It’s Back: 35,000 Points With Both Amex Starwood Cards
Also see:
I Got the SPG AMEX with 35,000 SPG Points – Here’s Why
Last Chance for AMEX SPG 35,000 Point Offers (and Why I Got Both Cards)
My Experience Getting the Southwest Companion Pass With Starwood Points
Well would ya lookit that. I wasn’t expecting to *ever* see a limited-time offer on the Amex Starwood cards again. But now, you can earn 35,000 Starwood points on the personal and small business cards after meeting tiered minimum spending requirements through April 5th, 2017.
It’s back, like a heart attack
Marriott has agreed to leave SPG alone until 2018, but then get ready for a butchering. Realistically, Marriott has no incentive to keep the program as it currently is. But, I’m pleased Amex is giving peeps one more stab at this terrific offer.
I broke the seal with the business version of the card last time this offer came ’round in March 2016. Before it ended, I had both versions.
Little did I know I’d hoard the points like a squirrel or ferret until such a time as I’d use them for a Southwest Companion Pass. The hammer drops on that method on March 31st, 2017. But if you applied like *now* and met the minimum spending in short order before the statement closes, you could probably squeak by.
The huge caveat is the bonus on both cards is once per person, per lifetime (AKA 7 years). But if you’ve never had it… I highly doubt this offer will ever come back.
The short
Highest-ever offer returns. If you’ve never had the card, this is probably your last chance to get it.
The long
Link: Personal Starwood Amex 35,000 point offer
Link: Small business Starwood Amex 35,000 point offer
Link: Honest Reviews
If you’re in the lucky position to pick either, I’d go with the small business version of the card. Because you get everything that comes with the personal version for the same price, plus:
Sheraton Club Room access
AMEX OPEN discounts
Doesn’t appear on personal credit report, so won’t count for Chase 5/24
However, it has a higher minimum spending requirement. You’ll earn 25,000 Starwood points after you make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. And an extra 10,000 Starwood points after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. For a total of $8,000 in spending.
You can use the card to pay bills like mortgages, rent, and student loans with Plastiq. Or, pay your tax bill (’tis the season), ugh.
The personal version requires $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months to earn 25,000 Starwood points. And $2,000 more within the first 6 months to earn 10,000 more Starwood points. For a total of $5,000 in spending.
With both cards, the $95 annual fee is waived the 1st year.
How to use the points
35,000 Starwood points plus the minimum spending is 40,00 points (or more, if you get the business card). Considering you get 5,000 bonus miles when you transfer to airlines with a 1:1 transfer ratio, that’s easily 50,000 Alaska, American, Asiana (and many other airlines’) miles.
Or you could use them for:
Cash + Points bookings
SPG Moments
Nights & Flights
Of course, you can also use them to stay at Starwood (or Marriott!) hotels, too. 
