The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express isn't going away - at least for the time being

Several of our readers have reached out to us asking about the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express and if it is on its last legs. Turns out there is some speculation on the internet that the card will be ending soon.  Some say October 18 as that is when the current 25,000 Starpoint offer ends, some say November 15th since that is the last you can earn double Starpoints on Marriott and Starwood stays. Some don't have dates but are scared since the Marriott Premier Visa card was recently discontinued by Chase.

I have confirmation from American Express that neither of these dates are when the card will end. In fact, the card will continue on beyond those dates. Once we have a final date of the completion of the merger Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest program then possibly we could expect the card to end. The good news is that the programs aren't anywhere near merging yet. If you read what Marriott and Starwood execs have stated at various conferences or interviews we shouldn't see the merger happen until late 2018 or even possibly early 2019. Of course it is all speculation as Marriott and Starwood aren't divulging much as to exact dates. As to the Marriott card ending, perhaps we may see American Express win the new contract for the merged Marriott and Starwood programs. If that's the case then current SPG Amex cardholders would most likely be converted to that card. Again speculation on our part now!

In the meantime, since we know the Marriott Visa is no longer available, your best bet at to whether you are a Marriott Rewards points earner or an SPG Starpoints earner is the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express since Starpoints convert to Marriott Rewards at a 1:3 rate.

If you don't have the card yet now is the time to grab it since it does have the increased sign up bonus and it does offer the double Starpoints on Marriott and Starwood stays.  We've written extensively on why this card is so good and would recommend reading some of our other posts on the card as to why it provides what we would consider the highest return of all credit cards in Canada:

• Why you should still consider getting the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express 

• Limited Time Offer: 25,000 Starpoints with the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express