This is another article in the “The best card for earning…” series where we analyze the best ways to earn your favorite points currencies. The previous Marriott Rewards article can be found here.
SPG Starpoints are a considered by many to be a favorite points currency. They are valuable, flexible, and can have high redemption values. Recently, Starpoints have gotten even better with their integration with Marriott Rewards points (SPG Starpoints convert to Marriott Rewards points  at a 1:3 ratio).
There are many cards that can earn, transfer, or convert into SPG Starpoints. So what is the best choice?
WHAT YOU PROBABLY THINK:
(image courtesy of americanexpress.com)
METHODOLOGY:
To analyze this, I setup a hypothetical spending situation of $1,000 dollars. Next, I based the analysis on potential maximum spend – – the most you could earn on the card in the most lucrative category with the notable exception of actual Starwood hotel spending (which could earn an inordinate amount of points and result in a somewhat unrealistic analysis).
THE CONTENDERS:
 
THE ANALYSIS AND RESULTS:
(The Results)
In the above analysis, the Chase Freedom and Chase INK Cash cards win handily in racking up Starpoints on $1,000 spend. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be earned at the 5x rate [in certain categories] on these cards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points convert to Marriott Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Rewards points can then be converted to Starpoints at a 1:3 ratio. This clocks in at 1,667 Starpoints on $1,000 worth of spend. Did I mention that both of these cards come with a $0 annual fee?
The 2nd Place card was the American Express Everyday Preferred card. This card earns 3x on grocery spend, and can be bonused by 1.5 if you can achieve 30 or more transactions on this card in one monthly billing cycle – – bringing the potential max earn rate to 4.5x. AMEX Membership Rewards points convert to SPG Starpoints at a 3:1 ratio. The bottom line is that this card can earn you 1,500 Starpoints on a $1,000 spend.
The AMEX Starwood Preferred Guest card will earn you 1x on all spending, thus 1,000 Starpoints. Note that the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest card is the best card to earn Starpoints in all non-bonus spend categories so it is still quite valuable even with the $95 annual fee.
Cheers!
