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Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express


The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express is a rewards card for frequent travelers who'd like to earn discounts and free stays at Starwood hotels and resorts as well as free airline tickets.
Starwood Preferred Guest(R) Credit Card from American Express
  • Starpoints® Bonus: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months - enough for up to 6 free nights at a Category 1 or 2 hotel
  • Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates .
  • 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
15.24% - 19.24% variable
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65*
Yes*
Excellent

Editor's Review: Travelers who spend a fair amount of time on the road and staying in hotels will certainly appreciate the benefits and rewards from the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express. This is not just another credit card, but a ticket to rewards and advantages all frequent travelers want access to on the road.

The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card is made for travelers who want to earn free nights each time they stay at participating resorts and hotel located worldwide. Just same of the eligible hotels include St. Regis®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and Westin®, Cardholders earn points for making reservations and will earn double points when the reservations are made at select Starwood locations. When you open an account and make the very first purchase, 10,000 Starpoints® are added to your account automatically, which qualify you to receive three free nights at your choice of participating hotels. All other general purchases earn one Starpoint® for each dollar spent on the card. If you spend at least $5,000 on the card in the first 6 months, the additional bonus points awarded total 15,000.

Points are redeemable for free overnight stays or room upgrades at other hotels and resorts. A free night can be earned with as little as 2,000 points. Points can also be redeemed for free airline tickets with any of the 30 participating airlines. The flights reserved with Starpoints® will not be subjected to blackout dates. When you use your Starpoints® and transfer them to miles, you will earn an additional 5,000 Starpoints®.

The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express does not require a payment of the annual fee for the first 12 months the account is open. After the introductory period, the annual membership fee is $65 and considering the flexible rewards and benefits, it's well worth it. The APR is average for this type of credit card. Balance transfers also carry a low APR for the first six months. Additional credit cards are available at no charge so family members can help you boost your point earnings through their purchases as well.

If you are looking for a credit card that allows you to expand your travel horizons, American Express's Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card might be a great fit for your travel needs. If earning cash and hotel bonus rewards is what you are looking for, apply today for this credit card.

(Review Date: February 27, 2012)