We recently learned that SPG, Marriott and Ritz are becoming one unified loyalty program. With this development comes changes to some of the cards that currently exist like the regular SPG card and the business version. In addition, there is going to be a new luxury card unveiled in August of this year. It is called the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury card. Let’s take a look at some of the features of this new American Express card…
Annual Fee-$450
Card Rewards-Instead of Starpoints, you will earn “points” with the card as a member of the new combined unified loyalty program.
Points on Spending-Earn 6 points per $1 spent at SPG, Marriott and Ritz properties. Earn 3 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with the airlines. Lastly, earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Free Night Award -Each year, after renewal of your card, you will receive one Free Night Award from Starwood Preferred Guest. The Free Night Award can be redeemed for a one-night stay inclusive of room rate and applicable taxes at participating SPG and Marriott/Ritz Rewards hotels with a redemption level at or under 50,000 points.
Elite Status-You will receive complimentary Gold Elite status with your card. If your total eligible purchases on your card account total $75,000 or more in a calendar year, you will be enrolled in Platinum Elite status.
$300 SPG/Marriott Rewards Statement Credit-During each year of your card membership, you can receive up to $300 total in statement credits for eligible purchases made directly at participating SPG or Marriott Rewards hotels on your Luxury Card during that reward year. Your first reward year begins on your account opening date. Each subsequent reward year begins on the anniversary of your account opening date.
Fifteen Elite Night Credits-Each calendar year a maximum of 15 Elite Night credits will be credited to one of your accounts (SPG, Marriott, Ritz) towards the next level of status. (Coming in 2019).
Some things that are staying the same-There will still be a $0 Introductory Annual Fee the first year, then $95. In addition, you still pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card on purchases made outside the United States.
Priority Pass-You can enroll in a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership and enter the lounges with two guests free of charge.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓-Receive one Global Entry ($100) statement credit or one TSA Pre✓ ($85) statement credit every 4 years for an application fee charged to your Platinum Card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees-Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card on purchases made outside the United States.