If you are specifically trying to accumulate MR points in the combined system you are pretty much out of luck and the max you can earn will be via their new credit cards from what I have found. I'm planning on using one of their cards for hotel spend but putting all my Everyday spend either on the AMEX EDP or the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

I am sure there will still be plenty of people that will put everyday spend on the new cards and think it is the best improvement in history earning 2 points per $1.....just like those people that get 1 MR points today for $1 spend on the current cards and they "LOVE" Marriott Rewards. :confused: I can only shake my head when I see someone doing that.

Thanks for posting this. Spouse and I each have primary SPG Amex Biz and our AF will post this month. I'm not sure I want to keep paying $95/year. If they cancel the club lounge access at Sheratons, then I will cancel. If they keep that, then I'll consider a retention bonus. Otherwise, will likely move spend over to CSR.

Lounge access goes away Aug 1.

I saw that mentioned on another thread but can't find it anywhere on Marriott or Amex or SPG. Maybe looking in the wrong place. Can you provide link? I'd like to refer to it when I call retention.

Anyone knows what is happening with the Boingo benefit? When I read the announcement (https://www.spgpromos.com/amexcoming...comingsoon_DEF), it says Boingo is included with the new $450 card, but nothing is mentioned on the current cards. It is currently a benefit for both the regular and the biz version of the SPG amex card.

The changes coming for the current US-based SPG Personal and Business cards can be found here.

Best regards,

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

[email protected]

Well, my SPG personal card has been my primary spending card when I'm not working on another card's bonus, but with the points/$ hit it is going to take I won't be using it so much. Is there a card I can product change to to keep the credit line alive? It's my 2nd oldest card after my USAA card (30+ years). I know there is no fee-free SPG card, so I may be out of luck.

I think they don't allow a product change from the JetBlue card to anything, so I'd guess it's the same policy for SPG. If you call and ask please let us know.

Did the 5-night credit benefit disappear on this card? I thought that benefit was supposed to stay through 2018? I applied last night - before the sign-up bonus devaluation - and now I'm not seeing it listed under benefits...

My 11-year old SPG Amex renews on 7/25, and Amex confirmed I won't receive the free night benefit until July 2019. I hope they decide to award the equivalent points as compensation in 2018, because this will definitely anger people so close to August.

My renewal date is August 2 so I am assuming that even though most of the charges will be before 8/1 the fact that the statement posts after that date means earning at the reduced rate. From what you say then I should get the free night.

You should think about changing your statement date to 8/2 and see if that beats the system.

I applied for the card the same day as announcement. I received an email with the 2 stay and 5 night credit this morning, and it's showing on my activity.