I have only been using my SPG account as a laundering process between Amex MR and AAdvantage. With the devaluation of transfers to SPG/Marriott, and yes I know some Amex customer service agents are suggesting the new rates have not yet been defined, it seems that previous laundered rate of $1 spend on Amex (at major supermarket for 3:1 earning) to earn 1.875 AAdvantage Mile in blocks of 40,000 MR points, will be reduced to earning 0.833 AAdvantage miles for the same $1 spent and needing to transfer 90,000 MR to earn the 5000 bonus miles.
This new rate means I am seriously looking for a reason to remain an Amex card carrier, I have been an Amex member since 1991 and for the first time in that 27 years I am struggling to find value from the product. Unless someone can suggest a reasonable value use of MR points (I earn 40,000 MR points about every 3-4 months), I expect my Amex relationship is about to end.
While I have both Velocity and AsiaMiles accounts, both are dormant with zero points/miles. I rarely use any SPG/Marriott properties, and have not been a regular at Hilton since dropping from Diamond about 6 years ago and moving almost all of my accommodation to Intercontinental group. I have two Visa cards with direct QFF earning that give me 5000+ QFF points each month.
So can anyone suggest why I should hold onto my Amex card?