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**Feb 25, 2019 Update: This Canadian SPG Amex card is no longer available for new applications. New Card available Feb 26th, 2019**
While it’s widely accepted that Canadian credits cards offer lower bonuses and perks than their American counterparts, some cards in Canada are in fact closing that gap. SPG Amex Canada has announced recent upgrades (15 Elite Night Credits) to its benefits, while SPG Amex US has increased the spend limit to achieve Gold Elite status from 30k to 35k, starting January 1, 2019. Essentially, with 15 elite nights benefit and Silver Elite Status, Canadian members (like US members) would only need 10 more nights to qualify for Gold Elite membership or 35 nights for Platinum Elite status. Does this mean the Canadian version of the SPG Amex credit card is better than its US counterpart? No, but it certainly has minimized the the benefits gap.
SPG Amex Credit Card – US vs Canada:
Below is the head to head of the two cards, the benefits bolded are the category winners imo.
*Use Horizontal Scroll*
[table id=66 /]
Take Away
With first year free annual fee, no foreign exchange fee, higher welcome bonus and earning rate, the US SPG Amex credit card (referral link) is still a better card, overall. The Canadian SPG Amex credit card has improved and will continue to be the primary SPG/Marriott card in Canada. Best Marriott earning card in Canada however, is the Cobalt American Express card.
5 comments
Good post Anshul.
I wonder if the American call centre answers overseas? I have noticed a drop in the quality of service for Canadian customers when the call is diverted to overseas ( most of the time).
Cheers Bernard! Are you referring to Amex call centres in other countries? No idea. In general I find Amex reps in Canada and US are pretty awesome and helpful..
Sorry if I missed the context of your comment..
In the last year or so when I call the Canadian customer service line it answers in I believe the Phillipines. It used to be always in Canada. They try to be helpful but there is a language barrier.
How do you apply for the US one as a Canadian?
Hi Ken,
Hope this helps – https://princeoftravel.com/blog/getting-us-credit-cards-for-canadians