I know, that's a big hit, but the U.S. has the same policy. With the TD Aeroplan cards still being churnable, I prefer using my SPG points for AS transfers, or as a great way of getting AA points in Canada.

And btw, there are essentially no SPG referral opportunities in the U.S.

Exactly why I applied tonight and got approved
Got to get it in before it's gone, buying 60K for $120

I agree on many of your points, but the point earning comparison is only much of a factor when about 30% or more of your spend is at Starwood hotels.

For those of us who use it much more for regular spend than hotel spend it is better at the higher annual fee and 1CAD to 1SPG conversion.

Another good point showing why Canadians have it better than Americans in this one aspect of the game: SPG. With the weak Canadian Peso, your earning rate is currently 25% higher than in the US.

Well here it is again. Convert points to Aeroplan and receive a bonus of up to 40,000 Aeroplan miles. Off valid July 27 – August 24.

Me too, just applied and got approved! I wasn't going to apply since it says under the definition of excellent credit that you can't have applied for credit within the last 3 months. I had an online chat with an agent and he said go for it and sent me an application link:)

It really doesn't make any difference for Canadians that earn and spend in Canadian dollars.

It makes a big difference on redemption decisions.

If you're using points on SPG hotels in the US you're spending the same as you did before.

If you're considering cash, you're facing a 30% increase in price all else equal versus this time last year.

So the pay cash vs. use points is now more of a no-brainer. It has made hotel points overall more valuable, if you happen to use them in the US (which I haven't much, but probably will).

And the cost of accumulating those points hasn't changed it's true. you're still spending $1 to get 1 SPG. The point being made above, though, is that for a Canadian it's the equivalent of spending US70c per SPG point versus Americans that have to spend USD$1 per SPG point. So we have it better.

might be a lot more places to use Starpoints soon

http://seekingalpha.com/news/2676315...-in-deal-talks

That's not good. Not a merger of equal. SPG gets rolled into IHG program, which isn't as good (though better IMO than Marriott and Hilton from a redemption perspective).

Might not have to worry. There's a post in the spg forum here that with a link to a new article says talks have ended. But, there is also another post about a Chinese group trying to buy starwood.

What's the best use of Aventura points? I did some searching, seems short distance redemptions give best value for points. However, unlike for Aeroplan etc., can't seem to find an Aventura thread?

No idea, I struggle to use it myself
I should've signed up for the CIBC Aerogold instead of Aventura

honestly I may simply let my 15K Aventura go to waste because I don't see any real good value reward to redeem... and it can't transfer out either :(

Aventura lost all appeal after they stopped allowing Aeroplan transfers.

14k gets you a $100 GC (costco being most useful)

https://rewards.cibcrewards.com/Rewa.../0/680100/None

Didn't know they offer Gift Cards
I'll cash out for $100 Gas gift card then, thanks!

Wasted 1 credit check for $100 GC, boo, at least it's Free.