The Marriott-SPG loyalty program merger brings credit card benefits

With the merger of the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty programs occurring in August, I wanted to highlight some of the practical benefits of that combination for moderate travelers like me. Specifically, there are some definite benefits coming to Marriott/SPG co-branded credit card portfolio.

Credit Cards, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookJuly 23, 2018Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Chase Marriott Premier Plus Visa, credit cards, Chase, American Express Hilton Honors Ascend Card, American Express Company

Amex Starwood Preferred Guest card Statement credit promotion

Last week, I reviewed my American Express credit card portfolio. My primary takeaway was to close my consumer Amex Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. Ironically, yesterday, I received a spend promotion from American Express for that very card.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 20, 2018American Express, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, points and miles, promotions, credit cards

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - American Express

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the American Express card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 15, 2018credit cards, American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Company, American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Card, American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Card, points and miles, Amex EveryDay Preferred Cad, credit card rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Sheraton, Marriott Rewards, Hilton Honors

Yearend hotel bonuses

Both Starwood Preferred Guest and Hilton HHonors are offering more than 2,000 bonus points for stays during the month of December. This is potentially lucrative for holiday travelers!

Hotels, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookDecember 10, 2015bonus, Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood Hotels, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Hilton hotels, Hilton Honors

One multiple-night stay or multiple one-night stays?

For my recent trip to Miami, I had to decide between a two-night stay at one hotel or two one-night stays at two properties. The decision came down to whether immediate bonus points or SPG Gold Preferred status for 2016 was more valuable.

Hotels, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookDecember 8, 2015hotel reservations, Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood Hotels, IHG Rewards, IHG, Hilton hotels, Delta Air Lines, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, promotions, hotel stays, Hilton Honors

Hyatt reported to be close to acquiring Starwood

Hyatt may be close to an acquisition of Starwood CNBC reported last week, saying a deal could occur as early as this week. A merger would greatly expand the Hyatt portfolio of properties, but travelers would be wise to wonder what could happen to the chains' loyalty programs.

Hotels, Points and MilesDerek CookNovember 2, 2015Hyatt, Starwood Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, Hyatt Gold Passport, points and miles, merger, flexible points currencies, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card

Just signed up for the 60,000 point Citi ThankYou Premier card

Citibank is offering 60,000 bonus Thank You points on the Citi Thank You Premier card if you spend $3,500 in the first three months of holding the card. This is higher than their normal 50,000 bonus point offer so take advantage while you can!

Credit Cards, Points and MilesDerek CookAugust 29, 2015Citi Prestige Card, points and miles, flexible points currencies, Citibank, Georgia Tech football, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard, Citi ThankYou Points, Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Seven technology travel tips for the seasoned traveler

Seasoned travelers will want to check out these seven travel hacks and learn which travel rewards credit cards can help them take advantage of the tips!

Credit Cards, Travel Tips, Travel TechnologyDerek CookAugust 12, 2015consumer electronics, technology, Trakdot, luggage tracking, American Express Platinum Card, Citi Prestige Card, Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, Boingo Wireless, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select