topic Re: SPG Amex? in Credit Card Approvals

SPG Amex?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 16:48:50 GMT

I have the AMEX Platinum and usually try to stay in SPG hotels due to the SPG Gold Status. Is it wise to still apply for the SPG AMEX with the pending merger? I have the CapOne Venture but I was leaning towards substituting it for the SPG AMEX . I am acitve duty so the annual fee is waived.

Re: SPG Amex?

lg8302ch — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:02:26 GMT

For me the planned merger was one of the reasons why I did get weak and applied for the card today. Another reason is that Amex finally dropped the FTF on this card so this is an alternative for me without having to pay the high AF of the Platinum card as 80% of my transactions would be subject to FTF ... without the merger I would have waited for the 30K promo but now decided to go for it with the standard sign up bonus of 25K.

Re: SPG Amex?

Open123 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:04:08 GMT

Here's my take on it.

1. App for the bonus ASAP.

2. Use up all the points ASAP.

3. Harvest Marriott points.

Post merger, SPG points will depreciate while Marriott points will appreciate when the rewards program are combined into one. To maximize the surplus created by the SPG devaluation, use up ALL SPG points before the deal closes, while accumulating Marriott points.

Again, this is vitally important, redeem ALL SPG points when this deal closes.

Re: SPG Amex?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:04:09 GMT

That what I was thinking. I am about to make a giant purchase and it will shoot me way over 30k Points anyway. I will probably turn around and use those points asap. Is it bad for the long run though?

Re: SPG Amex?

Open123 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:14:03 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
That what I was thinking. I am about to make a giant purchase and it will shoot me way over 30k Points anyway. I will probably turn around and use those points asap. Is it bad for the long run though?

In my estimation, no.

So long as you've spent all the SPG points before devaluation, there's no harm in keeping the Amex SPG open until details of the new program are revealed. Perhaps, the new Amex Marriott may be superior to the Chase version, as is the case with Barclay's Aviator over Citi's AA.

*Edited* PS - I'd app for the Chase Marriott bonuses too.

Re: SPG Amex?

NRB525 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:38:22 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
Here's my take on it.

1. App for the bonus ASAP.
2. Use up all the points ASAP.
3. Harvest Marriott points.

Post merger, SPG points will depreciate while Marriott points will appreciate when the rewards program are combined into one. To maximize the surplus created by the SPG devaluation, use up ALL SPG points before the deal closes, while accumulating Marriott points.

Again, this is vitally important, redeem ALL SPG points when this deal closes.

Since the merger hasn't even been approved yet, it's good to keep such a strategy in mind, but the ASAP part, may be a little quick. The redemption options for SPG points vary depending on where the points are going, or if Starwood hotels are the redemption destination, and that depends on the travel plans of the cardholder.

I do agree that the SPG points eventually seem like an expiring points program, it's hard to see it being improved by absorption into the Marriott Borg, but there's time for the plans to be floated and more accurate determination of the final countdown.

So, to the OP, yes, definitely apply for the SPG card, because in two or three years it is almost a certanty there will not be such a card, and it is difficult to imagine a better promotion at this stage. Once you have the card, keep in mind the 20k points threshold: At every 20,000 points transferred to airlines, you get another 5,000 points so it pays to build the card up to a 40,000 point level.

Re: SPG Amex?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 18:17:05 GMT

I can always count on you guys! I will apply within the next couple days and report back. Thank you!

Re: SPG Amex?

lg8302ch — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 18:20:48 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I can always count on you guys! I will apply within the next couple days and report back. Thank you!

Good luck with your app

Re: SPG Amex?

Chaselover — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:39:29 GMT

Sure, apply immediately.

SPG points r really worth it, the merger is a bad news for SPG members, not that much for Marriott though.

Re: SPG Amex?

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 05:07:59 GMT

10K SL ---- Merry Christmas!!!!

Re: SPG Amex?

azguy13 — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 05:11:03 GMT

I've had the SPG for about a year and a half now. I love it. Plus, Amex through a 1.99% offer on all new charges so that's pretty awesome. They offered that about 9 months after I was approved for the card.

Re: SPG Amex?

NRB525 — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 05:49:17 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
10K SL ---- Merry Christmas!!!!

Congratulations!

Re: SPG Amex?

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 20:49:48 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
10K SL ---- Merry Christmas!!!!

congrats

Re: SPG Amex?

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 16:34:49 GMT

Congratulations! I'm thinking about applying for the card as well. I have the Chase Marriott Rewards Visa and am looking at ways to expand my hotel rewards portfolio. (If the allow) It will be nice to be able to move the rewards points between brands as needed.

Re: SPG Amex?

alextercero — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 17:46:50 GMT

Congrats

Re: SPG Amex?

Bmac66 — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:40:04 GMT

Any updates on this? I just received an email offer for the SPG card with 35,000 bonus points if I spend $3k in 3 months. Is it worth it? I don't really stay at Starwood very often. More of a Hilton and Hyatt type person.

Re: SPG Amex?

Themanwhocan — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 22:03:54 GMT

Are gift cards the only 1 to 1 cash out option for spg points?