American Express and Marriott revealed more details about the co-branded card agreement they signed in December. The new co-branded program, which includes a premium card and updated benefits for consumer and business cards, will become available in August. Marriott's unified loyalty programs also will launch in August, all part of the hotel company's path after acquiring Starwood in 2016.
In August, Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty member accounts will convert to points within Marriott International's loyalty program at a one-to-three ratio, where one SPG point will be worth three Marriott points. Cardholders who sign up for any of the three cards will receive 15 Elite Night credits each starting in 2019. The cards do not have foreign transaction fees, and that benefit will continue, as will the $95 annual fee for consumer and business cards, American Express SVP of U.S. commercial cards Courtney Kelso confirmed.
Luxury Card
With an annual fee of $450, the new Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card targets affluent individuals who travel frequently and are premium Marriott/SPG customers. Benefits include complimentary Gold Elite status or, for those who have spent $75,000 in a calendar year, Platinum Elite Status; no fee for additional cards; a statement credit of as much as $300 for purchases at participating hotels each card-renewal year; an annual free night that's worth 50,000 points or fewer; a $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Precheck credit, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership; and free Boingo Wi-Fi. Cardholders will receive six points per dollar spent at participating SPG and Marriott hotels, three times the points at U.S restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and two times the points on other eligible purchases.
Consumer Card
Beginning in August, Starwood Preferred Guest consumer credit card-holders will receive six times the points at SPG and Marriott hotels and two times the points on other eligible purchases. Cardholders currently receive two points per dollar spent at SPG and Marriott hotels and one point per dollar on other eligible purchases. Benefits include automatic Silver Elite status, Gold status after spending $30,000, and an annual free night worth 35,000 points or fewer, starting in the second year. The spend threshold for Gold status for SPG consumer card-holders will increase to $35,000 in 2019.
Business Card
Starwood Preferred Guest business credit card-holders will get four points for each dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless phone services purchased directly from providers and U.S. shipping; six times the points at participating SPG and Marriott hotels; and two times the points on other eligible purchases. Benefits include automatic Silver Elite status, Gold status after spending $30,000, access to Amex business tools like the Spend Manager and Quickbooks, and no annual fee on employee cards. Again, the spend threshold to reach Gold status as a cardholder will increase to $35,000 in 2019.