The new Marriott Bonvoy American Express replaces the popular SPG Amex

As winter rages on across this cold, cold country, you may be dreaming of an escape to more tepid climes. What better time, then, to apply for a new travel rewards credit card — one that could get you more bang for your buck when you finally succumb to the siren call of a toasty getaway?

Enter the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card — a revamp of one of our favourite travel rewards cards on the market, Amex’s Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. Bonvoy, the new loyalty program by Marriott, was introduced on Jan. 16 and combines the three, previously separate rewards programs Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest.

"With our rebranded Marriott Bonvoy American Express Cards, we're very proud to provide Cardmembers robust benefits and rewards which capitalize on Marriott International's new travel program and the expansive hotel network it provides," said Kerry Vincent, director of consumer card partnerships at American Express Canada.

Where new members of the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card had the opportunity to earn up to 50,000 points if they spent $1,500 in their first three months, Marriott Bonvoy cardholders can now earn 60,000 points for the same amount of spending — enough to redeem four free nights at a hotel in the Marriott network.

You’ll also get 15 Elite Night Credits once every calendar year. Once you’ve collected enough credits, you can use them to upgrade your status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Basically, the higher your status, the more perks and exclusive benefits you open up, like enhanced room upgrades or late checkouts.

Beyond these features, you’ll get the same great advantages that you had with the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. Here are some of the card highlights:

• Earning five points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases
• Earning two points for every dollar you spend on all other purchases
• No fee for additional cards
• A free night at eligible hotels and resorts across the world once a year, after your first anniversary
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
• The opportunity to automatically upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you spend $30,000 each year
• The chance to redeem points for free stays at over 6,700 hotels, with no blackout dates  

We’ll have a new review of the updated card soon. In the meantime, you can get more information and apply for it here.