To get points for our stay in Monaco next year I am thinking of getting the Starwood Amex (would be are 4th Amex card). After spending $2,000, I would then have 12,000 starpoints. One concern is that Starwood site says credit card is free first year and $30 thereafter. Here, people are claiming it is free. Are there certain conditions for it to be free?

I have never used a credit card for miles except for Delta. With Starwood Amex, I understand that you get a bonus of 5,000 for every 20,000 transferred? So, for 50,000 miles to go to Northwest, I would need 40,000 starpoints?

My big problem has been Northwest as their awards are cheaper than Delta even though they are both Skyteam. I have no points with them and they are not hooked into Membership Rewards.

thanks,