[Rumor] Changes To American Express SPG Card (Sign Up Offer, Elite Status & More)

This comes from a normally very reliable source. American Express are making some significant changes to the SPG card:

  • Welcome Offer: $200 in statement credits after $1,000 in spend within 3 months and one charge at a SPG or Marriott hotel within 6 months
  • Earning points: 1) for new accounts: through 7/31 earn 2 starpoints for every dollar spent 2) beginning 8/1 (after the changes to Starpoints kick in, in which every one starpoint will be converted to 3 points), you will earn 6 points for every dollar spent at Marriott properties
  • Elite status: for new accounts (beginning 8/1), the ability to receive credits for 5 nights and 2 stays that count toward SPG elite status will no longer exist
  • Beginning in January 2019, the spend requirement to earn SPG Gold Elite status is raised from $30,000 to $35,000
  • Beginning January 2019 the 5 nights 2 stays benefit is discontinued for all cards

In another rumor post somebody asked me to give a percentage chance that I think certain changes will happen, I’d give this a 90%. As I said this comes from a very reliable source, but it’s possible American Express will make last minute changes. I’m unsure if this will be confirmed or touched on during the Marriott/SPG announcement today.
    William Charles
  • On April 16, 2018, 16:14

View Comments (44)

  • My anniversary night renewed in July, the annual free night program starts in August, does that mean I won't get the free night comp? Should I talk to the retention team and get a deal on it?

    I called yesterday but they were ready to offer me $75 statement credit for $2k spend and said they can't do points until August when the points will transition into 1:3 ratio. Please suggest.

  • When will the Marriott Gold member stop having access to lounge and free breakfast? Is it already effective? Or does it start 8/1/2018? Was planning to stay at Marriott Park Lane in mid August to take advantage of the gold member benefit....

  • The 5 nights 2 stays benefit deletion is a horrible deval. That was the only reason I was about to get the personal SPG card on top of my SPG Biz :(

  • this is terrible, I'm passing out.
    Will, any word on how the card referral program would work? (issue points or statement credit?)

  • Hey Doc, so in about 2 weeks, the current personal SPG card WON'T have a sign up bonus (25k)??

  • Am interested to see a link for the Incognito 30K point offer, as the one my brother used a month ago does not work anymore. Anyone?

  • Based on this link: http://credit-cards.marriott.com/en-us/starwood-preferred-guest-us/terms-personal

    Effective 8/1/2018
    SPG® announced changes to its loyalty program beginning August 1, 2018. At the time of the program change, the Starpoint balance in a loyalty member account will convert to points at a 1:3 ratio (one Starpoint will convert to three points). The number of points needed to redeem in the loyalty program will also have corresponding changes. Visit members.marriott.com for details.

    Beginning August 1, 2018, you will receive 2 points for each U.S. dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express.

    I'm pretty sure this means that instead of $1 spent on the SPG AMEX earning 3 Marriott Rewards points, it now means we're earning 2 Marriott Rewards now...

    This is horrible.

      • Yep that will likely be when I cancel by two SPG cards. Sad. I have put so much spend on these cards in the last few years I am going to miss 'em but 2 MR is not that exciting.

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