this week and apply for a new one. Sériously??!!!!!

It might be my last Amex. I do not really need it and have never seen such a bad customer service!!

20k SPG Deposit Time?
 

Just hit my $5000 spend on the SPG AMEX CC, triggering the 20,000 SPG point bonus from an AUG '12 sign-up. (And now going back to AA Citi Visa.) For anyone who has already tripped the SPG promo min spend, how long did it take to post to your SPG account? (I assume it's the standard 6-8 weeks, but the 10k was nearly instantaneous giving me hope of a fast deposit.)

I suppose it's more of a "nice to know" question since, as far as I can tell, SPG--> AA miles transfers don't have a *calendar year* cap the way UA member 1 --> UA member 2 transfers are annually limited.

Please advise, if the shoe fits. Thanks.

After I finished my 5k spend, the 20k point bonus posted to my Starwood account after about 10 days, so much faster than 6-8 weeks!

Does the night credit from SPG Amex card count toward lifetime status. I assume no, but just checking...

I am pretty sure the answer is no.

If you're referencing the 5 nights given as a SPG AMEX co-brand cardmember, the answer would be no.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]