Photo: Franz Josef Glazier New Zealand

I feel left out with all you guys getting a new Starwood Personal card with the 10K sign up and 15K bonus for $15K spending in the first 6 months. When I got the card, there was no bonus offer based on a $15K spend.

So I wrote them Saturday AM:

“Dear Amex,

I recently have started using my personal SPG card as my primary credit card partly because of your great service and partly because of the SPG points I earn.

My question regards the 15K SPG bonus for spending of $15,000 in the first 6 months…

I do not believe my card ever qualified for that bonus. Should I cancel my existing card and apply for a new one with that offer attached? Or is there some you way you can add that promotion to my existing card?

As always thanks for the prompt and informative reply I know I will receive.

The Frugal Travel Guy
A Happy Amex Cardholder”

And You Wonder Why I Like the Starwood Card?

Here is their reply on the same day before noon:

“Dear Mr Frugal Travel Guy,

I can understand your concern regarding this matter. Please know that American Express values you as a card member and will stand by you whenever you need assistance.

I have reviewed your Starwood Card and determined that you have spent more than $15,000.00 on your account.

As a gesture of respect to your relationship with American Express and our commitment for impeccable customer service, I have issued you 15,000 Bonus Starpoints on your account. Please be assured that these Starpoints would reflect on your upcoming statement.

I hope my action meets with your approval and I appreciate the opportunity to be of service. If there is any other way we may be of assistance, please contact us.

We really value your association with us since 2002 and assure you of our best services at all times.

Sincerely, ….”

That blows me away. Monday morning they were in my account already

Two months ago, I wrote about the missing business card referrals from a past promotion I was to receive and they made that right as well. I thought I had three referrals and they had paid me for one. Without question they put another 10K in my account.

Please be assured I am not making up false claims for more SPG points. My requests are sincere and real and these guys treat me with respect and the way a customer should be treated.

Besides having the most valuable reward point available today in the card market, this is the kind of treatment I get

And see now on their website, I can refer more people to the SPG personal card. Let me know if you are interested in this type of customer service.

Any questions why I am a Starwood fan? I’ll send you my whole list of reasons.