Starwood Preferred Guest and American Express have expanded the benefits available with the SPG Credit Card from American Express. These enhancements, effective August 11, are designed to provide greater value and convenience for frequent travelers and loyal SPG members.
Key upgrades to the card benefits include:
- No foreign transaction fees, making international purchases and ATM withdrawals more cost-effective for cardholders.
- Complimentary, unlimited Boingo Wi‑Fi access on up to four devices, available at more than one million hotspots worldwide to help travelers stay connected.
- Complimentary premium in‑room Internet at participating hotels, improving the online experience for business and leisure guests.
- Access to Sheraton Club Lounges for SPG American Express OPEN card members at participating locations, when eligible, offering an enhanced lounge experience.
These benefit changes coincide with an adjustment to the card’s annual fee. Beginning August 11, the annual fee will increase from $65 to $95. To ease the transition for new customers, the first year of card membership is offered free of charge.
Cardholders should review the full terms and participating property details to understand how these benefits apply to specific stays and transactions. The no foreign transaction fee feature can provide savings for those who travel internationally or make purchases in foreign currencies, while the expanded Wi‑Fi offerings and premium in‑room Internet can streamline work and leisure connectivity during trips.
Access to Sheraton Club Lounges for eligible SPG American Express OPEN card members can add value for travelers who use Sheraton properties frequently, though lounge access typically depends on location, time, and specific hotel policies. As with all card benefits, availability and enrollment requirements may vary.
Prospective applicants should weigh the increased annual fee against the enhanced benefits and their typical travel patterns. For many frequent travelers, the combined value of waived foreign transaction fees, widespread Wi‑Fi access, upgraded in‑room Internet, and lounge access may offset the higher annual cost. Existing cardmembers may also want to evaluate how the new benefits align with their usage to determine whether to retain the card.
Before making any decisions, verify the current terms and conditions and any applicable restrictions directly with American Express and participating Starwood properties. Benefit availability, participating locations, and enrollment requirements can change, so checking the issuer’s announcements and the cardmember agreement will ensure the most accurate and up‑to‑date information.