Reader Sylvia asks:
I have an American Express blue card, but I want to get a different American Express Card that earns hotel points. Do I have to apply for a new card or can I just convert the card I have to the card that earns points?
Sylvia, I assume you’re thinking about the American Express Starwood or Hilton card. (aff) Unfortunately, in the case of American Express, you’ll need to apply for a new card, and then cancel the old one if you want the bonuses. This was confirmed to me over the phone.
The downside: Your credit score gets knocked a couple points for the new application, and depending on the creditor, the age of the account might get reset. (Older credit accounts are better than newly-established ones, for credit score purposes.) With Amex, they will likely keep your original “Member since…” date printed on the card, and not reset that to the new account’s start date, but you’ll likely get a new account number, which is what matters on your credit report.
If you’re deciding between the two Amex hotel programs, take a close look at the card terms to see which suits you better. Obviously, if you stay at one company’s brands more than the other, that creates an incentive. But if you’re brand-agnostic, the Starwood card may be the pick. The Hilton card is free, but the points aren’t very convertible. The Starwood card costs $45 a year (waived the first year), but the points can transfer to a laundry list of airline programs. So you have the airline backup, in case you decide not to use your Starwood points on hotel stays.
But either way you go, you’re going to have to re-apply.
Related:
- Reader mail: What kind of point-earning credit card is best?
- Use a credit card internationally? The banks owe you a refund.
- Reader mail: How can I upgrade flights using American Express?
- American Express Starwood Card (aff)
- American Express Hilton HHonors Card (aff)
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October 2nd, 2007 at 11:13 am
Hiya! A friend pointed me to your blog and this post caught my attention. With AMEX it’s seeming to be a bit of luck of the draw as to whether they’ll allow you to convert. My friend was allowed to convert an Amex Blue Cash ->Delta Skymiles AMEX with no new inquiry or new account on her credit report (it’s been 6 months). For myself, I opened a new Starwood because I wanted the 10K points bonus. I look forward to reading more, your blog seems interesting.
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I have had the AMEX Platinum card with the Hilton Honors logo and I love the card. It gives me three points for every purchase I make and 5 for every purchase that involves groceries, postal, dining, and the like. The points can be used for airlines, cruises, gift cards, travel packages, and of course the Hilton family of hotels. I’ve taken my family to the Times Square DoubleTree 3 times in the last 18months for 3 nights each stay. The room rate averages $350 + tax and comes with a buffet breakfast. I have never paid a dime for the room. My card points footed the bill. I’ve done the same at other tourist locations and made out like a bandit.
I also have the Starwood, Blue, and Platinum but the Hilton card is the most heavily used because of the benefits.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm
@ Shawn:
I considered the Hilton when I got the SPG AMEX but at that time, I found the Starwood to be a better benefit – namely the 5K bonus when transferring 20K points -> air miles. I don’t often/ever use points for hotel stays so I don’t know how the hotel redemption compares.