Last Call: Amex SPG and Marriott Premier Plus Business Credit Card Not Taking Applications After Feb 12, 2019

On February 12, 2019, American Express and Chase are going to discontinue the Amex SPG and Chase Marriott Business cards.

This is something a few of people predicted back in 2017 when Marriott/SPG announced their merger. I speculate that Marriott had an existing agreement with Chase and American Express about when they could discontinue the respective cards.

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

The American Express SPG card will be rebranded to the Marriott Bonvoy card. Applications for the Amex SPG will be closed off in February, and the revamped card will launch shortly after. If you’ve been on the fence about getting the card, now is your chance.

Amex SPG

• Welcome offer: 75,000 Marriott points after $3,000 in spend after the first 3 months of account opening

• Target value of welcome offer = 1 CPP = $750

• Not taking apps after Feb 12, 2019

• $95 annual fee (waived Year 1)

• Incentive for opening the card before Jan 23, 2019: “100,000 bonus” = 25,000 per $25,000 spend

The 100,000 point promotion to obtain the Amex SPG card before Jan 23 won’t apply to most people. To earn the 100,000 point extra bonus, you’ll have to spend $100,000 by the end of 2019. You’ll be awarded 25,000 points per $25,000 spent (in addition to point multipliers). Anything amount under $25,000 will not qualify.

There’s also a limited edition card design for current Amex SPG cardholders. The limited edition design is a good play on American Express’ part since it creates a sense of scarcity.

Should you signup for the Amex SPG card? If you’re someone that’s over the Chase 5/24 limit, I think it’s worth considering.

Marriott Premier Plus Business Credit Card

The Marriott Premier Plus Business Credit Card will close applications on Feb 12, 2019, and a new no-annual fee Marriott card will launch this summer.

Marriott Premier Plus Business Credit Card

• Welcome offer: 75,000 Marriott points after $3,000 in spend after the first 3 months of account opening

• Not taking apps after Feb 12, 2019

• Target value of welcome offer = 1 CPP = $750

• $99 annual fee (NOT waived Year 1)

• Earn a second free night (worth up to 35k points) after $60,000 spend

Final Thoughts

For both cards, I think they’re worth getting since both will be discontinued soon. Whether you should keep the card long-term is another matter that depends on if you can get positive expected value from the annual fee.

Another factor is the “One Lane Rule.” If you’re someone who eventually wants to obtain the Amex SPG Luxury card, getting any of the Marriott cards will disqualify you from the SPG welcome offer.

You will not be eligible for the Amex SPG welcome offer if...

1. Have or had (last 30 days): any Marriott card 

   • Chase Marriott Rewards, Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Plus, Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Business

2. Have or had the Amex SPG Personal (Amex once in a lifetime rule)

You will not be eligible for the Chase Marriott Business bonus if...

1. Have or had (last 30 days): Amex SPG (Personal)

2. Have or had (last 90 days): Amex SPG Business or SPG Luxury

3. Signup bonus or upgrade (last 24 months): Amex SPG Business or SPG Luxury

Keep in mind that the Chase Marriott Business is affected by the Chase 5/24 rule, so you will not qualify if you’re over 5/24.

Generally speaking, if you’re over Chase 5/24, then go for the Amex SPG. If you’re under 5/24 and you can apply for business cards, then go for the Marriott Business card.

However, if you eventually want to obtain the Amex SPG Luxury card, then go for the Amex SPG card.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 

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