As it has already become an annual tradition, the SPG American Express sign-up Bonus is back up to 30,000 points instead of the usual 25,000. The increased sign up bonus is available for anyone who signs up and is approved by September 14, 2015 for either the personal and Business cards (or both!). The $95 annual fee is waived the first year, and the business card comes with a wonderful new benefit, which is the Sheraton Club lounge access. I personally signing up for the Business version, which I haven’t had in a couple of years, and was approved after a quick follow up phone call.

The full offer grants you 30,000 SPG points when you spend $3,000 ($5,000 for the business version) within the first 3 months of card membership. SPG points are my second best favorite currency after Ultimate Rewards, and worth about 2.2 cents per point, so the sign up bonus alone is about $730 after you factor in the required spending. Some of the best features of the SPG program are the ability to get the 5th night free on reward stays for category 3-7 hotels, transfer the points to airlines at a 25% bonus, and their award stays counting towards elite status, among many others.

If you already have either the personal or business card, you can get the other one and get the increased bonus. If you have any friends or family who need the card, you can now refer them and earn 5,000 points if your friend is approved for the card.

Keep in mind that per new Amex rules, if you’ve EVER had the personal version of the card, you’re not eligible for the sign up bonus again. The Business version is generally eligible if you haven’t had the card in the past 12 months.

If you’re thinking of getting either card and need a referral, we would also be happy to send you one for either card. Just send us an email with your full name  to travelguys AT freetravelguys DOT com and we’ll send a referral email your way, or simply click on this link (personal) or Business link (thank you for your support!).

The is a post from FreeTravelGuys.