So from what I'm seeing, we have no idea when these cards might be going away, correct? I've had the biz card for ~8 months, and was planning to cancel it to start my year of not having the card and reset my eligibility. But if the merger is happening(/starting/whatever) in June, the chances of this card even still being available next February seem fairly slim (at least in my mind).

Amex renewed their deal with Starwood in 2014, FWIW. ISTR some past discussion that these are not short-term deals, so perhaps the card will survive to 2018 & even beyond that.

Is there any benefit to getting this card now (prior to the merger)? If it's not offered after the merger, I assume Marriott would still offer the Chase Visa. Would the benefit of getting the SPG Amex now be that in the future, there may be no way to earn SPG/Marriott points using an Amex card? Or, do we think that somehow the earnings on the SPG Amex will be superior to the earnings on whatever card is offered after the merger?

I don't think anybody knows--anything post-merger is pure speculation. I got the card because I have SPG needs now and during this calendar year.

Is it a good idea to transfer the points into miles soon if thats what you usually do?, is there discussion on this? Thanks

If you're asking if it's a good idea to transfer SPG Starpoints into airline miles as soon as you receive them, I would recommend waiting until you can transfer in tranches of 20,000 Starpoints so that you will get the 5,000 mile bonus. On 1:1 transfer partners, a transfer of 20,000 Starpoints yields 25,000 airline miles.

35k personal & business offers are available.

Personal: https://www262.americanexpress.com/d...t-card/spg-286
Business: https://www262.americanexpress.com/d...t-card/spg-286

Enjoy :)

...unless you have held the card(s) previously:

As a practical matter the American Express lookback period to see if you have held the card appears to be seven years, which means you would need to have closed the account around 2008 to earn another bonus now.

Actually I'm asking about doing it before the Marriot merger in case they change the program, or how long approximately can I wait on that?

If I got the card just one month ago is it likely/unlikely they'll adjust the sign up bonus to the new one if I call in?

Improbable, but no harm asking politely.

Must not apply for a business version.... failing... failing...

Amex is starting to smell the end of their SPG partnership. Time to sign up as many ppl as they can get so they either get to keep them if they keep the card or more leverage to sell if they sell it to chase.

Perhaps I should wait for them to get more desperate. 100k SPG sign up offer anyone? :D

Got an email informing me I can give referrals to people for the new 35K card, and I'd get a 5K bonus. If anyone is thinking about getting this card and would like to help out a fellow flyertalker, send me a message! I just need a first name and an email address. Thanks!

If this were true they would not be excluding prior cardholders.

For those who have the personal and business, did you set up a separate user ID or were you able to use the same one?