In the September statements for the SPG, Delta and Hilton Honors card, there are new terms mentioned which allow Amex to delay issuing rewards for up to 12 weeks. The change is effective November 1, 2017.
Bonus Starpoints received from your Card will be posted to your SPG account up to 12 weeks after the end of each month. Your account must not be cancelled or delinquent at the time of bonus fulfillment.
Currently, regular spend usually shows up in your SPG account a few days after statement close. Other bonuses usually post a few days after requirements are met, I believe (as with all Amex cards).
I’m a bit unsure if the new language is targeting bonus offers specifically, like signup bonuses and AU bonuses, or if it includes regular spend as well.
Is this the RAT team at work? It’s odd they started with a co-branded card; typically crack downs start on their own cards where they maintain stronger controls. In a similar move, Amex might be cracking down on using gift card purchases toward spend requirements. Could it be they want more time to review for MS purchases? Time will tell.
Hopefully, it’s some sort of SPG-specific thing co-branded thing which warrants more time, and isn’t related. If it is a broader crack down, I imagine we’ll soon see updated terms on other Amex cards too.
Hat tip to reader VK
