Last edit by: CodeAdam10
For discussion of the now expired offer for a 35K signup bonus, see Amex SPG 35,000 business and personal cards-2016 [No referral offers in this thread.]
USA-issued card benefits changed on August 11, 2015. (Announcement & extended discussion at American Express and Starwood enhance cobrand credit card benefits.) The benefits are slightly different for personal and business cards:
Public Links:
- The Annual Fee is $450.
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 3x on restaurants and airfare; 2x on all other purchases.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- FREE NIGHT AWARD: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- COMPLIMENTARY GOLD ELITE STATUS: Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with your Card. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Other Highlighted Benefits: Priority Pass Select Membership, Global Entry credit, No Foreign Transaction fees.
- $125 Annual Fee (If application received before 03/28/19, $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95)
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 4x at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services & on U.S. purchases for shipping; 2x on all other purchases.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- Complimentary Silver Elite Status
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Other related discussion:
USA-issued card benefits changed on August 11, 2015. (Announcement & extended discussion at American Express and Starwood enhance cobrand credit card benefits.) The benefits are slightly different for personal and business cards:
Public Links:
- Personal [Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card]: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant
- The Annual Fee is $450.
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 3x on restaurants and airfare; 2x on all other purchases.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- FREE NIGHT AWARD: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- COMPLIMENTARY GOLD ELITE STATUS: Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with your Card. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Other Highlighted Benefits: Priority Pass Select Membership, Global Entry credit, No Foreign Transaction fees.
- Business [Marriott Bonvoy Business Card]: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...s-credit-card/
- $125 Annual Fee (If application received before 03/28/19, $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95)
- Earn 6x at Marriott properties; 4x at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services & on U.S. purchases for shipping; 2x on all other purchases.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
- Complimentary Silver Elite Status
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Discussion of Amex "one bonus per lifetime" policy (personal & business cards)
- Annual fee retention bonus for Starwood Amex Card
- American Express and Starwood enhance cobrand credit card benefits
- How to keep SPG points from expiring after 12 months of account inactivity
- New Card Art for the US Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
SPG American Express [Master Thread]
#1246
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Is there really an appreciable difference between those of us who redeem points from CC earnings, and those who redeem points earned on their company's nickel?
I think very few among us earn our points through our own paid stays. Yes, some...but most get the lion's share of their points through dollars not spent out of their own pockets.
I think very few among us earn our points through our own paid stays. Yes, some...but most get the lion's share of their points through dollars not spent out of their own pockets.
#1247
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
#1248
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: EWR
Programs: UAPlat; *Gold; Hyatt Diam; SPG Plat; PWP goddess
Posts: 16,525
#1249
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Yes, because I'm someone who doesn't have any paid hotel stays, thus do not have any status beyond what the CC gives me.
#1250
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 12
Referral
I would like to apply for the SPG Amex card, but not for the 10,000 points currently offered. Is anyone willing and able to refer me to a better offer?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#1251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: EWR
Programs: UAPlat; *Gold; Hyatt Diam; SPG Plat; PWP goddess
Posts: 16,525
I am not aware of any other offers out there right now, but if you are interested in the standard offer, -- I can send you a referral for both personal & biz cards!
#1254
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: EWR
Programs: UAPlat; *Gold; Hyatt Diam; SPG Plat; PWP goddess
Posts: 16,525
Yes, it's the same bonus offer that an applicant gets for the card, and the referrer gets a bonus if the application is approved!^
I wonder if an applicant who might be 'borderline' (in terms of approval) might get the extra boost for consideration by being referred by an existing cardmember!
I wonder if an applicant who might be 'borderline' (in terms of approval) might get the extra boost for consideration by being referred by an existing cardmember!
#1255
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: sjc sfo
Programs: A little bit of miles and points scattered everywhere
Posts: 360
my renewal is coming up soon and i don't think i am going to pay the renewal fee unless i can be convinced it is worthwhile. what benefits am i losing when cancelling the card other than the obvious points for using the card? from what i understand i am still able to transfer points to airlines without having the card. am i still eligible for stays with points and cash without the card? would appreciate any input.
#1256
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: AP, AS, BAEC, HH, SPG, FPC, PC
Posts: 282
Silly question here...
I just referred someone to the SPG Amex card, in hopes that I get the 5,000 bonus points.
If that person applies via my link and qualifies, does that person also get any sort of bonus points (ie. 10,000)?
I just referred someone to the SPG Amex card, in hopes that I get the 5,000 bonus points.
If that person applies via my link and qualifies, does that person also get any sort of bonus points (ie. 10,000)?
#1257
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 2
Newb Thread - SPG vs HHonors
Hey all. Been reading for a while, but it seems my specific question hasn't been answered. I have a bit of an idea, but I thought I'd bounce it off the experts here.
I'm switching to AMEX either way (my credit is great), but I'm unsure if I should do SPG or HHonors. My natural tendency would be towards SPG (which is why I posted this here) since I've accidentally stayed in more Westins than Hiltons (I am only 28) and have felt they're in-line with what I'm looking for style/feel wise I guess. I assume that Hilton has as many nice places to stay though...
FYI: I stay in hotels purely for pleasure, no business travel, and usually in large cities and vacation areas, so I'm not as concerned about rural hotel availability (where Hilton is superior to SPG). My wife and I put every dollar we can on our CC and pay it off every month, thus the interest in these two cards since they let us reach higher tiers w/o tons of travel. In other words, my points will pretty much ONLY come from purchase points, not from stays/nights. Yes, I understand SPG and HHonors points are apples vs. oranges, this is more of a program/hotel/quality question for the respective programs and tiers. So, my question is this:
With SPG I:
- Easily get the 25K new member bonus points (10K for signing up, another 15K for spending $15K on the card within 6 months)
- Can definitely get Gold (spend $30K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm still unsure on the real value of this (I see many comments staying Plat is where you really want to be with SPG and Gold's value is questionable? From what I see I have zero chance of reaching Plat with SPG.).
- Earn 1 point for every dollar I spend.
With HHonors I:
- Easily get the 40K new member bonus points on sign-up
- Probably another 7.5K for extra points over the first 18 months
- MOST LIKELY can reach Diamond VIP (spend $40K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm also unsure of the real value of this (HHonors website was a lot harder for me to parse than SPG.com).
- Earn 3 points for every dollar I spend (6 in other situations like gas)
Any input would be appreciated...
I'm switching to AMEX either way (my credit is great), but I'm unsure if I should do SPG or HHonors. My natural tendency would be towards SPG (which is why I posted this here) since I've accidentally stayed in more Westins than Hiltons (I am only 28) and have felt they're in-line with what I'm looking for style/feel wise I guess. I assume that Hilton has as many nice places to stay though...
FYI: I stay in hotels purely for pleasure, no business travel, and usually in large cities and vacation areas, so I'm not as concerned about rural hotel availability (where Hilton is superior to SPG). My wife and I put every dollar we can on our CC and pay it off every month, thus the interest in these two cards since they let us reach higher tiers w/o tons of travel. In other words, my points will pretty much ONLY come from purchase points, not from stays/nights. Yes, I understand SPG and HHonors points are apples vs. oranges, this is more of a program/hotel/quality question for the respective programs and tiers. So, my question is this:
With SPG I:
- Easily get the 25K new member bonus points (10K for signing up, another 15K for spending $15K on the card within 6 months)
- Can definitely get Gold (spend $30K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm still unsure on the real value of this (I see many comments staying Plat is where you really want to be with SPG and Gold's value is questionable? From what I see I have zero chance of reaching Plat with SPG.).
- Earn 1 point for every dollar I spend.
With HHonors I:
- Easily get the 40K new member bonus points on sign-up
- Probably another 7.5K for extra points over the first 18 months
- MOST LIKELY can reach Diamond VIP (spend $40K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm also unsure of the real value of this (HHonors website was a lot harder for me to parse than SPG.com).
- Earn 3 points for every dollar I spend (6 in other situations like gas)
Any input would be appreciated...
Last edited by adamrudd; Jun 1, 2011 at 9:50 pm
#1258
formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Delta Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 2,969
#1259
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Times Square
Programs: SPG Gold, AAdvantage
Posts: 1,397
Hey all. Been reading for a while, but it seems my specific question hasn't been answered. I have a bit of an idea, but I thought I'd bounce it off the experts here.
I'm switching to AMEX either way (my credit is great), but I'm unsure if I should do SPG or HHonors. My natural tendency would be towards SPG (which is why I posted this here) since I've accidentally stayed in more Westins than Hiltons (I am only 28) and have felt they're in-line with what I'm looking for style/feel wise I guess. I assume that Hilton has as many nice places to stay though...
FYI: I stay in hotels purely for pleasure, no business travel, and usually in large cities and vacation areas, so I'm not as concerned about rural hotel availability (where Hilton is superior to SPG). My wife and I put every dollar we can on our CC and pay it off every month, thus the interest in these two cards since they let us reach higher tiers w/o tons of travel. In other words, my points will pretty much ONLY come from purchase points, not from stays/nights. Yes, I understand SPG and HHonors points are apples vs. oranges, this is more of a program/hotel/quality question for the respective programs and tiers. So, my question is this:
With SPG I:
- Easily get the 25K new member bonus points (10K for signing up, another 15K for spending $15K on the card within 6 months)
- Can definitely get Gold (spend $30K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm still unsure on the real value of this (I see many comments staying Plat is where you really want to be with SPG and Gold's value is questionable? From what I see I have zero chance of reaching Plat with SPG.).
- Earn 1 point for every dollar I spend.
With HHonors I:
- Easily get the 40K new member bonus points on sign-up
- Probably another 7.5K for extra points over the first 18 months
- MOST LIKELY can reach Diamond VIP (spend $40K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm also unsure of the real value of this (HHonors website was a lot harder for me to parse than SPG.com).
- Earn 3 points for every dollar I spend (6 in other situations like gas)
Any input would be appreciated...
I'm switching to AMEX either way (my credit is great), but I'm unsure if I should do SPG or HHonors. My natural tendency would be towards SPG (which is why I posted this here) since I've accidentally stayed in more Westins than Hiltons (I am only 28) and have felt they're in-line with what I'm looking for style/feel wise I guess. I assume that Hilton has as many nice places to stay though...
FYI: I stay in hotels purely for pleasure, no business travel, and usually in large cities and vacation areas, so I'm not as concerned about rural hotel availability (where Hilton is superior to SPG). My wife and I put every dollar we can on our CC and pay it off every month, thus the interest in these two cards since they let us reach higher tiers w/o tons of travel. In other words, my points will pretty much ONLY come from purchase points, not from stays/nights. Yes, I understand SPG and HHonors points are apples vs. oranges, this is more of a program/hotel/quality question for the respective programs and tiers. So, my question is this:
With SPG I:
- Easily get the 25K new member bonus points (10K for signing up, another 15K for spending $15K on the card within 6 months)
- Can definitely get Gold (spend $30K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm still unsure on the real value of this (I see many comments staying Plat is where you really want to be with SPG and Gold's value is questionable? From what I see I have zero chance of reaching Plat with SPG.).
- Earn 1 point for every dollar I spend.
With HHonors I:
- Easily get the 40K new member bonus points on sign-up
- Probably another 7.5K for extra points over the first 18 months
- MOST LIKELY can reach Diamond VIP (spend $40K within a calendar year on the card); but I'm also unsure of the real value of this (HHonors website was a lot harder for me to parse than SPG.com).
- Earn 3 points for every dollar I spend (6 in other situations like gas)
Any input would be appreciated...
We have received some upgrades as Golds, but yes, Platinum is the much better tier in SPG. We get around this by booking the exact room type we want rather than holding our breath for a lucky upgrade. However, Starpoints can be used to upgrade your rooms and as a Gold member, you earn the points faster which is one advantage. Others on this board can tell you about redemption of points in Hilton vs SPG - I haven't gotten to that phase yet although what I've read is that Hilton pales in comparison to SPG in redemption.
Like you, I could've gone either way with the Hilton vs SPG card. I signed my husband up for the SPG card because even as an SPG gold, I think we will get more value out of using our Starpoints towards rooms and upgrades during future vacations rather than being a Hilton Diamond with poor point redemptions and less than optimal hotel locations especially during European travel.
#1260
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On strike
Posts: 8,135
So far as I am aware, one cannot use points to upgrade either the lowest rates (typically prepaid) or award stays booked under Cash & Points or Free Nights. Personally, I prefer to book C&P, which usually gives the best value/Starpoint, and hope for the free upgrade based on elite status -- but as you rightly point out, it's a roll of the dice for Golds.