Review of Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card

The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Cardwas last reviewed on 18th October 2008

Summary - The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express is a great credit card not just for Starwood Preferred Guest members, but also to those who would like to earn frequent flyer miles with this card. Find out more about this card.

Reward Formula - The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card allows you to earn two points for every dollar you spend at Starwood-branded hotels and resorts then participating in the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program, and at standalone retail establishments and online stores that, in each case, are wholly owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. This is in addition to the points you earn as a Starwood Preferred Guest member. You will earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on other purchases. Points will not expire as long as your account is active within 12 months. New cardholders will get 10,000 bonus points after the first purchase.

Complimentary enrollment in Starwood Preferred Guest Program - New cardholders will receive a complimentary enrollment in the Starwood Preferred Guest Program.

Savings at OPENSAVINGS merchants - American Express has a network of merchants called the OPENSAVINGS network. It includes merchants like AT&T, Fedex, Delta Airlines etc. Cardholders of Starwood Preferred Guest will be able to get discounts from these merchants.

Annual Fee and APR - There is no annual fee for the first year. After the first year, the annual fee is $45.00. The apr is prime rate plus 9.99%. The average daily balance (including new purchase) method is used to calculate monthly balances. You also get a 2.9% fixed rate introductory apr on both purchases and balance transfers for 6 months. There is no balance transfer fee charged during this period.

Key Features of Starwood Preferred Guest Program - The Starwood Preferred Guest program has the least restrictive award redemption policy. There are no blackout dates, unlike most other hotel reward programs. Starwood Preferred Guest also allow members to exchange points for air miles on a one-to-one ratio. You even get an additional 5,000 points if you transfer 20,000 points into air miles. Hence, many Starwood credit cardholders simply use this card for air miles. If all you do is spend $20,000 on your card (without spending a single cent at starwood hotels), you can convert your 20,000 points into frequent flyer points. With Starwood topping it up with 5,000 points, that means you you can get a free airline ticket for a economy class roundtrip within the continental US with most airlines. Furthermore, the $30.00 annual fee is lower compared to those of a typical airline credit card that has fees that range from $45.00 to $85.00. Starwood has partnered with over 30 airlines, so chances are that your airline will be on the partner list.

Verdict - We recommend the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express to the business owner who stays frequently at Starwood Hotels or who wants to earn frequent flyer points with a credit card.

Positives