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. Let’s take a look what changes are in store for the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Card.
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-Instead of earning 2 points per $1 spent at Starwood Resorts, as of August of this year, card holders will earn 6 points per $1 spent at SPG, Marriott and Ritz properties. In addition, instead of earning 1 point for every dollar you spend on all your other purchases, as of August of this year, card holders will earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
New 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 35,000 points.
New Ways To Earn Elite Status…
Silver-You will receive complimentary Silver Elite status with your card.
Gold -Effective January 1, 2019, if your total eligible purchases on your card account total $35,000 or more in a calendar year, you will be enrolled in Gold Elite status. ($30,000 in purchases before Jan 2019).
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.
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.