The SPG cards are back! Starting August 21st, users will once again be able to apply and earn the lucrative signup bonuses offered by the newly merged SPG/Marriott union. The program provides tremendous value for churners and everyday users alike due to the flexibility in award; Both flights and hotels may be redeemed through SPG/Marriott or one of their many transfer partners. This post will take a look at what the new SPG American Express card has to offer in comparison to its pre-merge predecessor.
Reduced Signup Bonus and Earn Rate
Both the personal and business versions of the card have had their signup bonuses decreased to 50,000 points (16,667 SPG) from 60,000 points (20,000 SPG). Nonetheless, these bonuses are still well worth the annual fees ($120 for the personal version/$150 for the business version) as the points can land a night or two at some of Marriott’s more luxurious properties.
Unfortunately, the earn rate has also taken a hit with an offering of 5 points (1.67 SPG) per dollar spent on SPG and Marriott properties and 2 points otherwise. The business card has a slight advantage as it offers 3 points on purchases made for gas, dining and travel. This is quite a disappointment, since the card had previously offered 1 SPG (3 points) per dollar on all purchases, and 2 SPG (6 points) per dollar on SPG/Marriott property stays.
Airline Mile Transfer
The popular airline transfer is still available on the new rewards system, with an offering of 25,000 miles for every 60,000 Marriott points to the airline of your choice. Since SPG points were converted over at a 1:3 ratio, this offer is the equivalent to the old 20,000 SPG to 25,000 airline miles.
Annual Free Night Reward
For those who are interested in keeping the SPG AMEX for everyday use, there are benefits solely for long term users. Upon the anniversary date of the card, the card owner will be granted a free weekend night to use on any property up to 35,000 points! This is an exciting prospect, as many of these properties can cost well over $200!
No Referral Program
As of right now, there does not seem to be any link for referrals, which is a shocker as the previous card awarded members with 5,000 SPG points per referral. One can only hope the American Express will release news on this issue soon!
Are the American Express SPG cards even worth getting anymore?
Although it seems that there are many shortcomings compared to its predecessor, the SPG American Express card will remain a strong contender as both a churning and as an everyday card. With the addition of the annual free night, it is now a viable option to keep your cards and pick up an extra free hotel stay. For those who are looking for flight rewards in J or F, the airline transfer option still provides great value when transferring to Alaska Airlines (70,000 Alaska Miles to fly from North America to Asia in F).
Here’s a summary of what the card has to offer:
- 5 Marriott points earned per dollar on SPG/Marriott property stays and 2 points elsewhere (3 points earned per dollar on gas/dining/travel on the business card)
- 50,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in the first 3 months
- $120 annual fee for the personal / $150 annual fee for the business
- Annual free night voucher for those who hold the card for over one year (Up to maximum of 35,000 points)
Points Smart 