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TPG reader Wissam sent me a message on Facebook to ask about Amex Platinum benefits:

The benefit terms on both cards state that once you’ve enrolled in complimentary SPG status, you’ll keep it as long as you remain eligible (that is, as long as your account is open and in good standing). However, Starwood doesn’t know whether your Platinum card is still active; as far as they’re concerned, your status expires in March just like everyone else who hasn’t met the qualification requirements.

The solution is simple: You just have to call the Amex Platinum concierge each year and reactivate the benefit. It would be great if Amex could figure out a way to automate this, but calling only takes a few minutes, so it’s not a big hassle. Your Gold status should reappear soon after (it could be as little as a few minutes, and I wouldn’t expect it to take longer than a day).

You can put your SPG Gold status to use at properties like the W Los Angeles; just remember to activate the benefit each year.

Gold is the lowest tier of Starwood Preferred Guest elite status, but it gets you valuable perks like bonus points, space-available upgrades and late checkout. You also get access to Crossover Rewards, so you can earn Starpoints and enjoy a few other perks when you fly with Delta. There are other shortcuts to hotel elite status, but it’s great that the Platinum cards continue to offer it as a standard benefit.

For more on Amex Platinum benefits and Starwood elite status, check out these posts:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

Source: thepointsguy.com