Changes to the American Express Canada SPG Co-Brand Credit Cards
UPDATE- Explanation below on clarifying why I gave this 2 thumbs up!
(June 28, 9am PST) I unfortunately have to retrack one of my thumbs up to American Express, see this post: First Glimpse of New Marriott/SPG Reward Redemption Schedule.
American Express Canada issued a Press Release informing the changes to its Starwood Preferred Guest Co-Brand Credit Cards that are set to come into effect in August 2018. Which should correspond with the full integration of Marriott and Starwood.
Below are the key highlights of the changes to the business and personal versions of the credit cards. I put the expected changes in bold with a commentary in brackets:
Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card
- $120 annual fee (no change)
- No annual fee for supplementary cardholders (no change)
- Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at SPG and Marriott Rewards properties (currently offering a promotion of 2 points for every $1 spent)
- Earn 2 points for every $1 on all other purchases (currently earning 1 point for every $1 spent)
- Receive an Annual Free Night Award redeemable at any room up of up to 35,000 points (will no longer require the $40,000 spending requirement)
- Receive complimentary upgrade to Silver Elite Status (none before)
- Receive upgrade to Gold status after spending $30,000 each year (receive Silver status before)
Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card
- $150 annual fee (no change)
- $50 annual fee for supplementary cardholders (no change)
- Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at SPG and Marriott Rewards properties (currently offering a promotion of 2 points for every $1 spent)
- Earn 3 points for every $1 on gas, dining and travel (currently earning 1 point for every $1 spent)
- Earn 2 points for every $1 on all other purchases (currently earning 1 point for every $1 spent)
- Receive an Annual Free Night Award redeemable at any room up of up to 35,000 points (will no longer require the $40,000 spending requirement)
- Receive complimentary Silver status (none before)
- Receive Gold status after spending $30,000 each year (receive Silver status before)
Thoughts
A lingering question is how much will 1 point be worth after the full integration?
Regardless of how they change the value of each point, it should be offset by the increase in earning ratios. Furthermore, the annual free award night with no spending requirement is just icing on the cake. So I am giving 2 thumbs up to American Express and Marriott for the time being!
CLARIFICATION- I have been getting a lot of feedback that Marriott converts at a 3:1 ratio to SPG. So this is essentially a devaluation, because it should have gone up to 6 points for every $1 spent at Marriott properties and 3 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. The reason I held off saying that this is a devaluation is because I think that Marriott Rewards has not finalized their reward program yet. I will give my first thumbs up to the annual free night award and my second thumbs up to the Business version offering a higher earning ratio to gas, dining and travel, which I think will come in handy!
the email I got for the personal card shows complimentary Silver Status and upgrade to gold after $30,000 spend:
“As an SPG Cardmember you will receive an automatic complimentary upgrade to Silver Elite Status. This will entitle you to priority late checkout where available, 10% bonus points on stays, and more. To earn Silver Elite Status through the program you would normally need to stay at least 10 nights a year. On top of that, you will be eligible for complimentary Gold Elite Status after spending $30,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each year.”
Thanks for sharing DarkV!
So basically, we get 1 less point per $ spent at Marriott hotels than the US version, and can only get “free” silver status, when the US version offers Gold status for the same spend. Once again, we are getting a bit ripped off it seems.
Let’s see how they re-calibrate their points system. I suspect it may not be completely finalized. At least I hope not!
Thumbs up really? Going from 3 Marriott Rewards per $1 to 2 points per $1 spent. Thumbs down.
Let’s see how they re-calibrate their redemption schedule. I am hoping that it has not be finalized yet so that I do not to have to change to thumbs down. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt for now.
How is your view on getting the Annual Free Night Award? This means you have to pay $120 for the first year, then another $120 for the second year, in order to get “35000 points”.
Combining this with 2 “Marriott points” per $1 spend, is this a good deal? Or should we wait for a better sign-up bonus or Marriott-branded cards to launch (if they every will)?
If you can get at least $120 for the 35,000 points reward redemption, then you are coming out ahead! Also, if you pay 2 years in a row, you are getting 2 free nights, one for each year.
I think this is the card. I do not expect another card… unless you heard something different?
No mention of the 15 night credit toward higher elite status that the Marriott card gave. Matt, Would it be possible to clarify that if you are talking to your sources. Thanks.
I am already releasing the information that I get as quickly as possible. Here is an updated post: https://pointshogger.boardingarea.com/first-glimpse-of-new-marriott-spg-reward-redemption-schedule
The annual free night is credited upon card “anniversary”.
I find it so confusing when they say “Annual Free Night” but awarded on anniversary. Then it is not Annual if we do not get it the first year…
This is not (unless I am not understanding) what I was hoping for… I would have preferred a new series of Marriott cards giving signing bonuses. And referrals.
With AMEX, we can get referral bonus. These new features will essentially be the next Marriott card.
How about if you already have the two SPG cards, will you get the free night this year (without the min spend)…my year ends in October.
Thx
I would double check with AMEX and what shows up on your account. Even if they say something, you may want to confirm it in case there is a glitch on your account during the switchover in August.
I think you mean retract, not re-track in “I unfortunately have to re-track one of my thumbs up”
Thanks Ned! Corrected.
btw people are getting the official mail from AMEX Canada and it states that elite night credits are coming at a later point:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29938084-post2004.html
+ premium wifi that usually golds & plats get
Thanks for the heads up!
What about Cobalt Amex transfer ratio to SPG?
Good question! I am looking for that answer as well!