topic Re: SPG points? in Credit Cards

SPG points?

DigitalArk — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:37:44 GMT

I am curious...

Is redeeming for statement credit an option? (I am aware that it would be the worst redemption for Amex SPG points)

Is it really SPG>UR>MR if all things are equal?

If so, I might PC my Costco TE to SPG to rack up points at Costco & domestic SPG properties.

I understand that SPG points won't expire as long as you keep the card opened, correct?

Re: SPG points?

Walt_K — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:28:49 GMT

Don't PC. Apply for a new card and get the bonus.

I don't know about SPG>UR>MR. That's not an unreasonable ranking, but it's all going to depend on what your goals are. They are all good, flexible points.

I can't remember the expiration rules, but any activity extends the expiration. So long as you are spending any money at all on the card, you will be fine. And you could be correct that just having it is enough even if you don't have any activity.

Re: SPG points?

DigitalArk — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:39:12 GMT

Thank you for a quick response.

Re: SPG points?

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 18:48:12 GMT

You might want to consider waiting until the summer when AmEx typically offers a bump in the SPG sign-up bonus from 25k to 30k. I would agree that in general SPG > UR > MR, but it entirely depends on how you use your points.

Re: SPG points?

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 19:19:15 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
You might want to consider waiting until the summer when AmEx typically offers a bump in the SPG sign-up bonus from 25k to 30k. I would agree that in general SPG > UR > MR, but it entirely depends on how you use your points.

And also how you earn them. So SPG points are (generally) more valuable, and harder to earn in quantity. So the hard question is: Given my spending patterns, and my planned redeptions, which gives the best reward for the least amount of spend (including sign up bonuses).

I remember discussing this last year with Open. So, almost no-one would claim that Thank You points are at all valuable, but you can earn them in large quanties and so can be better for some than earning a small amount of SPG points. (TYP still suffer because you can transfer to only one partner). If a cashback card gave enough (e.g. $1 per $1 spent) then you wouldn't worry about transfer, just use the cash to buy your international 1st class flight!

Re: SPG points?

red259 — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:16:13 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
You might want to consider waiting until the summer when AmEx typically offers a bump in the SPG sign-up bonus from 25k to 30k. I would agree that in general SPG > UR > MR, but it entirely depends on how you use your points.

+1 The ranking really depends on how you redeem them. Also, keep in mind that URs can be easier to generate than Starpoints depending on your spending patterns and other cards you may have/apply for. Bribro do you remember when the higher SPG offer usually comes out? Is it in August?

Update: Just saw Long's response which is exactly what I was referring to.

Re: SPG points?

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:02:15 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
You might want to consider waiting until the summer when AmEx typically offers a bump in the SPG sign-up bonus from 25k to 30k. I would agree that in general SPG > UR > MR, but it entirely depends on how you use your points.
+1 The ranking really depends on how you redeem them. Also, keep in mind that URs can be easier to generate than Starpoints depending on your spending patterns and other cards you may have/apply for. Bribro do you remember when the higher SPG offer usually comes out? Is it in August?

Yup, the 30k SPG offers came out in August of last year. And good point about being able to earn points vs. redeem them. Unless you're a big spender, most people would probably be better off going through UR or MR cards to get sign-up bonuses and rack up bonus category spending. I actually view SPG primarily as a 1.25x airline card since you get that 5k bonus for a 20k transfer to an airline. The multiplier for spending at SPG properties is just gravy.

Re: SPG points?

370Z — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 05:07:46 GMT

6.25 miles per dollar spent at SPG properties (gold and platinum members) seems like a great way to rack up airline miles for those who frequently stay at hotels.

Re: SPG points?

Open123 — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 05:50:04 GMT

@370Z wrote:
6.25 miles per dollar spent at SPG properties (gold and platinum members) seems like a great way to rack up airline miles for those who frequently stay at hotels.

Right, and we often have company dinners or client events at SPG property restaurants. Amazing how those points add up at 5X.

Re: SPG points?

JediNeo — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:39:02 GMT

I thought you cannot PC the AMEX TE aka Costco card.

Re: SPG points?

Walt_K — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:38:16 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
@370Z wrote:
6.25 miles per dollar spent at SPG properties (gold and platinum members) seems like a great way to rack up airline miles for those who frequently stay at hotels.
Right, and we often have company dinners or client events at SPG property restaurants. Amazing how those points add up at 5X.

Forgot all about that. Need to start directing some events to starwood restaurants. Thanks for the reminder.