Update: As of 2:13PM Eastern on 10/20, some people are now seeing the “once per lifetime” language reappear. I still see the “12 month language” in the browser I used earlier to find the offer, but in incognito mode I see the new language. Amex appears to be updating the offer to revert back to their “once per lifetime rule”.
Today the Starwood Preferred Guest business credit card has reverted from its limited time 2 free night offer back to the normal 25,000 points offer. In doing that, someone noticed that the bonus language seems to have changed as well. Before the change, the terms stated:
Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product.
As of now, the terms seem to have gone back to the old rules.
Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product within the last 12 months.
Mistake?
It is quite possible that this was a mistake and American Express meant to have the “once per lifetime” language, but simply used an old template. At this point it is impossible to tell if this will be a long term change or a short term mistake.
Use Caution
If you currently do not have this card and have not had it within the past 12 months, then you may be eligible for the bonus based on that language. With that said:
- It is possible this is a mistake and that American Express will try not to honor the bonus if you have had this card before.
- Be sure to take a lot of screenshots showing the terms so you can present them to American Express if you have an issue with the bonus being honored.
- Use caution when buying cash equivalents since those do not count towards minimum spend per the terms.