For a limited time, the Starwood American Express is offering up to 30,000 bonus Starpoints as a signup bonus — enough for 3 free nights at a Category 4 hotel (or 10-15 nights at a Category 1 hotel). You’ll earn 10,000 bonus Starpoints after your first purchase and another 20,000 bonus Starpoints after spending at least $4,500 in your first 3 months of cardmembership. In addition, the annual fee of $65 will be waived for the first year.

Even without its generous signup bonus, however, the SPG Amex is one of my favorite travel credit cards.

Note: As of August 22, 2011, this 30k bonus Starpoints offer has expired.

Note #1: If you click through to the application and don’t see the 30k Starpoints offer, you may need to clear your cookies, then try again.

Note #2: If you’re applying for a new Starwood Amex, don’t include any additional cardmembers as part of your application. Instead, apply and get the card first, then use this link to add additional users. It will allow you to earn 1,000 additional Starpoints when you add an Additional Cardmember to your account and they spend $150 in the first 3 months (up to 2 additional cardmembers).

Note #3: For a limited time, Amex is also running a referral program for this same 30k offer. If you know someone who already has an SPG card, you can ask them if they received a referral offer. If they did, they can send you a link for this 30k offer and if you sign up under their link, they will receive 5k Starpoints as well.