The Explorer Credit Card (New AMEX Card!)

[crossbow]

Can confirm SPG rate is 1 Amex Gateway = 0.5 SPG (same rate as Ascent).

This is precisely what I did with my Explorer 110k bonus. Transferred to 55,000 SPG. I did a small test transfer first, and once that arrived in SPG account, followed up with the full amount the next day. (Both SPG transfers arrived in SPG account around 11pm Sydney time for a transfer initiated earlier that day).

Note that with the Marriott acquisition of Starwood, SGP points can be transferred instantly to Marriott rewards 3:1. So your 110k Amex points gets you 165,000 Marriott points.

I used 120,000 Amex -> 60,000 SPG -> 180,000 Marriott and redeemed these points for 5 nights in Marriott category 9 hotel in Europe (Marriott offers 5th night free on reward redemptions). The value is not as good as first class airline redemptions, but still not bad.

 

[crossbow]

One note for anyone trying Amex to SPG transfer first time. The Amex web site asks for your company/business name in the link form, and it's a required field - web site won't let you leave it blank. Obviously no good if it's a personal account - I tried just adding my own name in that field and the link was created and points transferred without issue. Same for the second line of your address - it's a required field even if your address fits in one line - I inserted state in that field from memory.

 

[annielee]

another good reason to transfer to SPG, you can further 'convert' the Starpoints to AA/BA/Alaska and etc miles, and for every 20k startpoints transferred you will be getting an additional 5k miles.. so lets say, 80kMR = 40K Starpoints = 50K miles (depending on which airlines)..if my calculation are right..

 

[nightelves]

Think this package is worth a lot more considering you're getting 120k + 7 nights for 90k starpoints. If you were to convert the points straight up with the bonus 5k miles for every 20k transfer you'll get roughly the same amount of points minus hotel nights.

I know I recently utilitised this package and got 152k worth of United points which is close to a 1:1 transfer.

Flight and Hotel Packages | Marriott Hotel Packages

 

[crossbow]

Think this package is worth a lot more considering you're getting 120k + 7 nights for 90k starpoints. If you were to convert the points straight up with the bonus 5k miles for every 20k transfer you'll get roughly the same amount of points minus hotel nights.

Agree their flight and hotel deal is the best value from Marriott at the moment if you can stretch to the required points and fit a 7 night stay into your travel plans. I was considering changing our plans and flights to make it work, but in the end went with a simple redemption for 5 nights.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Think this package is worth a lot more considering you're getting 120k + 7 nights for 90k starpoints. If you were to convert the points straight up with the bonus 5k miles for every 20k transfer you'll get roughly the same amount of points minus hotel nights.

I know I recently utilitised this package and got 152k worth of United points which is close to a 1:1 transfer.

Flight and Hotel Packages | Marriott Hotel Packages

Is there any way to easily search these deals? Because I don't have enough points in my account I get 'you don't have enough points for this reward' so can't really see what's on offer easily.

 

[annielee]

agreed with that.. hotel and miles are a better value.. can i get more information from you since you've used it before
- the bonus miles + base miles will be transferred at the same time to united, which can be used anytime (within 1 year) ?
- 7nights hotel can be anywhere, redeemable within one year ??

Think this package is worth a lot more considering you're getting 120k + 7 nights for 90k starpoints. If you were to convert the points straight up with the bonus 5k miles for every 20k transfer you'll get roughly the same amount of points minus hotel nights.

I know I recently utilitised this package and got 152k worth of United points which is close to a 1:1 transfer.

Flight and Hotel Packages | Marriott Hotel Packages

 

[nightelves]

agreed with that.. hotel and miles are a better value.. can i get more information from you since you've used it before
- the bonus miles + base miles will be transferred at the same time to united, which can be used anytime (within 1 year) ?
- 7nights hotel can be anywhere, redeemable within one year ??

Depending on the airline expire date. With United points takes 1 month to transfer and has an expiration date of 18 months. Whereas hotels have an expiration date of 1 year from when the package was purchased with the option of extending it for another year if you call up the Marriot Rewards CS or exchanging the 7 nights back to Marriot for 45,000 points.

You also have the option of upgrading to the next category by paying the difference between the two packages. Hope that helps.

 

[nightelves]

Is there any way to easily search these deals? Because I don't have enough points in my account I get 'you don't have enough points for this reward' so can't really see what's on offer easily.

The link that I provided should allow you to open to the page with all the different packages.

 

[Steady]

The link that I provided should allow you to open to the page with all the different packages.

I took DrRalph's question to be about room availability as I have had the same thought. How do you see if there will be a week available where and when you want it?

 

[Dr Ralph]

I took DrRalph's question to be about room availability as I have had the same thought. How do you see if there will be a week available where and when you want it?

Exactly. Because I don't keep any points in that account until I'm ready to use them I can only get as far as ''you don't have enough points for this reward'

 

[nightelves]

I took DrRalph's question to be about room availability as I have had the same thought. How do you see if there will be a week available where and when you want it?

Oh ok how I did it was called up Marriot CS 0282985250 tell them the dates and hotel that you're after and they'll attach the certificate to your stay. You have to call up to redeem the 7 nights certificate.

 

[SOPOOR]

ok eveyrone, finally got my plat edge after getting my explorer about 3 weeks ago

ive done the minimum spend for explorer, got the bonus,

will be doing minimum spend on edge from today
ordered my supp cards,

for linking do people recommend I do it after getting the plat edge bonus points?

 

[Irishbazz]

I would wait for your bonus points to post prior to re-linking. Might not be an issue as Gateway is the giveaway, but you never know.

 

[Irishbazz]

another good reason to transfer to SPG, you can further 'convert' the Starpoints to AA/BA/Alaska and etc miles, and for every 20k startpoints transferred you will be getting an additional 5k miles.. so lets say, 80kMR = 40K Starpoints = 50K miles (depending on which airlines)..if my calculation are right..

Just seeking clarification on the 5k bonus, must each transfer be in 20k increments or can you transfer 40k and receive the 50k?

 

[Irishbazz]

Exactly. Because I don't keep any points in that account until I'm ready to use them I can only get as far as ''you don't have enough points for this reward'

Just log in to the Marriott site and search for your dates and make sure "Use points" is checked. The points hack guide explains the process, if further clarification is required.

 

[unfunkable]

Also, when you merge you programs, the gateway $400 credit will disappear.
You can de link to make it re appear, but it's a pain in the cough. A member here said they could get it manually added, but I don't think I have seen anyone post that that has actually happened.

 

[B0RDEX]

Hi all, first post so be gentle please!

Applied and approved for both the Explorer and the Plat Edge card on Friday (both using referral links from aff). I've never done the points thing before so have no existing points accounts ff/rewards/otherwise, and I'm a bit confused on the whole linking/delinking thing despite a lot of reading.

I applied for the Explorer for the 80k sign up points, which I understand are the Gateway rewards, and the Plat Edge to get into the Ascent program for the better redemption of 1:1 to airline miles, rather than the 4:3... I was hoping it would be a simple transfer of the 80k reward points from the Gateway program to the Ascent program if I was in both, but after all this reading it appears that's not possible - is that correct?

I'm yet to receive either card yet obviously, but after reading the last few pages in this thread I'm starting to worry they might put me straight into the Ascent program due to also getting the Plat Edge, and therefore I will end up not getting the 80k bonus points from the Explorer... Is anyone able to confirm?

Apologies mods if this isn't the best thread to post in, still finding my way around.

ETA: One more question - I'm sure there's T&Cs or fine print to prevent it, but can the two travel credits be combined/used in the same transaction? Or will I only get one travel credit, and if so, will it be there $400 or the $200? Did the Explorer app first if it matters.

 

[avante]

just called to relink my cards after getting the bonus and was told to use up all the gateway pts as they can't be transferred over (american call centre)
i think the ship has sailed..

i might call again next sunday if i remember, otherwise the pts will be going to SPG

I called on Sunday morning (9am) and spoke to an Australian CSR who was more than happy to transfer the points. I said I wanted them merged for ease of management and he said "you'll also get a better points earn".

 

[mmchow]

Hi all, first post so be gentle please!

Applied and approved for both the Explorer and the Plat Edge card on Friday (both using referral links from aff). I've never done the points thing before so have no existing points accounts ff/rewards/otherwise, and I'm a bit confused on the whole linking/delinking thing despite a lot of reading.

I applied for the Explorer for the 80k sign up points, which I understand are the Gateway rewards, and the Plat Edge to get into the Ascent program for the better redemption of 1:1 to airline miles, rather than the 4:3... I was hoping it would be a simple transfer of the 80k reward points from the Gateway program to the Ascent program if I was in both, but after all this reading it appears that's not possible - is that correct?

I'm yet to receive either card yet obviously, but after reading the last few pages in this thread I'm starting to worry they might put me straight into the Ascent program due to also getting the Plat Edge, and therefore I will end up not getting the 80k bonus points from the Explorer... Is anyone able to confirm?

Apologies mods if this isn't the best thread to post in, still finding my way around.

ETA: One more question - I'm sure there's T&Cs or fine print to prevent it, but can the two travel credits be combined/used in the same transaction? Or will I only get one travel credit, and if so, will it be there $400 or the $200? Did the Explorer app first if it matters.

It really depends on what sort of account you'll ended up getting. If they are on Gateway (Explorer) and Ascent (Edge) you are fine. Proceed with spending the minimum amount and you'll get the bonus points.

Things get tricky when you had the both cards on the Ascent. Details on the wiki page, call to delink, met the spend requirement and both bonus points should post. To relink it back, mix result but still doable.

For the travel credit, you'll get both and they are on separate account. I was told that I couldn't combine both together and use it as one credit.