Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express  

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The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express is designed for those with good credit who frequently stay at Starwood hotels and resorts and plan to take advantage of the various benefits and services that are provided.

In the reward program, one point is earned for every dollar spent on the card and double points are earned at participating Starwood properties and retail outlets. Cardholders also earn one additional point per $1 spent on qualified purchases through their membership in the Starwood Preferred Guest® loyalty program. Points can be redeemed for various travel services, such as free hotel stays and airline travel. Cardholders also earn 10,000 bonus points after their first purchase, which is enough for up to three free nights and 15,000 Bonus Starpoints® after spending $15,000 in 6 months. Points do not expire as long as the account is active within a one-year period.

Perhaps what is most impressive about the program is the fact that cardholders can transfer earned points to a variety of frequent flyer programs.

Aside from the reward program, the card does offer a variety of benefits such as travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, discounts via the Offer Zone, and various fraud protection services (see website for all benefits available).

The interest rate for purchases is above average (for a reward card), and there is an annual fee of $45 that is waived the first year. There is also a low introductory rate for purchases and balance transfers for the first six months.

Therefore, those who can afford to pay in full each month after the introductory rate expires (to avoid finance charges), frequently stay at Starwood hotels and resorts (to earn additional points), and can accumulate enough points for a free hotel stay or other travel-related service within a two-year period will benefit most from what the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express has to offer.