I used to have the SPG Business American Express credit card. When it came up for renewal, I canceled it thinking that when I was ready I could apply again for the card. That was a little over a year ago.
Well, something happened in the interim. American Express changed the terms on it’s credit card offers to provide “Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product.”
Suddenly, I had credit card cancellation remorse. I missed my SPG Business Amex.
The Amex “no welcome bonus offer” policy does not mean that I can never get the card again. It means only that I can’t get the 25,000 SPG points bonus that is offered for new applicants. Don’t get me wrong – I’d love those 25,000 points. They are valuable – both for Starwood hotels and for conversion to airline miles.
Some of the card benefits are as follows:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free wi-fi
- Free Boingo Wi-Fi
- Complimentary access to the Sheraton Club lounge.
- 5 nights and 2 stays towards SPG Elite status each year
- Free cards for authorized users
I have a few stays at Sheraton Hotels in Europe planned this year. While as a Gold SPG member, I stand a good chance of being upgraded to a club room and getting entry to a Sheraton Club lounge, it is not guaranteed. With the SPG Business Amex, however, I know I will have club access.
Some of the features of the card that I really like are the no foreign transaction fees, the ability to transfer SPG points to airlines, the free wi-fi, the authorized user cards and the guaranteed lounge use.
So, yesterday, I applied for the card online and was instantly approved.
I will ask for the 25,000 points, but, I’ll understand if my request is denied. In that case, I obviously won’t be required to meet a minimum spend because that goes hand-in-hand with the welcome gift. And, finally, it looks as though the first year waiver of the $95 annual fee is not tied to the welcome bonus, and, as such, I will have the benefit of the one year $0 annual fee.
Am I missing something? This seems like a win-win to me. And, my credit card cancellation remorse will be relieved!
If you are interested in applying for this card, feel free to browse through the credit card links tab at the top of this blog.
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Why not wait till next year so you can get the stay/night credits for next year and year after? Unless you need them this year. Also with marriott/spg merger, it will be interesting to see what happens to this card.
I just cancelled both the personal and biz versions of the card this year after holding them for 5 years.
I was actually getting ready to pull the trigger on this card as well and I didn’t understand your comment about “wait till next year so you can get the stay/night credits for next year and year after?”. Why wouldn’t the stay/night credits post this year?
I don’t know what that comment meant either.
It sounds like the commenter meant that why not start out 2017 with 5 nights and 2 stays and 12 months to get the remaining qualifying nights or stays for status, rather than add them on to 2016 (assuming you don’t need just 5 nights or 2 stays to hit gold or platinum this year).
In truth, I did not think of the 2016 or 2017 angle. I am presently gold at SPG because I have the Platinum Amex. I have a Sheraton Stay mid-January. That was the reason I went forward now. But, as I said before, I’m always learning from people’s comments.
It is my understanding (although my understanding may be flawed) you get any incremental bonus that might apply. For example, if the bonus was currently 30,000 and you previously received 25,000, then you would receive the 5,000 difference. Might have been worth waiting for a bigger bonus when applying?
really? I had no idea. I learn so much from comments. Thank you.
Your info led me to applying and receiving this card. As a international business traveler, I could use the airline points.