AMEX - SPG Transfer option after August 2018

[kamchatsky]

I wouldn't be surprised if it is 2:1 like what they have now with SPG, but to Marriott points instead

 

[robbo135]

Well, the transfer ratio has been trashed; 3 Amex MR = 2 Marriott points

Revised American Express points transfers rate for SPG, Marriott

The old ratio was 2 Amex MR = 3 Marriott points (1 starpoint)

Bugger !

 

[rock86]

Well, the transfer ratio has been trashed; 3 Amex MR = 2 Marriott points

Revised American Express points transfers rate for SPG, Marriott

The old ratio was 2 Amex MR = 3 Marriott points (1 starpoint)

Bugger !

While the current transfer rate is fairly generous (IMO), this new rate is complete trash. It's now effectively $2.25 per SPG point verse the old $1 per SPG point, a 125% devaluation.

I think most people could have swallowed a 1:1 MR to Marriott (per the USA changes), but this is a very hard pill to swallow.

 

[kkl]

Ouch

 

[andye]

Thats a bad devaluation
Particularly affects the DJ card and non-linked Explorer where the SPG return was higher than other redemptions

 

[HTG2016]

Well, the transfer ratio has been trashed; 3 Amex MR = 2 Marriott points

Revised American Express points transfers rate for SPG, Marriott

The old ratio was 2 Amex MR = 3 Marriott points (1 starpoint)

Bugger !

Thanks for the news , looking like i am going to transfer all my points at the end of July it was good while it last

From AUG forward pretty hard to justify the new rates 3MR = 2 Marriot

 

[HTG2016]

Effective earn rate from AUG 2018 per $ spend compare with old rates in ()

Explorer : 1.33 Marriot Points / $ ( 3 points / $ )
DJ / Plat Edge at Supermarket 2 Marriot Points / $ ( 4.5 points / $

Look like this is the end of SPG/Marriott Earning Opportunity in AU

 

[BriarFlyer]

Thanks for the update. Much pondering to be done on how many points to transfer before the change.

 

[aerotravel]

Looks like have to re-strategise how to use the MR points. From the existing airline partners of Amex, SQ and CX seems to be the best for transfers now.

 

[kkl]

Wonder if amex plat charge would get a better transfer rate or any transfer bonuses

 

[robbo135]

Looks like have to re-strategise how to use the MR points. From the existing airline partners of Amex, SQ and CX seems to be the best for transfers now.

Yeh SPG transfers gave best bang for buck for me, but transferring MR 1:1 to SQ/CX seems so comparatively poor value

I wonder if this was an Amex instigated devaluation or a Marriott instigated one (i.e. Marriott asking for more $ per point from Amex)? Probably a combination of the two??

Wonder if amex plat charge would get a better transfer rate or any transfer bonuses

That would be nice but unlikely. Even if they offered a 50% transfer bonus, its still a major devaluation compared with the transfer rates today.

 

[kkl]

Would've thought with the rapid expansion of marriott into aus they would've at least offered 1:1

 

[Haplo]

This is a very bad change. I only transfer my spg for the travel reward package. It looks like this is the end of it.

 

[kamchatsky]

Wow that is significant devaluation. The question is whether to transfer everything from my Amex account to SPG/Marriott now ...... I have already redeemed 4 Travel Packages and they have been good value but that too will get devalued .....

 

[kamchatsky]

While the current transfer rate is fairly generous (IMO), this new rate is complete trash. It's now effectively $2.25 per SPG point verse the old $1 per SPG point, a 125% devaluation.

I think most people could have swallowed a 1:1 MR to Marriott (per the USA changes), but this is a very hard pill to swallow.

I think it has got to do wiht AUD being low against USD. I remembered that many years back, 1 MR is worth less than 1 SQ/CX mile (0.75 miles I think). Then a few years ago they changed to 1:1 when AUD > USD. Now that AUD << USD I would not be surprised if Amex decide one day to devalue the MR points.

 

[tizey]

That's horrendous! To go from 2:3 to 3:2 is woeful!

Out of interest, I lookrd at what a top 7 night cert and miles package will cost.. brace yourself.

Old tier 5 + 120k miles = 540,000 marriott points = 180,000 SPG = 360,000 Amex points

New Cat 8 + 100k miles = 750,000 Marriott points = 1,125,000 Amex points

!!

That's a 312% devaluation with 20k less miles!! I'm glad I told Mrs tizey to enjoy her week at the RC Tokyo cos we were unlikely to ever see it again - this confirms it!!!!

 

[awkwardpaws]

Thanks for the update -- sounds like if you want to use SPG/Marriott points from Amex MR, better do it before Aug 1..

 

[rock86]

Thanks for the update -- sounds like if you want to use SPG/Marriott points from Amex MR, better do it before Aug 1..

Agreed, that is why I've applied for myself a new DJ Amex (and will for mrs rock when I get that card). A little off-topic, what's the usual wait time on the approval? Other AMEX's I've had has been instant!

 

[tricky1337]

Agreed, that is why I've applied for myself a new DJ Amex (and will for mrs rock when I get that card). A little off-topic, what's the usual wait time on the approval? Other AMEX's I've had has been instant!

I'm tempted to get the DJ card too as a last ditch attempt to load up on SPG points.

However I am almost 1 year into my AMEX sentence and assume getting the DJ card would reset it back to a 18 month wait for a non-DJ AMEX.

 

[tharaka]

there goes the last option for decent SPG earn in Australia!

what are the options running now? Is Diners still doing SPG conversion? I remember their general earn was hammered earlier this year.

What about Citi prestige conversion to SPG?