Update: Coworker of mine mentioned referral email will say 25,000 points in the body of the email but when you click to apply, it shows the 35,000 point offer. 

This is going to be mentioned ad nauseam around the blogosphere (once the bloggers get their affiliate links of course – no wonder why it is quiet thus far this morning) so I’ll make this quick but the offer on both American Express Starwood cards has increased to 35,000 Starpoints. You need to spend $3,000 in 3 months for the personal card and $5,000 in 3 months for the business card. This new offer is valid to March 30, 2016.

This is the new highest ever public offer on this card as part of me wonders if American Express is looking to get as many cardholders as possible before the Marriott-SPG merger. SPG points are among the most valuable (if not most valuable) points out there as these 35,000 points could easily cover a few nights in Starwood hotels or the points could be transferred to many different airlines at a great ratio. In fact you can think of this signup bonus as 50,000+ miles in programs like Alaska, American or Delta as you earn a 5,000 mile bonus for every transfer in increments of 20,000 points. After meeting the spend on the business version (or completing $5k of spending on the personal even though you need spend of just $3k for the signup bonus), you will have 40,000 SPG points which converts to 50,000 miles as mentioned.

If you would like to support the blog and my efforts as a non-affiliate links blogger, I can refer others for both Starwood cards as I am a current cardholder of each version. I do receive 5,000 Starpoints for referring you but you will receive the same 35,000 point offer via email from American Express. If you are interested, please leave a comment asking for a referral (only I will be able to see your email address) or email me directly at ralph@pointscentric.com and I will promptly refer you for the card. Thank you in advance for your support!

I do recommend applying for this card now assuming you never had either card (my wife will be applying for the business version) as you know at the time of application, you are getting the best ever offer on both SPG cards. With the future unclear on how long SPG lasts, I’d rather lock in an easy 35,000 SPG points (or 50,000 airlines miles) before the program goes away. Make sure to reach out to family/friends for a referral link if they have this card or please consider supporting the blog and letting me refer you.