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 Business 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, card holders will earn 4 points for each U.S. dollar charged on card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Lastly, 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.