Starwood Credit Cards for Business and Personal Use

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Starwood Credit Cards offer a range of benefits for both business and personal use.

The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express offers 6X points at participating Starwood hotels and resorts, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers.

Cardholders can earn up to 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for free nights or other rewards.

The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel.

Quick Facts

The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express is a top-notch option for those who frequent Starwood hotels and fly with participating airlines. Here are the quick facts you need to know:

Our rating: A

Interest rate: 2.90% during the first 6 months; 14.99% afterwards

Earning rewards: 2 points for each dollar spent at participating Starwood properties and retail outlets; 1 point for each dollar in all other locations

Reward options: hotel stays; transfer points to frequent flyer programs

Main Benefits & Features

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The Starwood credit cards offer a range of benefits and features that can enhance your travel experiences.

The annual fee for the SPG Amex is $95, waived for the first year, while the SPG Luxury Amex comes with a $450 annual fee.

The SPG Amex offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and the SPG Luxury Amex offers 100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

You can earn automatic Marriott Silver status with the SPG Amex and earn Gold status after spending $35,000 on the card.

The SPG Luxury Amex comes with automatic Marriott Gold status and the potential to earn Platinum status after spending $75,000 in a calendar year.

The SPG Amex includes an annual free night (up to 35,000 points) after card renewal, while the SPG Luxury Amex offers an annual free night (up to 50,000 points) after card renewal.

When to Get the Card

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You should get the Starwood credit card when you're planning a big trip and want to earn points towards free nights at participating hotels.

If you're a frequent traveler, especially in the United States, this card can be a great option for earning points.

The Starwood Preferred Guest credit card offers a 25,000-point bonus after your first purchase, which can be redeemed for a free night at a category 4 hotel.

You should apply for the card if you're looking to earn points towards free nights at hotels like the Westin or Sheraton.

The annual fee of $95 is waived for the first year, making it a great option for those who want to try out the card without committing to the fee.

If you're a business owner, you can also apply for the Starwood Preferred Guest Business credit card, which offers a 35,000-point bonus after your first purchase.

This card is a great option for those who want to earn points towards free nights at hotels like the W or Aloft.

You can earn 5 points per dollar on purchases at participating Starwood hotels, making it a great option for those who frequently stay at these hotels.

Card Details

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The Starwood credit cards offer a range of rewards and benefits that can be redeemed for travel and other experiences.

You can earn 6X points per dollar spent at participating Starwood hotels and resorts, which can be redeemed for free nights or other rewards.

Starwood credit cardholders also get a free night stay at a participating hotel every year after their cardmember anniversary, which can be a great way to save money on a night's stay.

The annual fee for the Starwood credit cards ranges from $95 to $450, depending on the card and your creditworthiness.

As a Starwood credit cardholder, you'll also get access to exclusive events and experiences, such as concerts and sporting events, which can be a fun way to use your rewards.

Rewards and Considerations

The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express offers a rewards program, but it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. Ninety-five dollars isn't egregious for a hotel rewards credit card, but it's certainly not cheap, either, and will be assessed starting from your second year.

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To maximize your rewards, you should always pay your bill in full when using the card, as it offers zero 0% intro rates. This means you should use it strictly as a rewards-earning vehicle.

If you're not careful, you could end up with high regular interest rates, ranging from 17.99% to 26.99% (V), depending on your credit standing. This underscores the importance of not carrying a balance on the SPG Card.

Here are the rewards rates for different types of purchases:

You'll also earn 2 points per $1 spent on Starwood reservations if you book directly through Starwood, but if you book through a third-party payment account or online marketplace, you'll only earn 2 points instead of 6.

Credit Card Balance Transfer

Credit card balance transfer allows you to move your existing balance from one credit card to another, often with a lower interest rate.

This can save you money on interest charges and help you pay off your debt faster.

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Most credit cards charge a balance transfer fee, typically between 3% to 5% of the transferred amount.

Some credit cards offer 0% introductory APRs for balance transfers, which can last from 6 to 21 months.

These promotions can be a great opportunity to pay off your debt without incurring interest charges.

However, be aware that the regular APR will apply after the introductory period ends, and you may be charged a higher interest rate than before.

Spg Card Rewards

The SPG Credit Card Rewards are definitely something to get excited about. You can earn 75,000 Bonus Points after using your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.

The rewards don't stop there - you'll earn 6 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels, and 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

One of the best perks is the Free Night Award you'll receive every year after your Card account anniversary. This award can be used for one night at a participating hotel, with a redemption level at or under 35,000 points.

Credit: youtube.com, Marriott Rewards VS Starwood Preferred Guest Comparison - Which Card Should You Choose?

Some hotels may have resort fees, so be sure to check those details before booking your free night.

The SPG Credit Card is a great choice for travelers who frequent international destinations. With no Foreign Transaction Fee, you won't have to worry about extra charges on your purchases.

Here are some key benefits of the SPG Credit Card Rewards:

  • 75,000 Bonus Points after $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months
  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating hotels, and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
  • 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary
  • No Foreign Transaction Fee

The Lowlights

The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express has some drawbacks to consider. $95 Annual Fee Starting Year Two: You'll be charged $95 starting from the second year, which might give you pause about keeping the card open.

One of the main concerns is the high regular interest rates, which can range from 17.99% to 26.99%. This is higher than the average for people with good credit, and even closer to the average for those with fair credit.

Zero 0% Intro Rates: Unlike many other rewards credit cards, the Starwood Preferred Guest Card doesn't offer a 0% intro APR for new purchases or balance transfers. This means you should only use it for earning rewards, and always pay your bill in full.

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High Regular Interest Rates: If you do end up carrying a balance, be aware that the interest rates can be steep. You'll want to make sure to pay off your balance as soon as possible to avoid these high rates.

Booking Restrictions: There are also some restrictions on earning points when booking travel through third-party aggregators or mobile wallets. You'll only earn 2 points per $1 spent on Starwood reservations if you don't book directly through Starwood, and even then you won't get full points if you use a mobile wallet.

Here's a summary of the interest rates you might face:

One for Now, One for Later

If you're considering applying for the SPG Amex, you might be wondering if you can hold onto this card in the future, especially since it's being rebranded as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. The good news is that you won't automatically be disqualified from getting the higher-end card if you apply for the SPG Amex now.

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One reason to get the SPG Amex now is its 75,000 welcome bonus, which is a nice boost to your rewards balance. The SPG Amex also has a lower annual fee of $95, which might be more manageable for some users.

The SPG Amex Luxury Card/Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, on the other hand, has a higher annual fee of $450, but it also comes with some more premium benefits, including a 50k free night award and a $300 statement credit for Marriott charges.

If you're planning to hold onto the SPG Amex for the long-term, you'll appreciate the annual credit toward elite status that cardholders receive, equal to one-fifth of what's needed to qualify for Gold Preferred status each year, starting from year two.

Here's a comparison of the two cards:

Ultimately, whether you choose to get the SPG Amex now or later, it's worth considering the foreign transaction fee, which is currently 1.50% of any purchase processed in a currency other than U.S. dollars, and whether you'll need to use this feature frequently.

Final Thoughts

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The Starwood credit cards are definitely worth considering, especially if you're looking for a large welcome bonus. You can earn up to $300 in property credits with the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card.

If you're confident you can use the full $300 property credit and excited for a fancy hotel night with your annual free night certificate, this card is a no-brainer. The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card offers a large welcome bonus and valuable free night certificates.

The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express remains one of the more compelling cards on the market, both for everyday spending and its valuable free night certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit card has Marriott Platinum status?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. This card also earns 6X points per $1 spent at participating Marriott hotels.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

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