SPG Amex 10,000 Starpoint Referral Bonus (USA – Targeted)

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The American Express SPG credit card has long been a favorite amongst miles & points collectors thanks to the value you can get out of the Starpoints that you earn from spend on the card. The card’s lustre had dulled slightly over recent years as other credit card providers made efforts to be more innovative but Amex breathed life into the card last year when it finally improved the card’s offerings (notably with the removal of foreign transaction fees).

The American Express SPG card’s biggest draw, for most people, is the fact that the Starpoints earned from  card spend can be converted to a vast number of airline loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio (with a few exceptions). On top of that, Starwood gives users a 25% bonus when they transfer Starpoints over to airline loyalty programs in multiples of 20,000 making the card’s proposition even more tempting.

The one major issue that the American Express SPG card has always has is that it isn’t that easy to rack up the points…even when spending at Starwood resorts.

• The card offers no bonus categories so everyday spend will earn just 1 Starpoint per dollar spent.
• Spend at Starwood hotels and resorts only earns 2 Starpoints per dollar spent

Those aren’t exactly very generous earning rates so it has always been important to make the most of any improved offering s American Express has introduced.

Historically Amex has offered a 5,000 Starpoint bonus for every person you refer to them who successfully applies for and opens an American Express SPG credit card – up to a limit of 55,000 Starpoints per year.

Now, for some people, that bonus has been increased to 10,000 Starpoints on both the regular and business versions of the credit card…although the annual limit of 55,000 is staying in place.

Note: This offer appears to be targeted as I know people who are still seeing a maximum 5,000 Starpoint referral bonus in their accounts.

To find out if you have been targeted for the 10,000 Starpoint referral bonus simply log into your account and check the “offers for you” section.

Good For You, Possibly Not So Good For Your Friends

While the person doing the referring will earn 10,000 Starpoints per successful referral, those opening new American Express SPG cards will earn the current available sign-up bonus of 25,000 Starpoints (after meeting the minimum spend criteria)…and this isn’t the best bonus that has historically been available for this card.

Earlier this year Amex offered a bonus of 35,000 Starpoints on the co-branded SPG card and, considering Amex now limits users to one signup bonus per card (you can’t get the bonus agin even if you cancel the card and reapply a few years down the line) I would be inclined to wait to see if an improved bonus comes around unless I desperately wanted the card right now.

Terms & Conditions

Headlines:

• Increased referral bonus available for cards approved by 15 June 2016.
• maximum annual referral bonus is 55,000 Starpoints.
• Any referral bonuses already earned this year still count towards the 55,000 annual limit.

Full T&C Per American Express:

If you have The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card, you can receive 10,000 Starpoints (“Referral Bonus”) for each new Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card application you refer resulting in an approved account, and if you have The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card you can receive a Referral Bonus for each new Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card application you refer that results in an approved account, in each case up to a maximum of 55,000 Starpoints per calendar year for each version of the Card. To receive the Referral Bonus, (a) you must submit referral(s) by 6/15/16 and (b) the referred individual(s) must apply to the specific offer online through the e-mailed link provided by American Express and be approved by 6/15/16.

This offer is available online only to Basic Card Members. Please allow 6–8 weeks for the Referral Bonus to post to your account after each referred individual is approved for the Card. You cannot earn a Referral Bonus for those who currently have the Card you recommended or for individuals who have been referred by someone else. Due to the confidential nature of the credit approval process, you will not be notified of whether we approve or decline any application(s) from individual(s) you refer. Also, the individuals you refer may not receive the referral e-mail if they have previously “opted out” of receiving e-mail marketing communications from American Express. Any violation or abuse of this program may result in the forfeiture of the Referral Bonus. In order to receive the Referral Bonus, your account must be active and in good standing at the time of fulfillment. Terms and restrictions of the rewards program corresponding to your Card account apply. NOTE: The value of the Referral Bonus may be taxable income to you; you are responsible for any federal or state taxes resulting from the Referral Bonus. Please consult your tax advisor if you have questions about the tax treatment of the Referral Bonus.