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Starwood American Express 30,000 Point Offer Now Live!

by on August 7, 2012 · 100 comments

in American Express, Starwood

Update: The 30,000-point bonus is no longer available. The bonus is now 25,000 points for the Starwood Amex business and personal cards.

The links are now live for the 30,000 point Starwood Amex offers: Personal and Business. American Express currently has this promo scheduled to end September 4, 2012, so get in while it’s good- this is as good as it gets and they generally only run this promotion once a year. (Note: If you are logged into your Americanexpress.com account the offer may not populate, so log out or open the links in a different browser and the 30,000 offer should load).

Update: Both links are now working.

Details:

  • 30,000 points - 10,000 after your first purchase, and an additional 20,000 when you spend $5,000 within 6 months.
  • Receive up to 5 Starpoints for every dollar of eligible spend charged directly with Starwood hotels & resorts – that’s 2 Starpoints per dollar spent on the Card in addition to the Starpoints you get as a Starwood Preferred Guest member.
  • Get 1 Starpoint® for every dollar of eligible purchases.
  • $65 annual fee, waived for the first year.
  • Full review here.

I’ve actually been waiting for this bonus to come back to get the card myself since I think it is one of the best travel credit cards on the market and has been for some time.

Starpoints can be very valuable thanks to great redemption options including Cash & Points at the over 1,000 Starwood properties all over the world. Members can also transfer points into miles on over 30 different airlines, including Aeroplan, American, Alaska, ANA, American, Asia Miles, British Airways, Delta, Flying Blue, Emirates, Hawaiian, Singapore, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic among others, along with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 20,000 points you transfer, essentially a 25% bonus if you plan your transfers correctly.

Just having this card gets you credit for 2 stays/5 nights towards elite status (which is especially good news since Starwood launched new perks for elite members who stay 50/75/100 nights that I’ll go into in a future post), and you earn at least 2 points per dollar on spend at Starwood. Regular Starwood Preferred Guest members get 2 points per dollar spent at Starwood hotels. If you have the Starwood card, that increases to 4 points per dollar, and if you have elite status it’s 5 points per dollar spent, so this card is a great tool for maximizing your point-earning potential. Plus, Starwood Platinums get space-available suite upgrades (international properties are generally great with this benefit – US is hit-or-miss), free internet, a 500 bonus point amenity per stay, guaranteed room availability at the rack rate, a 50% bonus on Starpoints earned and special customer service/gifts throughout the year. Gold status is earned at $30,000 in spend on the card or 8 stays/20 nights.

The $65 annual fee is waived the first year, though there are foreign transaction fees.

Don’t forget the business card. Amex offers a business card option, which is a nice tag team to a personal card, so if you already have the personal Amex, you can consider getting the business one, or if you want both, you can apply for both at the same time- read about my experience getting both cards here. Plus, you can combine the elite qualification benefits – slicing 4 stays or 10 nights off elite qualification, thus making it only 21 stays or 40 nights to Platinum.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author.s alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program.

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  • Lana

    when I try to apply for the business card, i get a message:

    This offer is no longer available.

    If you’d still like to apply for an American Express card, click here

  • Ken

    @ Lana I contacted Amex about this via chat, and they gave me this link to apply https://www304.americanexpress.com/personal-card-application/starwood-preferred-credit-card/45497-10-0/0/0/0/n/ Seems to be working

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=709299465 Laura Drossman

    The link isn’t working, unfortunately.

  • Andy

    So when you say try in a different browser, should we click apply then log into our amex account for the short application or will this take away the offer, should I go through the whole application process on its own? I am already am Amex member, so I want the card to backdate and such.

  • Lana

    thanks, but thats for personal. I need the business link. do you have that?

  • thepointsguy

    If you are logged into your Amex account, it’ll take you to a page that says 10k. So log out or use a different browser and the 30k will load. It’s stupid, but the way Amex works with cookies

  • thepointsguy

    Weird-it works fine for me. Maybe try again or in a different browser?
    I get “Limited Time Offer – Apply by September 4, 2012 and get up to 30,000 Starpoints® †”

  • thepointsguy

    To be safe, I always apply as a new applicant because Amex will still link it to your existing account once approved and your “Member since” will still apply. I’m not sure if others can chime in about using the quick application, but I bet that is still fine too- I just like to be extra cautious because if you are logged in when you click the link, it’ll usually bring the bonus down to 10k.

  • SeaBee3

    It shows that way but when you click to apply, it says the offer is expired. I’m pretty sure my e-mail had said it won’t go live until after noon EST.

  • Lana

    I get that too… but once i click into apply, it takes me to another page that says OFFERS EXPIRED.

    This offer is no longer available.

    If you’d still like to apply for an American Express card, click here

  • turtleisland

    Dang, I just got the SPG Biz about two weeks ago (through your link). Does Amex usually do goodwill matches for the SPG cards? They have in the past for my MR cards.

  • Query

    Can my wife signup for this card but put down my SPG number so that we can pool our points?

  • Jon

    Does AmEx usually require a phone call to get the business card approved as a sole proprietor, or does approval happen instantly?

  • Solo3

    No go for me as well. Above link will take you to 30K offer but when you click APPLY, you get “Offer no longer available”. Will continue to check throughout the day and hopefully this will be resolved soon.

  • Basil Siddiqui

    What do you think is a more valuable use of $10,000 in spending – getting 60k starpoints through the two starwood bonuses (personal 5k spend + business 5k spend) or getting 50k ultimate rewards points through the chase ink plus/bold?

  • Billyovalles

    Brian,

    I’ve had this card since 2006… Can I apply for another one while having one already or will I need to cancel the old one first?

  • Ds Cumming

    I am in a similar boat (biz card opened a month ago). I called over this morning explaining how I would have waited for a month if I had known a better offer was going to be out there. The rep escalated my request to her supervisor and it sounds like there will be a goodwill bonus coming my way in the next day. I will post the amount once I find out.

  • Kris

    Do U have a referal link as I blve 5000 points you get for referal as I plan to refer my wife who will be applying for thsi SPG card now..Thanks

  • TPG Intern Ryan

    It can’t hurt to call and ask!

  • Kris

    I think they pulled out this 30K offer as when u apply now for this offer , it says ..

    Thank you for your interest in this offer. At this time this offer is no longer available.
    Please click here for our current offerings.

  • http://twitter.com/jolesch Drew Jolesch

    if i got a “pending review” notice, am I able to call in to AMEX and try to get approved like you have mentioned with the Chase Sapphire card, or should I just wait the 14 days for the notice in the mail?

    thanks

  • John

    i wonder if I should do multiple apps for the SPG personal & biz, chase IB plus?
    That would be too much of a spend req and maybe just the SPG?

    Is the SPG card downgradeable to amex blue cash preferred card?

  • Kathy

    yes would be nice if you can get approved for spg biz & personal for 60k bonus?

    I don’t know if SPG card is downgradable to amex blue cash card, would be nice if it does.

  • Andy

    Link worked for me. I applied got the 14 days for decision notice. Called up, confirmed income and got approved.

  • TPG Intern Ryan

    It should be fixed now! Try again :-)

  • TPG Intern Ryan

    Should be working now. Sorry about any problems earlier.

  • TPG Intern Ryan

    It looks like we were having problems earlier, but it is working now. Thanks

  • TPG Intern Ryan

    Both links above should be working now.

  • Csenio

    For the business I was told to call 800-582-6471 to address additional questions, and when i called I was told I was rejected

    When I asked why he rattled off a couple related things such as my business was too new, too little history and too similar to the other card I applied for.

    Is there a reconsideration line to appeal to? I’d like to give the biz card one last shot..

  • Query

    I my wife applies, can she use my SPG number to pool points?

  • Query

    Sorry for the duplicate post!

  • Lisa Lamb

    If I had the SPG card previously but cancelled a couple years ago, do I qualify for this promotion? Thanks!

  • TPG Intern Ryan

    Yes, the welcome bonus offer is not available to applicants who have had this product within the last 12 months.

  • Basil Siddiqui

    Can u apply for the personal Amex and a different Amex business card for one inquiry or do they both have to be the spg cards?

  • thepointsguy

    No- the name of the SPG account and credit card need to match.

  • thepointsguy

    If you’ve had the card within the last 12 months you are technically not eligible. Some people have had luck not putting an SPG number on the app and getting the bonus again… can’t confirm

  • thepointsguy

    60k Starwood

  • Jason

    Is anyone able to use the “shorter application”? It throws an error when I try it.

  • AK

    I got a “pending review” notice aswell and had the same question as yours. Wondering whether to call or just wait it out for 14 days.

  • Query

    Thanks TPG; You’ve always got the answers for me!

  • thepointsguy

    However Starwood allows people within the same household (same address in the profile) to combine accounts, so you can always go that route. Just call Starwood to process the transfer- its free

  • http://twitter.com/jolesch Drew Jolesch

    I just called in and was approved, it says the 14 days because they are trying to get the best APR for you based on the information. If you call in they will expedite the card. The number is 1.877.399.3083. You will be directly connected with an AMEX Rep.

  • xina

    I applied for personal SPG Amex on July 29, 2010 and cancelled it a year later. If I were to apply for the personal SPG Amex again, do you think I’m within the 12 months? Does the 12 months count from the day I cancelled the card?

  • BRLfly

    Any confirmation from somebody that applied for/received the biz and personal SPG and asked for and received confirmation of 30k bonus for BOTH cards?

  • xina

    I applied for personal & business SPG cards 2 years ago and got a total of 60K bonus.

  • xina

    I received an email from SPG Amex that if I referred somebody, I would get 5K bonus. How do link this 30K application to get the referral bonus?

  • BRLfly

    @xina, thanks! I assume you can have personal and business spg cards fill up the same SPG acct?

    Anyone have luck today with a 60k approval?

  • xina

    yes, same SPG Acct no.

  • BRLfly

    from the day you cancelled it which i was assume was end of july 0f 2011 meaning you should be fine. However, you can always wait till closer to the Sept 4 expiration to safe…

  • YY

    I already have the card and want to refer a friend. However, when I referred him the offer he got was only for 25K. Is there any way for him to get the 30K offer and me to get the 5K referral bonus?

  • crumb

    I ‘ve had SPG Amex for several years. Recently added my husband on the account. Will he qualify for the bonus if he applies for his own personal card and business card? Thank you.

  • thepointsguy

    Yes he will qualify for the bonus

  • thepointsguy

    Referrals are only for 25k unfortunately

  • Cheaptrickstotravel

    My husband just referred me and my emailed invitation opened up to the 30,000 offer.

    http://www.cheaptrickstotravel.com

  • crumb

    great. Thank you

  • David

    You should check again. The referral now links to the current 30K offer.

  • David

    +1 Just did it, and she was instantly approved.

  • David

    Actually, you can request that household transfer online, as long as the 2 accts have the same address. (https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/transfer/pointstransferForm.html)

  • David

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  • night_solsice

    Looking at the details, it appears that the credit for 2 stays/5 nights towards elite status is applied yearly? (assuming you hold the card for several years). If so, that’s a nice top off for each year (especially if you have both the personal and biz cards)

  • lycidas1

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  • thepointsguy

    Correct- applied yearly

  • YY

    Thank you!!!

  • Sonya

    Do you know if the stay credit is credited: every calendar year you have the card, every card year only (and if so, is it when you are approved for the card, or after 1 year of card ownership?) Thanks!

  • Sonya

    Sorry, didn’t see that someone just asked this question!

    So if I get the card today, I would have stay credit for 2012.
    And if I keep it through next August, I would also have stay credit for 2013?

  • thepointsguy

    You get it when you get the card and then every calendar year thereafter

  • michaelp

    I received an email offer to refer a friend , the friend will received the 30k offer.

  • Mindray

    @TPG

    Lots of comments here about applying for the business card as a sole proprietor. I want to apply but do not have a business, can I just give them my SSN and will that work? If they ask for more information about the business any thoughts on what I would say. Do you actually have to have a registered sole proprietorship?

    Anyone have experience with this?

  • Mindray

    Hi Sonya,

    I applied late into the year when I first got the personal SPG Amex 5 years ago. Yes, you will get the stay/night credits within a few days of opening the account. Then, come early next year, you will get the stay/night credits. They do not post them after your annual fee, but rather after the new calendar year. Hope that helps.

  • Mindray

    So I will answer my own question for those that want to know what happens when you apply for the business card as a sole proprietor:

    - I applied via the link on TPG
    - Since I have a personal card with them, I clicked on the button for those people who are already card members with Amex, this expedited the application, only asking for your current CC number and your SNN
    - After hitting submit, it a window popped up asking me for more information about my business
    - For the Legal Business Name, I just put my name and filled in the address to match the address I have for my personal cards
    - Hit submit, and was Approved!!! 30K more points…woot woot.

  • Denver

    Approved for Amex Business. Pended for this card because of system difficulties. Calling Amex to cancel app or approve me today.

  • Jack Liu

    Applied for both and got approved for Business one instantly, however they asked me to call for the personal one. The guy on the phone said because i applied for both, their system considers the second application as a duplicate, and its on hold for 4 days automatically. I’d need to call back in 4 days to check on the status. Did anyone else have the same situation?

  • Ptber

    I applied to both last night. They approved the first with an instant decision. The business card they asked me to call the 1800 number to ‘clarify’ a few things. I called and they said I had to call back tomorrow because I had already applied for one card in a day. I called back today and this person said I had to wait 3-5 days and call back again. What gives? I thought Amex allowed 2 card applications in a day. Not for me it seems. Has anyone else had this problem?

  • thepointsguy

    Same thing happened to me- it’s an automated hold in their system for the second app. I wouldn’t worry about it

  • Heather :)

    Applied for Personal card and Business card. Immediately approved for Personal one. For the business card, it send “Pending” and to call them. Called and they said they were verifying to make sure not fraud since I applied for 2 on same day. I asked if credit check would be done today and said “No, would be 2-3 days”. So, I guess it will do a credit check 2 times. Just wanted to let you know. Thanks for all the great information you post here! :)

  • sil

    For those who applied and was approved for the SPG Biz, how many hard inquiries do you have within the last 6 months? Was your last AMEX at least a year ago?

    Thanks

  • Meanie

    I’m not able to load the “shorter application” for current Amex holders. Have others been able to get that to work?

  • thepointsguy

    Didn’t work for me either so I just entered my info to get approved

  • Mike

    I applied for the personal SPG Amex card just a moment ago and received a “Your application is pending further review” message. Called AMEX and the girl told me the application has been bumped up to a review team and there was nothing more she could do. She said I would receive an email from the review team in 3-5 days with their decision.

    About an hour earlier I applied for and received instant approval for both the Citi Visa and Amex AAdvantage cards. Do you think my Citi AMEX approval has anything to do with this? Should I be concerned?

  • WJB

    Nice – 30k plus I’m once it get the card I will refer my wife – she’ll get 30k and I’ll get another 5k for referral.

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  • LivelyFL

    I followed the link and it said we will notify you in 14 days. I called 1.877.399.3083 and then they approved the card. I think my problem was I just got AmEx Gold Personal and AmEx Gold Business in July.

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  • Jon

    “you can apply for both at the same time and it will count as a single credit pull.”

    Has this been confirmed with 100% certainty recently? I’m concerned it may show up as two inquiries since one is coming from a “business” channel, and the other is coming from a “personal” channel. I searched the thread at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1374560-limited-time-offer-earn-up-30-000-starpoints.html with no luck.

  • averider

    how do you get 5k points for referral? this sounds great for my wife and i too

  • averider

    would you recommend this card over the chase saphire preferred?

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  • M E

    Mr. Points Guy, after applying with 3 different banks you got now 3 new hard inquiries. is that worth it? How do you deal with that many hard inquires on your name?

  • thepointsguy

    Well I received at least $600 in value per card that I got x 4 so $2,400 in value for 4 hard inquiries is well worth it to me, especially since I’m not applying for a loan anytime soon. If you have good credit, you might as well let it work to your advantage!

  • thepointsguy

    In general I think the Sapphire Preferred is a better all around card because of the no foreign transaction fees, higher sign-up bonus, 2x spend categories and 7% bonus. However I will keep both cards open because they both have strong value in different areas.

  • thepointsguy
  • thepointsguy
  • http://www.facebook.com/lane.lockhart Lane Lockhart

    You may have a post on this already, but what’s the skinny on applying for a business card without a legitimate business? I could probably argue that my wife and I have a “business” with her occasional nutritional consulting and class teaching, but it would be difficult to justify all of my personal expenses for 3-6 months (to meet the spend req) as business expense (maybe I could call food “research” haha).

    I’m not sure how strict AMEX (or Chase for that matter with the INK cards) is, but I’m wondering if anyone has ever been questioned on their business expenses when signing up for the card using a sole proprietorship as a business.

    Thanks ahead!

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  • Kevin

    If my wife applied and got approved for both cards and used the same SPG account as I, could it be 120,000 star points and 20 nights credit to the account?

    Didn’t notice that in the terms

  • Manish500

    looks like the business version no longer gives you 2 stays or 5 nights towards elite status? It’s not listed in the card description.

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