Starwood Amex: New benefits and annual fee in October

The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express, our choice for best mile credit card, is changing features and its annual fee in October.

The good…

• Now get 5 nights toward elite status each year you renew the card. Very helpful for people who stay at Starwood Hotels on business and want a boost toward the benefits of status
• Now get a third night free when you stay for 2 nights at Sheraton hotels

The bad…

• The annual fee increases to $65 from $45. Never good to see a fee increase, but it’s still less than most mile credit cards and still the most versatile and powerful in its class.
• The 50% off a stay certificate goes away. Few people used it because it only offered 50% off the highest rack rates. Regular rates are often half the rack rate to begin with, limiting the value of the coupon.

We still love the card, and encourage you to read more about it here. It’s the best kept secret in travel.