My friend got this reply,
Dear ........,
I understand your concern regarding the first purchase bonus of 10,000 bonus Starpoints.
Please allow me to explain.
I'd like you to know that as per Starwood policies, this Welcome Bonus of 10,000 points is not available to applicants who have had this Card product within the last 12 months.
I've checked our records and I see that you did have a Starwood Card earlier which was cancelled on xx/xx/2011.
However, you do qualify for the remaining 20,000 bonus Starpoints when you spend $5,000 on the Card within the first 6 months (183 days) of Cardmembership.
I hope the above clarification is helpful.
If there is any other way we may be of assistance, please contact us. We value your business and look forward to the opportunity to be of service.
Sincerely,
Sumita Bandopadhyay
Email Servicing Team
American Express Interactive Services