How to Earn 1,000 Bonus Starpoints (Targeted)
Positive changes are coming to Starwood’s co-branded American Express credit cards August 11, 2015. To kick off the new updates, SPG is offering credit card holders 1,000 bonus Starpoints when you register and stay two nights between July 30 and August 30, 2015. The two nights don’t have to be consecutive, and if you already had stays booked before the promotion you’ll still earn the bonus as long as the dates are between July 30 & August 30, 2015. Note that Cash & Points reservations and Free Night Awards are not eligible.
This promo is stackable with both Sheraton’s Free Weekend Night promotion as well as SPG’s Make it Count promotion.
Here’s a look at the new Starwood credit card benefits that will take effect on August 11, 2015 –
No more foreign transaction fees, hallelujah! About a year ago I used my SPG Amex overseas and got hit with exorbitant fees. My other credit cards had already done away with the fees and I’d forgotten that Starwood was one of the few cards that still had them. After that I simply stopped using the card when overseas which was disappointing since Starwood property charges earn 2x Starpoints if using the card. I’m very glad to see this change and sure other cardholders are too.
Complimentary Boingo can be very helpful, especially when in airports. My husband has free Boingo by way of another Amex card but it’ll be nice to have my own now too.
SPG used to require members to book online through their own website or via mobile app in order to receive free internet. SPG Platinum members get free premium internet and gold members can choose it as their amenity, but all other members (booking through the official channels) only get standard internet. Now cardholders will receive premium in-room internet as well.
An extra added benefit for Starwood Preferred Guest Business Amex cardholders –
Access to Sheraton Club Lounges is one of the things I love about having SPG Platinum status. You get free breakfast, snacks, and drinks in the evenings. I think holders of the SPG Business Amex will find value in being able to grab something quick in the mornings and enjoy the lounge if there is more time.
Here’s a link to the full Terms & Conditions of the new benefits, as well as the 1,000 Bonus Starpoints offer.
The only drawback to the card changes is that the annual fee will be going up from $65 a year to $95 a year, starting August 11, 2015. This goes for both the personal and business card.
As a SPG Platinum I already have free premium internet and Sheraton Club Lounge access, but I definitely find enough value in the removal of the foreign transaction fees to pay the small increased annual fee.
Do you like these new SPG Amex changes?
