Originally posted 8/18/16, reposting 9/6/16 because Pointcentric also has a source indicating that it will increase soon and because the increase in now imminent.
From past experience, Amex is known to offer an annual bonus increase on the SPG personal and business cards during the summer (last year it was August 11).
Based on inside sources, Reddit member ittav0321 says the bonus will increase on September 21, 2016.
According to the report, it was initially supposed to increase on August 22, but business decided to push it off until September.
It’s likely that the Starwood-Marriott merger might be affecting this somehow. And who knows – maybe the CSR release on the 21st/22nd led to the decision to delay the increased bonus until they can get the headlines.
Still unknown is whether they’ll increase the bonus from 25,000 to 30,000 as in past years, or if they’ll offer again their best-ever offer of 35,000 which was available back in March.
New members can sometimes get a 30k offer when enrolling. You have to decline the first offer and wait to the end of the enrollment process. I did that earlier this year and a month later the 35k offer came out. I called and they gave me 3k.
I’m a fool, I literally just got approved this morning from an AoR friday. :[
They were happy to match me from 25k to 35k back in March. If the offer increases, go for it!
Yup, they often match offers as a goodwill gesture, https://www.doctorofcredit.com/which-credit-card-issuers-will-match-a-higher-signup-bonus/#American_Express
See also https://www.doctorofcredit.com/get-matched-35000-american-express-spg-offers/
I find the possibility of Chase coexisting with amex highly unlikely. Chase right now has the funds to pull out all stops to try to get the SPG portfolio from amex. Amex is flailing recently, and can’t put up much of a fight back. Amex acquisition promotions are fighting with the invective budget control team recently, so even with all the reasons that amex has to put out a strong signup bonus and campaign, I can see it being unlikely.
“chase right now has the funds to pull out all stops to try to get the SPG portfolio from Amex.”
Another reason to keep the SPG cards if you’re over 5/24.
I don’t think we’ve heard the last on this yet though. China is holding the deal up indefinitely, Marriott might back out. Who knows
I HAVE A SPG PERSONAL AND BUSINESS USING ONLY THE BUSINESS
IS THERE ANYWAY CAN DOWNGRADE THE PERSONAL I DONT WANNA LOSE THE CREDIT I HAVE ON THAT CARD
You can transfer credit to another personal card. But why not ask for an offer to keep it for another year? I think its better to have and keep them until the dust has firmly settled on what the future is.
I called retention a few days ago and there was no product change option for me. But $75 retention on business card and $25 on personal. Few months ago, I got 7,500 starpoints.
Not sure if it’s possible to downgrade SPG. Ask if you can downgrade to a Blue Cash Everyday or Amex Everyday card.
I have a business and personal SPG open with the annual fee coming in October. I kind of dont see the benefit of keeping them open and will probably close both since they are merging with Marriott. Any advice?
If you aren’t using them, close them to save the fee.
I’m actually not sure I agree with this advice, Chuck. The reason is- AmEx offers. There has been an increase in targeted AmEx offers recently, and it seems the Starwood cards- especially the business one- is especially targeted with easy money-making offers. A great example is the recent OfficeMax offer- if you have a few AUs, that offer alone more than makes up for the annual fee!! Plus, AmEx business cards got targeted for $20 per card on Small Business Saturday last year, and that could very likely repeat. Plus, there were the targeted spending offers sent out of $10k spend, 10k points. The list goes on and on, all these things are worth WAY more than the AF. I used to close this card too after a year, but with all these developments I’m going to keep it this time and would recommend tom do the same- at least the business version.
Thanks Chuck for all your efforts- this is far and away the best blog going.
This is true, American Express most likely trying to improve the average charged volume on those cards so that it’s more expensive for Chase to purchase the backbook.
Good point, Ctwonbin, I’m in that boat too of paying annual fees on cards for the sake of the Amex Offers.
I completely agree here. The Amex offers, especially the recent Office Max and Lowes plus I was able to get 7,500 Starpoints as a retention on my card. I called for my dad and got $75 statement credit on one and $25 on the other. We will keep both for now and drop the personal one within 30 days of fee posting since he will have 4 credit cards and want to free up a spot. In addition, this could convert to a nice Chase Marriott card with annual free night or get a nice Amex product change incentive. Keeping the SPG business card with retention offer and Amex offers…..
“Thanks Chuck for all your efforts- this is far and away the best blog going.”
I agree. Used to be dansdeals but lately he hasn’t had the same passion going and quite a number of DDMS posts are from DOC’s posts to DDF.
From Amex’s perspective this could be the last chance to get cardmembers signed up. 35k again isn’t implausible.
Rumors of a upcoming Chase SPG card are interesting though. Like all other Chase hotel cards except the Ritz card, they give an annual free night and status (even Ritz with spend on status).
Were that to be the case, this card is toast. Only positive might be for SPG Biz for Sheraton lounge access and only if it’s grandfathered and allowed to coexist with a Chase product.
cmon SPG 50k points! DO IT!
@harlan… yeah, bc Chase taking all their SPG future business is no incentive to goose sign up bonuses now. insert eye roll emoji
abby,
I don’t know you but I’d wager Harlan knows a fair bit more about this stuff than you do.
Or maybe I’m wrong and you also have a very informative and awesome points and miles blog like Harlan.
I love finding new points and miles travel blogs— where can I find Harlan’s?
http://outandout.boardingarea.com/
I’d say don’t hold your breath on this particular offer returning… ever.