UPDATE: This offer has expired.
A few days ago, I posted that the 100,000 point increased offer for the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express OPEN is coming to an end on October 31, 2018. While that is just a day away, many people are wondering whether or not they are eligible for the offer. Not only does American Express have a “once in a lifetime” policy for earning a welcome offer, back in August of this year, Marriott also started restricting their co-branded cards.
Are You Eligible?
Essentially, Marriott is trying to limit those who are signing up for a credit card solely for the welcome offer. They want solid credit card holders who are actually using their card. While you can check the restrictions for all of the Marriott and Starwood co-branded credit cards, here are the restrictions specifically for the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express OPEN:
You will NOT be eligible for this card if you…
- Currently have or have had any of the following Cards in the last 30 days:
- The Marriott Rewards Premier Business Credit Card from Chase
- The Marriott Rewards Business Credit Card from Chase
- OR have acquired any of the following Cards from Chase in the last 90 days:
- The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase
- The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
- OR have received a welcome offer for any of the following Cards from Chase in the last 24 months:
- The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase
- The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
The Benefits are Good, the Points Earned Not So Good
While 100,000 bonus points is a great offer for this card and on par with what we’ve typically seen for this card in the past, the number of points you earn from everyday spend has decreased with the Starwood and Marriott loyalty programs combining. With this card you’ll now earn:
- 6 points per dollar spent at SPG and Marriott properties
- 4 points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
- 2 points for all other eligible purchases
In the past, you used to earn 1 point for “all other eligible purchases”, but that was in SPG points . Marriott points are now worth 1/3 of the value, meaning now only earning 2 points per dollar spend is a significant decrease.
With that being said, a NEW benefit with this card is that you’ll now receive a 1 free night certificate every year after your card account anniversary. This free night certificate never existed for this card and definitely helps offset the $95 annual fee, if not significantly more! The free night certificate is capped at a hotel costing 35,000 points.
I know that I will absolutely get more then a $95 value out of my free night certificate. There actually happens to be many hotels in NYC that are at a category 5 level and since I visit NYC at least once a year, this will allow me to get a hotel room in Manhattan for less then $100 – something that is not very easy to do!
Overall…
If you are eligible for this card, then it is definitely a great offer. Getting approved for Amex business cards is also typically easier than Chase business cards. I personally already have this card so I am not eligible, but I am holding onto it for the free night certificate.
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Going from 3 point to 2 points per dollar is a 33.3% decrease not 50% btw.
Still makes it a sock drawer card unless actually paying for a room at Marriott. That’s true of all co-brand cards now IMO.
I had this card (3-4) years ago. I haven’t applied for any Amex or Marriott credit card in the past 24 months, will I still be able to receive the 100,000 bonus point?
@Trave – unfortunately Amex has imposed a “once in a lifetime” bonus rule, so if you’ve received the bonus for this card in the past, you will not be eligible. With that being said, there are some reports of people successfully applying (and getting the bonus) after 7 years when the card dropped of their credit report.