Magazine

Cover Story [Aug 2009 Issue]

The complete article, Parts 1 through 3 of our look at credit cards and your miles and points.

Go directly to Part Three

If you are one of those who has grown frustrated with frequent flyer program changes, it may make more sense to change the credit card you use, not the airline you fly, to help remedy your frustration. Keep this in mind when choosing between a mileage card and a cash back card. Some say that cash will earn you interest, but the miles will always depreciate. But our comparison finds that a one percent cash back bonus isn't much of a perk when you're paying 18 percent or more in annual interest.

When the new Delta SkyMiles program is finally completely merged with Northwest WorldPerks, it will take off with a different type of plastic in nearly half of its members' wallets. Thus is a scene in the latest installment of "credit card wars," which has sprung up against a backdrop of credit woes, lowered spending limits and a possible Presidential intervention on a credit card bill of rights. All this, and to think that all the millions of members of frequent flyer programs really want from their credit card is a free flight to somewhere.

We'll take a look at the U.S. Bank/American Express credit card choices for WorldPerks members, lay out some basic rules for any reader who may be deciding if they need a new credit card and will continue next month by taking a look at the cards other travel experts seem to prefer and much more.

When U.S. Bank and American Express faced off to determine the future credit card partners for the merger bound Delta SkyMiles program, we wrote that it was likely that American Express would win this variation of the "cola wars." Fact is, American Express seldom blinks, and while we have grown fond of the newly "reinvented, rejuvenated" WorldPerks Visa and thought they might have had a chance in the debit and mortgage financial services area for SkyMiles, we were pretty sure what the outcome would be. And it's likely that U.S. Bank cringed at the possibility of signing over their TARP funds check to SkyMiles--and decided to let American Express do that. This scenario sets up a "pause and compare" for the nearly one million WorldPerks Visa cardholders who are now struggling with the idea of either a new name in their wallet--FlexPerks--or an American Express card emblazoned with the SkyMiles logo. It's been a long time (1994 to be exact) since WorldPerks members had a credit card choice to make and this one shows all the signs of a classic turf war.

Current WorldPerks U.S. Bank cardholders are being asked to earn points toward free flights on over 150 airlines with no blackout dates or award ticket redemption fees with the new U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa cards. New FlexPerks cards are now arriving and have the same credit card number, so no application is required and automatic bill payments should continue uninterrupted. While similar to other bank-issued travel rewards credit cards like Capital One and Citi Premier Pass, FlexPerks Travel Rewards cardholders will earn one FlexPoint for each dollar spent on their new card and automatically earn double FlexPoints for what they spend on gas, groceries or airline purchases--whichever is highest for the customer during the month. In addition, double points are earned on most cell phone related charges. Awards start at 20,000 FlexPoints for airline tickets on more than 150 airlines, including Northwest AND Delta Air Lines. A small but delightful surprise comes with each redeemed award ticket and that is a credit allowance of up to $20 for possible baggage fees or in-flight food or beverages. Cardholders also have the choice to redeem their FlexPoints for gift cards, merchandise, travel certificates or even statement credit. Current U.S. Bank debit card products will transition to FlexPerks this summer allowing cardholders to combine their FlexPoint earnings from both credit and debit card purchases.

In the war to own WorldPerks members' wallet share for credit cards, there has been some trash talking. American Express was very aggressive in referring to the FlexPerks product as a "generic travel card," which "will have no relationship with Delta or Northwest and will not provide you with the benefits you have come to expect." We wouldn't be surprised if there are "generic travel card" t-shirts being proudly worn around the headquarters of U.S. Bank as Delta Air Lines further raised the bar by suing U.S. Bank saying that the move violated long-held agreements and that the name FlexPerks was too similar to WorldPerks. While we can't say we disagree (though we do love the wink at American Express) it has been resolved in a highly unusual manner. Originally WorldPerks Visa cardholders were going to be able to continue earning WorldPerks/SkyMiles miles from their credit card purchases through Aug. 22, 2009. That is being shortened by two months with cardholders earning both FlexPerks points and WorldPerks miles for their charges with either card for one month only, likely this month. After that the WorldPerks Visa becomes invalid and those choosing to remain with the U.S. Bank product will enjoy a head start with FlexPerks.

But those members choosing to move to the Delta SkyMiles American Express card are enjoying competition at its best with new offers almost daily (35,000 bonus miles being somewhat standard). The question WorldPerks members face is whether to be loyal to U.S. Bank or loyal to the frequent flyer program.

A short comparison

Both cards can earn free travel, merchandise options, hotel stays, car rentals and gift cards, depending on the member level you have with Northwest WorldPerks or Delta SkyMiles, and of course, which options you decide to use with each card.

The "generic" credit card FlexPerks pros:

• You have more airlines to choose from than the current and future Delta SkyMiles program, which means more choices for free tickets.
  
• The $20 airline allowance when redeeming an award.
  
• Visa.
  
• Double FlexPoints on preferred spending (select cards)--important.
  There is no reason to change cards, worry about spending limit reductions or card acceptance by moving to American Express with SkyMiles.
  

FlexPerks cons:

• Ability to earn free travel is based upon how much you spend with this credit card.
  
• No cash-back options.
  
• No ability to combine these "points" with actual airline miles for elite-level and other types of bonus opportunities.
  
• FlexPoints will expire five years from the end of the calendar quarter in which they were earned (no extensions).
  
• Credit card points cannot be used for upgrades.
  

The "affinity" SkyMiles pros:

• Credit card miles can help earn elite-level status that is good for upgrades and even special security lines at the airport.
  
• Credit card miles can be combined with other types of miles earned in the program toward reward redemptions of all types.
  
• You get miles with the world's largest airline through the merger with Northwest Airlines, featuring domestic partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Continental Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Midwest Airlines. As well, they have 12 continuing foreign airline relationships in the SkyTeam Alliance.
  
• With Pay With Miles, there are opportunities to redeem at lower levels than other credit card programs. This feature allows Gold, Platinum and Reserve cardholders to book Delta/NWA flights with no blackout dates or inventory restrictions on delta.com. Cardholders can use miles like cash to pay for any seat, anytime. The feature also allows cardholders to use miles to pay for all or part of their trip, with redemptions starting at 10,000 miles for $100 off the cost of a flight--essentially every mile you have is worth one cent.
  
• Miles expiration can be extended with activity to the account on a regular basis.
  
• Credit card miles can be used for "flight upgrades."
  

SkyMiles cons:

• Fewer airlines from which to choose award travel.
  
• There are capacity controls and other restrictions on some awards.
  
• There are program adjustments on what seems like an annual basis.
  
• Some cards have caps on the number of miles cardholders can earn from spending.
  
• Fees.
  

So, without getting too technical, this is a basic comparison between the two types of cards. Whether with FlexPerks from U.S. Bank or other types of cards from Capital One or Citibank, the comparisons are always similar with the more "generic" cards having greater flexibility with airline choices, and to some degree, better value at some award levels. But, they fall short when compared to actual frequent flyer miles for elite level and other upgrade benefits, such as preferred security lines at the airport, and of course, their more strict expiration policies.

For the general traveler, we see greater value for them to continue their card relationship with U.S. Bank (we're sure they have more features coming to that card). But for the high flyer, we think the SkyMiles credit card is the better choice. For example, a first class ticket to Asia might well cost $8,500 in normal travel times. If you purchase the ticket with miles, that would require you to spend nearly $500,000 with U.S. Bank. With Delta SkyMiles, that award, if only using credit card miles for the purchase, would be available after spending approximately anywhere from $120,000 to $370,000. And far less than this when combining with other miles from your account.

The bottom line for any decision is based upon what is best for you. Both options are better than not getting any rewards at all for your spending habits.

The Choice is not Always Clear

And while you might have experienced or at the least heard of stories of frequent flyers having their credit card limits reduced, and thus causing a major impact on annual mileage accumulation, you might want to start checking your mailbox twice a day. Because things are returning to normal, and chances are, your mail box is overflowing with credit card offers. But how do you know what's right for you? If you are like others and are confused by the dozens of credit card choices available to you, then we suggest you disregard all you read in advertisements--these are too general and not targeted to your specific mileage or points needs. Your choice must be specifically tailored to what's best for you.

Choosing a credit card can be daunting. Advertisements gush about "earning free travel" and "20,000 mile bonuses." If you were to believe everything you hear and read, you would probably be convinced that there are dozens of credit cards, all touting great, yet similar, rewards. Upon closer inspection, however, you would find that not all credit cards are created equal. Most will satisfy your basic desire to earn bonus miles and points with each purchase, but it is a very, very rare credit card indeed that meets all of your demands when it comes to flexibility, acceptance, benefits and fees.

The changes to the credit card landscape have been sweeping, such as the ability to actually earn elite status from credit card purchases (Delta Air Lines Reserve credit card) and the role they play when airlines merge (Delta/Northwest, America West/US Airways) and we do believe more airlines will merge by year's end. In days gone by, the viewpoint was to open up your wallet and put the scissors to any card that had the name of an airline on it--they were most apt to feature high interest rates and annual fees. However, as we said, the landscape is changing and more often than not nearly all of the most rewarding credit cards have annual fees of none to $50 annually--a far cry from the standard of $75-125 just a few short years ago. Consequently, there's never been a better time to audit your wallet and make sure you have the best plastic.

One of the most basic decisions every mileage-earning credit card owner must make is whether or not to choose an airline specific card vs. a hotel specific card vs. a "banked" credit card vs. a non-affinity card and all that is before we get to determining whether it's smart to go "credit" vs. "debit." Or, as much of the world seems to be leaning these days and if we were to follow the advice of other travel experts (you have to know where we stand on this!), a cash back card. The arguments for and against various cards generally take the following form: Cash back cards will earn you interest--and mileage cards, if you can ever find an award seat, keep depreciating. As for debit cards? Who would ever want to pay a debt without playing the float?

When you are buried in debt, choosing a credit card is typically a question of finding the one with the lowest interest rate--not one that has a rewards program. After all, a one percent cash back bonus isn't much of a perk when you're paying 21 percent or more in annual interest. Which is why changes to these mileage-earning cards are so welcome. Most can be leveraged for no annual fee with a little "card talk." And as for rewards, when properly managed, nothing comes close to leveraging the value of a reward to its highest level of value.

The biggest mistake? Using the wrong card and not clearly understanding all of its conditions, which can cost you more than the card gives. Reward cards have all kinds of pitfalls and here's seven things to consider when auditing your wallet:

• Limits: Various cash back and mileage cards have annual ceilings on how much you get back or earn. Make sure you don't find yourself spending for nothing.
  
• Annual fees: Make sure annual fees won't exceed your rewards.
  
• No room at the inn: Frustrated with award redemption? Don't feed the program that provides that frustration. Yes, some programs are far better at making airline seats available than others.
  
• Thresholds: If you believe that a cash back or other type of rebate card is best for you, make sure you know how much you will be required to spend before your rewards begin.
  
• Complicated: Some of the high value rewards cards can be complicated to master (redemption in precise increments), so make sure you have the time and patience to "manage" whatever program you choose.
  
• Narrow bonus categories: Sure, double miles/points for gas and groceries may sound great, but do you really know if you spend a significant amount of money for those items on an annual or monthly basis?
  
• Fees: Okay, you've earned a ton of miles or points and now comes redemption day. Make sure you understand what a "free" award will cost you before that day comes. Maybe there's better value with another card.
  

Let's look at some options available to you.

"Banked" credit cards

The staple of business travelers, the American Express card, was actually a latecomer to the world of miles and points. When frequent flyer programs were born in the '80s, the venerable AMEX struggled as card holders said goodbye to their old standby and jumped to Visa and MasterCard for their 1-to-1 miles to dollars programs.

Enter Membership Rewards. Originally called Membership Miles, the program we now know as Membership Rewards was launched in 1991. By 1995, the credit card magnate had joined forces with Hilton to offer a card, and the following year it branded itself with Sheraton. The original Sheraton card is now the Starwood Preferred card. The first Delta SkyMiles AMEX card was introduced in 1996, and later that year American Express introduced a Gold card. By 1999, it brought on the Platinum.

To help draw new cardholders and to keep others from jumping ship in this highly competitive arena, American Express can rightly claim the most comprehensive program in the marketplace with a benefit or option for just about everyone. And they recently reinstated one of their most popular features by offering to double the "bank" on everyday purchases at most grocery stores (not the big box club stores) and gasoline stations until March 15, 2010. This time, registration is required to earn the double Membership Rewards points.

Diners Club, the happy result of a misplaced wallet at a business meal in 1949, was the first relationship-marketing program in which members were both recognized and rewarded for their loyalty and its Club Rewards program, started in 1984, features a relationship with MasterCard and continues to allow members to convert points into miles with all frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, often featuring double redemption rates with select airlines.

While Club Rewards invented the idea of a credit card 'bank,' allowing members to choose which frequent flyer program to convert their spending rewards into, both Club Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards get plenty of competition these days from hotel credit cards that allow a similar banking choice. Prominent among these are the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card which has become the 'hip' choice among frequent flyer insiders (a three-time Freddie Awards winner) providing flexibility at a low (how's free for the first year?) annual fee.

A "banked" credit card is one that allows multiple transfers of earned miles or points to other travel loyalty programs.

Non-Affinity Cards

Here's our advice in a nutshell: Be careful. The value of miles earned on non-affinity cards is limited to the rewards offered by the credit card company itself--in other words, they are not transferable to any airline or hotel program, and as a result, cannot be pooled with miles earned by flying and generally cannot be used for upgrades. Familiar among these type of cards are those issued by Capital One, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank and U.S. Bank. The major drawback to these types of cards is that most of these programs place a cap on what they're willing to spend on free tickets. If the cost of a ticket exceeds their $500 cap, you may have to pick up the difference. Of course, many of these cards have no annual fee, which seems attractive on the surface. But again, the difference between their cap and the cost of the ticket may easily be larger than the annual fee for a true affinity card. And you thought frequent flyer programs were the worst when it comes to changing the rules? Ask any long term cardholder of Capital One or Citibank Premier Pass to find out what's left in their wallet.

Bottom line: If you, like most hardcore frequent flyers, prefer upgrades and the perks associated with elite-status, you're simply better off with a true frequent flyer or hotel rewards affinity card.

Debit Cards

Debit cards are a sound alternative for the consumer who either cannot qualify for a credit card or chooses to avoid using a credit card. The debit card bears a Visa or MasterCard logo and offers its holder the convenience of a credit card. Of course, the debit card subtracts money from your checking account and, therefore, allows you to spend only what you already have (actually a really good idea).

Why debit cards? Actually, Visa recently announced that spending on Visa debit cards in the U.S. has surpassed credit for the first time in the company's history. Consumers are increasingly turning to debit cards for non-discretionary purchases, or everyday spending. As of March 2009, approximately 52 percent of debit volume was for non-discretionary items like food and clothing in the U.S. The top categories for Visa debit usage include bill payment, gas, groceries and quick service restaurants. Visa research shows consumers have a growing preference for using debit in new merchant categories like dry cleaners, gas/service stations, movie theaters and convenience stores. Now do you understand why many credit cards are offering double miles and points for these same categories?

Continental partnered with Chase in 1999 to offer the first co-branded affinity debit card. Since then, the offers have come fast and furious, and today there are at least 10 from which to choose. Alaska Airlines, American, Continental, United and US Airways each offer at least one version.

Before jumping on the affinity debit card bandwagon, you must have an account with the issuing bank. You'll want to know if that bank is appropriate for your needs. Are its terms and conditions acceptable? Are there local branches? And is it worth jumping through the appropriate hoops to start yet another checking account?

The most tangible drawback in terms of earning ability is that debit cards generally earn about half the miles of a credit card. Unless you're willing to pay extra fees for a "premium" classification, you can expect to earn one mile for every two dollars spent. The Premium Citibank AA Debit card and the Chase Debit Preferred and Business cards all offer a full mile per dollar spent, but they'll also set you back $65 a year in fees, not unlike a normal credit card.

Consider: If you spend $5,000 a year on your debit card and the base level of a flight award is 25,000 miles, it will take you 10 years to earn a free ticket (at earning half the miles per dollar spent). By that time, you'll have paid $25 to $30 a year and that "free" ticket will have quietly cost you $250 to $300 dollars. However, most people using a debit card see it as the equivalent of writing a check and if you can earn miles for writing a check, you're way ahead of the game.

Obviously, by itself, this hardly seems to be a good deal. But if you're earning miles by flying or other activities, the debit card may be just the thing to pad your mileage account.

The Trends

Larger sign up bonuses: In years past, the Chase Visa card from United Mileage Plus offered the typical 15,000-20,000 bonus miles for sign ups. But they and many others are getting very aggressive and now offer 35,000-45,000 bonus miles for acquiring a new credit card. With credit choices being altered by the current economy, banks are willing to bet on the brighter days ahead and are giving those who are frustrated with credit choices a new start. And it doesn't hurt that the Delta/Northwest merger has put a fire under the customer capture game for current WorldPerks members, even those who may not even have the current U.S. Bank Visa card.

Anniversary bonuses: It used to be that this very nice compliment was only offered by the Alaska Mileage Plan credit card, but now you'll find thousands of extra bonus miles come your way each and every year you continue with a card.

Free companion tickets: First introduced years ago by the American AAdvantage credit card, this feature has become a standard. Many savvy frequent flyers bank on this one benefit to save them money, since it no longer requires that you purchase a full-fare ticket to take along someone for free. The newer offers include most discount fare classes and even include international destinations. But, if you are like most members, keeping track of these companion tickets is money being lost. Truthfully, do you know how many you are eligible for and if you actually used them all? We know we haven't.

Elite benefits: That's right, choose the right card and earn basic elite level benefits. While you're not likely going to be at the Platinum level, just knowing you have an elite membership will often make award redemption easier for you. While somewhat pioneered by hotel rewards cards, this is now becoming a feature with some airline credit cards. And we are not talking about spending your way to elite with this trend, merely being elite by choosing the right credit card.

Spending bonus: There's nothing more competitive today than an offer of bonus miles and points with a select set of merchants. And that battle ground is more often these days the Internet. Continental currently features ShopOnePass. When members use their Continental Airlines Chase credit or debit card, they earn twice the miles when linking from continental.com to their online mall of merchants.

Partner bonuses: American AAdvantage Citibank card awarded cardholders a special 7,500-mile bonus for spending with a variety of AAdvantage partners.

Special benefits: There's no better example of this than the American AAdvantage Citibank card. They have established a special award chart for cardholders entitling them to awards for only 20,000 miles. Granted only select cities apply and those cities change each quarter, but we have found this benefit to be one of the most valuable benefits of any card. Most recently U.S. Bank offered a similar award discount for WorldPerks members which will disappear with the change to SkyMiles.

Elite status: A growing number of programs offer members using specific credit cards miles earned from purchases counting toward re-qualification for elite. While these often have a high annual fee, when you consider that you won't have to make any late-year mileage runs to Singapore to re-qualify for elite, it's really cheap.

What's Right For You?

Your own habits will determine the type of card that works for you. To assist your decision, let's draw some generalizations--four profiles, if you will, which more or less cover the gamut.

The high-spending, high mileage type: Bill Gates meets Gulliver. These folks spend a great deal every year on travel. Whether it's on their own dime or a generous company expense account, they rack up the bills. A high annual fee is usually not a problem here, largely because the mileage earned inevitably makes up for any outlay. For this type of traveler, earning caps are out--they're ridiculous anyway. And since this traveler spends a lot of time and money on planes, it only makes sense to go with a program that gives you double miles on purchases made with the airline.

Most folks in this category have become obsessively good about paying off their balances in full every month, so interest rates are less of an issue. Almost any Platinum-level American Express card will fit the bill. United may currently have the best enrollment incentive, offering a 45,000-mile bonus.

The frugal traveler: These are folks who, by necessity, find themselves in the air often, but are watching every penny. The vast majority of this flyer's mileage will be earned by traveling--a credit card will simply serve to pad the account.

This flyer needs maximum earning potential on travel purchases, and no earning cap. High annual fees are a concern here, as are high interest rates. When cash flow is limited, paying off the balance every month isn't always possible, so many of these consumers are going to carry some revolving debt. Translation: watch the interest rates.

If interest rates are your sole criteria, there are many in the non-Platinum categories. Because of competition and market conditions, many have no annual fee for this card and new cardholders get introductory 0 percent APR on both purchase and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles.

The high-spending earth-dweller: Either through good fortune or good business, this flyer deals with hefty credit card bills every month, but just doesn't get off the ground that often. A free trip to Bermuda would be nice, but travel isn't necessarily a priority.

Like most big spenders, these folks usually pay off their balances every month, so either charge or credit cards are feasible. And if you're spending big, you don't necessarily want to be limited in your earnings, so once again, caps are out. You're also going to be on the lookout for programs that have multiple partners to increase your spending options. The American Express Membership Rewards or Diners Club Rewards programs are great for this, but then, so are the so-called business cards that many of the airline and hotel programs now offer. Airline, retail and other partners are all vying for your points.

Joe six-pack: Earthbound in more ways than one. Expense report is not necessarily a part of your vocabulary. Still, you've got your eye on a trip to Ireland and wouldn't mind doing it for free. You don't foresee charging a new Maserati to a card, but you do buy gas and groceries now and then.

You want a low interest rate, a low annual fee and you feel no real need to earn double points on airline purchases because, frankly, you won't be making many. Earning caps are not a problem and a high enrollment bonus would be nice.

Tip: Visa or MasterCard will likely be more accepted at the places you visit and from time to time pass the plastic.

Is there a solid, all-purpose card out there? Well, next is a card-by-card comparison of each North American affinity and banked credit card as well as comparing our choices against what three other travel experts seem to prefer and recommend. Those cards: American Express Blue Cash, Fidelity Investment Rewards Visa and the Chase Freedom credit card.

Co-branded credit cards of airlines and hotels are always affected by the banking industry. Among the topics that are alive and certainly worth following in the months ahead are the continued rumors that the Hyatt Gold Passport program may end their nearly 20-year history of not having a credit card partner and announce a new relationship. Their current promotion offering bonus points when paying for a stay with a MasterCard shows their continued interest in teaming up with a credit card offer of some sort. When you consider that even hotel programs such as La Quinta Returns have a credit card partner, it makes Hyatt Gold Passport a less rich program when points can't be added in with plastic.

Plastic, as we note in this story, seems to give members the ability to have at least some sort of leverage when programs adjust the relative value of their award charts. Hyatt Gold Passport members could feel disadvantaged by an equal comparison between their program and programs such as Starwood, Hilton and Marriott, which feature best-of-class credit cards.

Looking Forward

With Chase announcing a banked program similar to Membership Rewards and Club Rewards where members can exchange or convert their points one-to-one into the programs of Continental OnePass, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Rewards and InterContinental Priority Club Rewards, it will be an interesting period in which some of us may rediscover the value and allure of having choices in our travel redemptions--rather than the singular options currently afforded by most airline-sponsored credit cards. Called Ultimate Rewards, we look forward to featuring an interview with the general manager of this new program in next month's InsideFlyer, to hear firsthand where that program will be positioning itself in the industry and in the value proposition.

Beware My Fair Flyer

One of the biggest mistakes that any frequent flyer can make when looking for the credit card that best matches their needs is to rely on Google. Yes, Google is your friend, but Google can also be a dangerous tool unless you are totally aware of how the credit card industry works. As you may already know, credit card companies have affiliate programs for the Internet, whereby they offer various individuals the opportunity to earn a bounty for any new cardmember they bring in. This practice is not unusual and by and large we certainly have no objections to it. But it does cause an increasing number of entrepreneurs to try to earn money with the affiliate programs. These efforts are almost always fraught with misleading and very incomplete information, making it difficult for the frequent flyer to actually compare cards and get the correct advice to help them choose the best card--a decision which ranks right up there with actually picking the right frequent flyer program.

In recent WebFlyer/FlyerTalk research on credit cards, among those frequent flyers polled, 26 percent reported that more than 50 percent of their miles/points came from credit card usage and 38 percent reported that 26-50 percent of their miles/points came from credit card usage. So indeed, it is an important decision.

If you were to Google, "best frequent flyer credit card" or "compare frequent flyer credit cards," you will find pages of links to such Web sites as creditcardtuneup.com, milecards.com, rewardscards.com, bestmileagecards.com and creditaddict.com. While purporting to give you advice and comparisons, none of them give an accurate listing of all the cards available in the class, airline or hotel, etc. The list of cards is incomplete because not all credit cards offer incentive bonuses for new cardmembers and most if not all of the operators of these Web sites are not really interested in seeking out and researching which cards are offered by each program.

Here's an example that clearly illustrates the point we are trying to make. On creditaddict.com, here's the verbiage for credit card miles: "Are you looking to earn frequent flyer miles every time you pull out your credit card? Or maybe you're looking to jumpstart your frequent flyer account with a bunch of bonus miles? Either way, you've come to the right place. What follows is a list of frequent flyer credit cards that offer up to 20,000 bonus miles just for signing up. These offers are a great way to round out a ticket or earn an upgrade. Without further ado, here's the list ..." Sounds great, huh? Well, their list consisted of three credit cards--Escape from Discover Card, Citi PremierPass Card-Elite Level and Miles Card from Discover Card. Only three cards? And none of them are actually connected to any "frequent flyer account," at least in the manner and language that our readers may be interested in. And of course none are actually associated with any airline's frequent flyer program where you can "round out a ticket" or "earn an upgrade."

This is truly misleading and serves as an example of how you need to be very selective about where you go to get your advice and information. We are somewhat amused that each and every one of these rating Web sites list the Starwood American Express card as the best card and urges you to enroll. We've found value in that card for years and can recommend it for its value, but when the Web sites show no other card, or a very limited number of credit cards from other hotel programs for comparison, it does lead us to suspect that the rating for the Starwood card on those Web sites is based upon the high payment they offer in their affiliate program to deliver new cardmembers. And we don't say this to be disrespectful to Starwood.

The Cards

From what we know, this is the latest and most complete listing of credit cards linked to the various travel rewards programs offered in the U.S. We have not listed debit cards associated with these programs as we're saving that listing for yet another chapter in this ongoing effort to educate our readers and provide the best information when comparing, analyzing and choosing one of the most important mileage partnerships you'll have. This listing is ordered alphabetically, combining airline, hotel, coalition and even related rail loyalty programs all in one place.

AeroMexico Club Premier
Visa (US Bank)
Benefits: 1 Club Premier mile per $1 spent; 2,000 annual bonus miles plus $99 companion ticket with credit card renewal; double miles on AeroMexico airfare purchases; 10% discount on AeroMexico airfare purchases.
Annual Fee: $45.
APR: 13.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 15,000 first use bonus miles plus complimentary companion ticket
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: We like the discount on AeroMexico airfare purchases, even if limited.
Drawbacks: None apparent.

AeroMexico Club Premier
Visa Signature (US Bank)
Benefits: 1 Club Premier mile per $1 spent; 4,000 Annual bonus miles plus $99 companion ticket with credit card renewal; double miles on AeroMexico airfare purchases; 15% discount on AeroMexico airfare purchases; Premier EQMs.
Annual Fee: $80.
APR: 13.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 first use bonus miles plus complimentary companion ticket.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: 5,000 Club Premier EQMs will be awarded when you spend $30,000 in net purchases in a 12-month period and we like the discount on AeroMexico airfare purchases, even if limited.
Drawbacks: None apparent.

Aeroplan
MasterCard (FIA Card Services/Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn one Aeroplan mile for every one U.S. dollar in new net retail purchase transactions.
Annual Fee: $60.
APR: Variable APR: between 11.99% and 19.99%. The APR you receive is determined based on your credit worthiness.
Enrollment Bonus: Receive 15,000 Bonus Aeroplan miles after your first purchase, balance transfer or cash advance transaction.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Because it's better than nothing for U.S. residents belonging to the Aeroplan program.
Drawbacks: Not especially exciting offer and this fine print may be a problem for many to enjoy earning miles: "...purchases made by or for a business or for a business purpose ... shall not earn Aeroplan miles."

AirTran Airways A+ Rewards
A+ Visa Signature (Barclays)
Benefits: Up to 10 A+ Rewards credits for balance transfers; 0% introductory APR on balance transfers; earn 1 point for every $1 spent on AirTran Airways Travel; earn 1 point for every $2 spent everywhere else; double the A+ Rewards credits redemption period; earn 1 point for every $1 in balances transferred.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 14.24% or 17.24%; Variable, Prime + 10.99% or 13.99% (depending on credit history).
Enrollment Bonus: 2 A+ Rewards credits for using the card the first time.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Doubles the one-year expiration period of members credits.
Drawbacks: Only earn 1 point per every $2 spent. Only earn points for balance transfers the first 30 days after you open your account, up to a maximum of 10,000 points.

AirTran Airways A+ Rewards
A+ Visa Signature (Barclays)
Benefits: Up to 10 A+ Rewards credits for balance transfers; 0% introductory APR on balance transfers; earn 2 points for every $1 spent on AirTran Airways travel; earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else; double the A+ Rewards credits redemption period; earn 1 point for every $1 in balances transferred; 2 $50 discount certificates from AirTran each year on your account anniversary.
Annual Fee: $39.
APR: 14.24% or 17.24%; Variable, Prime + 10.99% or 13.99% (depending on credit history).
Enrollment Bonus: 10 A+ Rewards credits for using the card the first time.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Doubles the one-year expiration period of members credits. The enrollment bonus is more than enough for a one-way reward flight or 2 business class upgrades.
Drawbacks: Only earn points for balance transfers the first 30 days after you open your account, up to a maximum of 10,000 points.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Visa Signature (Bank of America)
Benefits: 1 mile for every $1 spent; automatically enrolled in Mileage Plan Dining and Hotel Rewards and earn up to 5 miles per $1 at participating restaurants; 2 Board Room passes; earn 3 miles for every qualifying $1 in purchases of Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air tickets and vacation packages; $50 roundtrip companion ticket on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air upon approval and on each anniversary.
Annual Fee: $75.
APR: 12.74%; Variable, Prime + 9.49%.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles plus you will receive 5,000 additional bonus miles after you make net retail purchases totaling at least $750.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: 2 Board Room passes and enrollment bonus is rich for this program, they have a good reputation for members actually being able to use their miles.
Drawbacks: Still looking ...

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Platinum Plus (Bank of America)
Benefits: 1 mile for every $1 spent; automatically enrolled in Mileage Plan Dining and Hotel Rewards and earn up to 5 miles per $1 at participating restaurants; 2 Board Room passes; earn 2 miles for every qualifying $1 in purchases of Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air tickets and Vacation packages; $50 roundtrip companion discount on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air upon approval and on each anniversary.
Annual Fee: $50.
APR: 13.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus miles plus an extra 1,000 bonus miles upon approval.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: 2 Board Room passes.
Drawbacks: Weak enrollment bonus for the annual fee.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Preferred (Bank of America)
Benefits: 1 mile for every $1 spent; automatically enrolled in Mileage Plan Dining and Hotel Rewards and earn up to 5 miles per $1 at participating restaurants.
Annual Fee: $35.
APR: 14.24%; Variable, Prime + 10.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 3,000 bonus miles plus 1,000 additional bonus miles when applying online.
Spending Cap: 50,000 miles each calendar year.
Why we like it: Not sure we do.
Drawbacks:Who to believe? Promo information reads no spending cap, terms and conditions read 50,000 mile spending cap annually; $35 for a 3,000 bonus mile enrollment and a credit line of only $2,000?

American Airlines AAdvantage
Citi Platinum Select World MasterCard (Citi)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on purchases, reduced mileage awards.
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $85 thereafter.
APR: 13.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 25,000 bonus miles after spending $750 within 4 months of becoming a cardholder.
Spending Cap: 100,000 miles per calendar year, excluding bonuses. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold members are excluded from these limits.
Why we like it: We love the idea of the quarterly discounted awards, often 7,500 miles less than members without this credit card.
Drawbacks: While we love the discounted awards, we don't like that they charge an additional $20 for the "privilege," except for Executive Platinum and AAirpass members. Still don't get the spending limit thing.

American Airlines AAdvantage
Citi Select American Express (Citi)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on purchases, reduced mileage awards, access to the Premium Hotel Program, which includes special offers such as room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out and more.
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $85 thereafter.
APR: 13.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 25,000 bonus miles after spending $750 within 4 months of becoming a cardholder.
Spending Cap: 100,000 miles per calendar year, excluding bonuses. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold members are excluded from these limits.
Why we like it: We love the idea of the quarterly discounted awards, often 7,500 miles less than members without this credit card.
Drawbacks: While we love the discounted awards, we don't like that they charge an additional $20 for the "privilege," except for Executive Platinum and AAirpass members. Still don't get the spending limit thing.

American Express Membership Rewards
(American Express)
Benefits: Earn 1 point for virtually every $1 you spend (Rewards Plus Gold cards will accrue 2 points during their first year of membership and 1.5 points during each succeeding year of membership for every $1 charged to the Rewards Plus Gold Card account with any airline or hotel that has a participating travel loyalty program partnership with Membership Rewards), points have no expiration date, earn up to 10x points with select partners such as financial services, gifts, health and beauty, home and office, retail and travel; earn 3x points when shopping online with their bonus points mall.
Annual Fee: There is a $40 annual fee for participation in the program. There is no fee for the program for Rewards Green, Preferred Rewards Green, Rewards Gold, Preferred Rewards Gold, Rewards Plus Gold, Business Membership Rewards, Business Green Rewards and Business Gold Rewards. The annual fee to enroll a Corporate Card is $75. There is an additional $10 annual fee for each Business Charge Card or Business Credit Card linked to a Membership Rewards account with other enrolled charge cards, unless you have an Executive Business Card, or any Additional Card of an Executive Business Card, or a Business Membership Rewards Card, or any Additional Card of a Business Membership Rewards Card linked to the same program account.
Frequent flyer program partners:
Aeroplan, AeroMexico Club Premier, Alitalia MilleMiglia, AirTran A+ Rewards, ANA Mileage Club, Continental OnePass, Delta SkyMiles, El Al Matmid, Flying Blue, Frontier EarlyReturns, Hawaiian HawaiianMiles, Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Mexicana Frecuenta, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Frequent guest program partners: Best Western Rewards, Hilton HHonors, Jumeirah Sirius, IHG Priority Club, Starwood Preferred Guest.
APR: This varies by the individual card you have enrolled in the program.
Enrollment Bonus: None.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The breath of the program provides every sort of option to earn and burn the rewards of your plastic. We like the Points Advance, which allows you to "borrow" up to 15,000 points in advance for a conversion or redemption transaction. You may purchase points in 1,000-point increments for $25 per 1,000 points which you can then transfer to your airline or hotel program, which is often cheaper than if you were to buy them directly from the program itself---with their fees attached (you may purchase a maximum of 500,000 points per calendar year).
Drawbacks: For each conversion of points into frequent flyer miles of a U.S. airline, Membership Rewards charges a fee of $0.0005 per point, with a maximum fee of $75 (effective Sept. 1, 2009, $0.0006 per point, with a maximum fee of $99). While there's a well rounded assortment of airline and hotel programs as partners, AMEX has always taken a hit by not having American, United or Marriott as partners. Cash conversions of .05 cents per $1 could be improved.

American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card
(American Express)
Benefits: 1 mile for every $1 spent; Pay with Points feature to fly any airline, anytime with no seat restrictions or blackout dates.
Annual Fee: First year free; $175 annually thereafter.
APR: Due in full each month.
Enrollment Bonus: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards bonus points when you spend $1,000 within 3 months of acquiring the card. Plus, get an additional 15,000 bonus points when you spend $30,000 per calendar year.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: You can earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, and 1X points on everything else. And the bonuses aren't too shabby either, especially the annual spending bonus per calendar year. Points have no expiration date and there is no limit to the number of points you can earn.

One of the benefits of American Express Membership Rewards is its versatility. Members can transfer points into one of 17 FFPs, generally at a one to one ratio and Membership Rewards frequently offers transfer bonuses where you can get a bonus of 15, 25 or sometimes even 50 percent more miles. And you can also redeem points for merchandise and non-travel related awards.
Drawbacks: You must spend $1,000 within your first three months to become eligible to earn additional bonus points. No big hurdle but worthy of mention. The fine print states that the triple points are only valid for airline tickets on major U.S. airlines and does not include purchases made through online travel agencies and travel-related discount Web sites. The double points for groceries does not include charges made at superstores or warehouse clubs.

Amtrak Guest Rewards
World MasterCard (Chase)
Benefits: 2 points per $1 spent on Amtrak purchases; 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. The option to redeem for airline miles, hotel points, Audience Rewards and experiential awards is available if you have Amtrak travel spend on the card of over $200 per calendar year (you may redeem up to 25,000 points per calendar year).
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 0% fixed APR for the first 6 billing cycles following the opening of your account. After that, 12.24%; Variable, Prime + 8.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus points after first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The option to redeem for airline miles, hotel points, Audience Rewards and experiential rewards if you qualify. The intro APR is pretty appealing as well.
Drawbacks: Very, very confusing offer. For instance, the rules regarding the enrollment bonus read: 2,500 bonus points will post to your Chase credit card account and appear on your Chase statement and an additional 2,500 bonus points will post directly to your Amtrak Guest Rewards account and appear on your Amtrak Guest Rewards statement. Other confusing issues include saying that if you do not qualify for that product (World MasterCard), "you will automatically be considered for a Platinum MasterCard, which has different fees, benefits and credit availability." But there are absolutely no links or other information about the Platinum MasterCard other than in the rules that the over-the-limit fee is $39, when the fee is free for the World MasterCard.

ANA Mileage Club
ANA CARD U.S.A. Visa (InfiBank)
Benefits:Earn 1 mile per every $1 purchase with this card; 10% discount for ANA in-flight purchases; 10% discount at all ANA group duty free shops at ANA HOUSE TOKYO (No. 1 Terminal of Narita Airport), ANA HOUSE OSAKA (Kansai Airport); IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan: 10-20% discount for room rates; 10% discount at "ANA FESTA" gift shop at airports in Japan directly operated by ANA Trading Co.
Annual Fee: $70.
APR: 1.9% fixed for first 5 billing cycles after your account is opened.13.99%; Variable, LIBOR + 12.49%.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus miles after first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Among the minority of international programs that even offer a U.S.-based credit card.
Drawbacks: Credit card activity does not extend expiring miles beyond Dec. 31 of the second calendar year after the date of the qualifying credit card transaction. Slow posting of miles: Miles earned are not reflected until the 22nd of the following month from the closing date on the statement. Relatively weak enrollment bonus compared to competing U.S. issued credit cards.

Asiana Airlines Asiana Club
Visa Platinum (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn one mile for every $1 in purchases; earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Asiana ticket purchases and at participating grocery stores; automatic $100 annual rebate on Asiana Airlines ticket purchases.
Annual Fee: $ 80
APR: 1.99% intro APR for first 6 billing cycles. 13.24 %; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus miles after your first purchase with the card.
Spending Cap: Earn up to 100,000 miles per calendar year.
Why we like it: Among the minority of international programs that even offer a U.S.-based credit card.
Drawbacks: There's some confusion in the rules. Promo and T&C varies in the number of miles earned at grocery stores---it's either 1 or 2 miles per $1 spent. Weak enrollment bonus compared to competing U.S.-issued credit cards. Slow posting of miles, it may take 1 to 2 billing cycles for the miles to be credited to your Asiana Club account.

Asiana Airlines Asiana Club
Visa Classic (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 in purchases; earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Asiana ticket purchases and at participating grocery stores; automatic $50 annual rebate on Asiana Airlines ticket purchases.
Annual Fee: $ 50.
APR: 1.99% intro APR for first 6 billing cycles. 13.24 %; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 3,000 bonus miles after your first purchase with the card.
Spending Cap: Earn up to 50,000 miles per calendar year.
Why we like it: Among the minority of international programs that even offer a U.S.-based credit card.
Drawbacks: There's some confusion in the rules. Promo and T&C varies in the number of miles earned at grocery stores---it's either 1 or 2 miles per $1 spent. Weak enrollment bonus compared to competing U.S.-issued credit cards. Slow posting of miles, it may take 1 to 2 billing cycles for the miles to be credited to your Asiana Club account.

Asiana Airlines Asiana Club
American Express (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles for every $1 in purchases; also earn 1 additional mile at participating grocery store locations; automatic $100 annual rebate on Asiana Airlines ticket purchases; two Asiana lounge passes (U.S. only) every year in the month of your anniversary date; 1 10,000 bonus miles certificate every year in the month of your anniversary date.
Annual Fee: $ 99.
APR: 1.99% intro APR for first 6 billing cycles. 13.24 %; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus miles after your first purchase with the card.
Spending Cap: Earn up to 200,000 miles per calendar year, excluding bonuses.
Why we like it: Comparing the benefits to the $80 Visa, this card stands out, way out.
Drawbacks: Slow posting of miles, it may take 1 to 2 billing cycles for the miles to be credited to your Asiana Club account.

British Airways Executive Club
Visa Signature (Chase)
Benefits: 2 BA miles per $1 spent on British Airways flights, land products and vacation packages (excluding British Airways in-flight duty free purchases); 1 BA mile for every $1 spent on everyday purchases; $50 discount on all British Airways roundtrip transatlantic fares when you book on ba.com/get50; unlimited companion tickets with every purchase of a full-fare ticket in World Traveller Plus premium economy, Club World business class and first class.
Annual Fee: $75.
APR: 13.24; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles with first purchase. An additional 10,000 miles after spending $750 on the card.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Right up there with the competitive bonus offers of partner American AAdvantage, and with the unlimited companion ticket, just might be cause for celebration.
Drawbacks: Another Chase confusing moment: Visa Signature says that if you do not qualify for that product, "you will automatically be considered for a Platinum Visa, which has different fees, benefits and credit availability." There is no link or additional information about this "Platinum" card.

Best Western Rewards
Platinum MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 10 points for every $3 in purchases made at all Best Western locations, earn 10 points for every $5 spent everywhere else.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 13.24% or 16.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99% or 12.99% (depending on credit history), 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.
Enrollment Bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus points with first use of the card, earn an additional 8,000 bonus points with balance transfers.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: No annual fee, introduction offer on balance transfers and you earn bonus points for that.
Drawbacks: None that we can find.

Choice Hotels Choice Privileges
Visa (Bank of America)
Benefits: 15 points per $1 spent at Choice Privileges hotels (only 10 points per $1 spent with eligible MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn property stays), 5 points for every $1 spent when purchasing additional Choice Privileges points and Choice Hotels gift cards, 2 points for every $1 spent on everyday purchases.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 11.99% and 19.99%; Variable, Prime + between 8.74% and 16.74% (depending on your credit history).
Enrollment Bonus: 8,000 bonus points after your first use, another 8,000 bonus points after your first paid stay at a Choice Privileges hotel.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Among the richest point offers per spending. And, no annual fee.
Drawbacks: Confusing metric for points awarded among various hotel properties within the Choice Privileges chain as well as geographic.

Part Three

Co-branded credit cards of airlines and hotels continue to be the battling ground for frequent travel programs. The cards are money makers for the airlines and hotels and as such the companies work hard to get and retain cardholders. US Airways has recently upped the ante with their US Airways Premier World MasterCard by adding new benefits for cardholders such as first class check-in and Zone 2 boarding. And through Aug. 31, 2009, you will have the chance to win five 20,000-mile prizes a day and a 100,000-mile grand prize along with other prizes. Visit www.usairwaysmilesaway.com.

In an innovative move, Continental Airlines offers relief from those dreaded baggage fees with their credit card. We expect to see more and more ways for credit card membership to lessen the hassle of today's business travel.

Credit Card News

Delta Air Lines has teamed up with Atlanta-based SunTrust Banks to offer a SkyMiles Visa Check Card, allowing cardholders to earn SkyMiles on all signature-based purchases. There are three cards to choose from, two for consumers and one for small- to medium-sized companies. The SkyMiles Classic card offers one mile for every $2 spent and offers a 2,500-mile bonus after your first purchase. The annual fee is $20.

The SkyMiles Platinum and Business cards offer one mile for every $1 spent with a 5,000-mile bonus upon your first purchase. The annual fee for the Platinum and Business cards is $55.

Not all SkyMiles members will be able to take advantage of this new card--the card is available in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Delta is rumored to be looking for other regional banks to offer similar cards to other areas of the country but this has not been confirmed. For more information, visit http://www.insideflyer.com/link/?1719

Bottom line: This card fills a need for those who choose not to have credit cards and gives SkyMiles members a Visa option instead of only American Express which is not accepted by as many merchants as Visa--but only for those transactions where you must sign, similar to writing a check. The $20 annual fee for the Classic card will appeal to those who want the convenience of a check card and a low annual fee, but they will earn miles at a one mile per $2 ratio instead of the usual one-to-one ratio. Because the annual fee of the Platinum card is up there with a regular miles credit card, we do not see an advantage to this card over a typical affinity credit card--especially because you do not earn any miles if you use the card as a credit card. Only those who simply want a debit card to round out their plastic portfolio and don't want to give up a one-to-one earning ratio will be attracted to the Platinum version of the card.

In other credit card news, AirTran Airways A+ Visa cardholders will now receive two $50 anniversary vouchers every year after the first that they pay their annual fee. The vouchers are good on any AirTran Airways flight, with no blackout dates and no fare class restrictions.

The credit card battles continue.

The Cards

We started a complete listing of credit cards linked to the various travel rewards programs offered in the U.S. in our ongoing effort to educate our readers and provide the best information when comparing, analyzing and choosing one of the most important mileage partnerships you'll have. This listing is ordered alphabetically, combining airline, hotel and coalition programs all in one place. We continue the listing with Continental through Wyndham.

Continental Airlines OnePass
World MasterCard (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent, 2 miles per $1 spent on tickets purchased directly from Continental; 2 President's Club airport lounge passes and 2 travel discounts; earn double miles for ShopOnePass purchases; 2 for 1 BusinessFirst tickets when booking full-fare international tickets; first checked bag free.
Annual Fee: $85.
APR: 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 miles with first purchase and an extra 5,000 miles with your first purchase and when you sign up an authorized user on your account.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Free first checked bag. With just three roundtrip flights checking in one bag, you've saved as much as the annual fee. And those traveling with the cardholder in the same reservation and who check in at the same time will also get their first checked bag free.
Drawbacks: First year is not free and if you're a OnePass elite member, and already get free checked bags, the appeal of the card loses some of its luster.

Continental Airlines OnePass
Presidential Plus World MasterCard (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on Continental, hotel and car rental purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent everywhere else; President's Club airport lounge membership; EliteAccess in airports; Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum level; 2 for 1 BusinessFirst tickets when booking full-fare international tickets; double miles for ShopOnePass purchases; additional 25 percent Elite mileage bonus; 2,000 Flex Elite Qualification Miles for every $15,000 in purchases; 2 checked bags free.
Annual Fee: $375.
APR: 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: No bonus miles upon enrollment.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The 2 free checked bags and airport lounge membership take the sting out of the cost of the card for the right traveler.
Drawbacks: Expensive at $375 per year.

Continental Airlines OnePass
TravelBank MasterCard (Chase)
Benefits: You do not earn miles; you earn 1% in your TravelBank account on everyday purchases; 3% on every eligible cable, wireless or telecommunications purchases; $25 deposit into your TravelBank account for your cardmember anniversary when you spend $10,000; $5 for every ticket purchased at continental.com; five Continental Currency Coupons (valued up to $25) every cardmember anniversary when you spend $10,000; double miles for ShopOnePass purchases; 2 for 1 BusinessFirst tickets when booking full-fare international tickets; first checked bag free.
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $29 thereafter.
APR: 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: No miles, but $50 off your Continental flight after your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Offers something different for members who are more concerned with dollars than miles and if you're not an elite member, you can get your money back for the annual fee with just one roundtrip checked bag.
Drawbacks: No miles.

Delta Air Lines
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card (American Express)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 charged, 2 miles for eligible Delta and Northwest purchases; Pay with Miles feature where cardholders can redeem miles for flight discounts starting at 10,000 miles for a $100 discount; complimentary companion ticket each year, based on select fares; earn up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) each year--earn 10,000 MQMs when you reach $25,000 in eligible purchase during a calendar year and earn an additional 10,000 MQMs when you reach $50,000 in eligible purchases the same calendar year; no award ticket fees; no fee when you book a Delta partner airline.
Annual Fee: $150.
APR: Prime Rate + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles (including 5,000 MQMs) after first purchase, 2,500 bonus miles when adding an additional cardmember (2,500 miles maximum).
Spending Cap: Unlimited for Platinum cardmembers.
Why we like it: The Pay with Miles feature offers flexibility for spending your miles on seats with no blackout dates or inventory restrictions and allows members to pay for seats with a combination of miles and cash; offers a fast track to elite and can save money on award fees.
Drawbacks: American Express isn't as widely accepted as Visa/MasterCard. Annual fee is high.

Delta Air Lines
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card (American Express)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 charged, 2 miles for eligible Delta and Northwest purchases; Pay with Miles feature where cardholders can redeem miles for flight discounts starting at 10,000 miles for a $100 discount; annual complimentary $99 companion certificate upon renewal.
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $95 thereafter.
APR: 13.24% Variable, Prime Rate + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after first purchase, 2,500 bonus miles when adding an additional cardmember (5,000 miles maximum).
Spending Cap: Mileage earnings are limited to $100,000 of eligible spending each year, not including bonuses. However, one mile for each $1 of eligible spending on Delta charges will be awarded above this limit.
Why we like it: We like the Pay with Miles feature.
Drawbacks: As with other American Express cards, the annual fee is a bit steep.

Delta Air Lines
Classic Delta SkyMiles Credit Card (American Express)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 charged; earn a 2,500-mile bonus every year when you spent at least $10,000.
Annual Fee: $55.
APR: 13.24%.
Enrollment Bonus: Earn 5,000 bonus miles after first purchase.
Spending Cap: Mileage earnings are limited to $100,000 of eligible spending, not including bonuses. However, one mile for each U.S. dollar of eligible spending on Delta charges will be awarded above this limit.
Why we like it: The added benefit of 2,500 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 is a nice touch.
Drawbacks: None apparent.

Delta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles Options Credit Card (American Express)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent with Delta and 1 mile for every $2 spent elsewhere; earn 1,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 every year.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 13.24%.
Enrollment Bonus: 1,000 bonus miles with your first purchase.
Spending Cap: Limited to $60,000 of eligible spending. However, one mile for each $1 of eligible spending on Delta charges will be awarded above this limit.
Why we like it: For a no-nonsense, free card, this one isn't so bad with the typical American Express benefits such as dedicated customer service, emergency card replacement, Global Assist Hotline and travel accident insurance.
Drawbacks: Very small enrollment bonus and only 1 mile for every $2 spent.

Diners Club
Club Rewards
Benefits: Earn 1 Club Rewards point for every eligible $1 charged ($1 charged = 1 Club Rewards point = 1 mile in 19 frequent flyer programs); redeem for hundreds of merchandise options, dozens of retail, dining and hotel certificates; design your own award for those with 50,000+ points.
Annual Fee: $95 for primary cardmember, $35 for each additional cardmember.
Frequent flyer program partners: Aeroplan, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, El Al Israel Airlines, Eva Airways, Frontier Airlines, GlobalPass, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, Korean Air, Mexicana Airlines, Midwest Airlines, SAS, South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, Thai Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Frequent guest/rail program partners: Amtrak, Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Choice Hotels, Marriott, InterContinental Hotels, Starwood.
APR: 0%, charge card.
Enrollment Bonus: None.
Spending Cap: None. Participating airline and hotel programs may restrict the transfer of points into the frequent flyer or guest point account of the primary cardmember only.
Why we like it: The miles-to-points program for American AAdvantage members is a good way for those members to transfer their miles into another frequent flyer program. They lose in the transfer (you get 5,000 Club Rewards points for every 10,000 miles you convert), but if you're desperate, it's a way to get those miles into another airline's program.
Drawbacks: For every 1,000 Club Rewards points (1,000 frequent flyer miles) redeemed, a handling fee of $0.95 or 95 Club Rewards points will be assessed.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier World MasterCard (Juniper Bank/Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on Frontier ticket purchases; earn 1 mile for every $2 spent on all other purchases; earn up to 10,000 miles with a balance transfer.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history; 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus miles with your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: There's nothing too exciting here, but at least there's no annual fee.
Drawbacks: As with some other programs, if you do not qualify for this card, you will receive a Platinum card with a credit line of less than $5,000.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier World MasterCard (Juniper Bank/Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Frontier ticket purchases; earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases; earn up to 10,000 miles with a balance transfer.
Annual Fee: $49.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history; 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles with your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The 2 miles for every $1 spent on Frontier tickets is a nice touch.
Drawbacks: As with some other programs, if you do not qualify for this card, you will receive a Platinum card with a credit line of less than $5,000.

goldpoints plus
goldpoints plus Visa Signature card (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 5 points per $1 spent at Carlson Hotels; earn 4 points everywhere else; 0% APR for 12 months for balance transfers; you can exchange points for miles with over 20 airlines (2,000 points = 250 miles; 50,000 points = 8,000 miles; 100,000 points = 18,000 miles).
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: Between 11.99% and 19.99% based on your creditworthiness.
Enrollment Bonus: 15,000 points after you use your card within 90 days of the account open date.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The 15,000-mile enrollment bonus is enough points for a free night--we like that, especially coming from an annual fee-free card.
Drawbacks: Most hotel programs with similar basic earning structures offer a 5:1 redemption ratio for redeeming points for miles. You'll get fewer miles when redeeming earned points for miles with goldpoints plus' 8:1 ratio

Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines Platinum Visa (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Hawaiian Airlines ticket purchases; earn 1 mile for every $1 spent everywhere else, except for HawaiianMiles XtraMiles partners where you can earn additional miles; roundtrip travel discount of 25% between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii for you and a companion; 2,000 anniversary bonus miles when you renew your card each year; ShareMiles---cardholders can receive miles from family and friends online for faster award travel.
Annual Fee: $50.
APR: 12.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles after first purchase.
Spending Cap: 100,000 miles each calendar year.
Why we like it: There are some extra little perks here that other cards don't always offer such as the travel discount and the ability to share miles with friends and family.
Drawbacks: We never like it when cards cap the amount of miles you can earn with the card.


Hilton Hotels
Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card (Citi)
Benefits: Earn 6 points for each $1 spent at participating Hilton Family hotels; 3 points for each $1 spent at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations; 2 points for each $1 spent on all other purchases; complimentary Hilton HHonors Silver VIP status for as long as you remain a cardmember.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 14.24% Variable for Signature Card, 16.24% Variable for Gold Card.
Enrollment Bonus: 15,000 bonus points after making $150 in purchases within 2 months of account opening.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The enrollment bonus is enough for a free night, especially nice for a fee-free card. Plus, cardholders receive complimentary Silver VIP status.
Drawbacks: None apparent.


Hilton Hotels
Hilton HHonors Card from American Express
Benefits: Earn 6 points for every $1 charged at participating Hilton Family hotels worldwide; earn 6 points for every $1 dollar charged in the following everyday spend categories: grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, home and wireless phone, cable and satellite TV, and Internet service providers (less returns); earn 3 points for every $1 spent everywhere else; earn 500 points when you book your Hilton stay online through any Hilton Family Web site and charge it to your Hilton AMEX; get Hilton Silver membership as long as you own the card, or Hilton HHonors Gold VIP for one year when you spend $20,000 or more annually on your card.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 16.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus:20,000 HHonors bonus points when you make your first purchase within the first year of owning the card and up to an additional 10,000 bonus points on your first 4 Hilton Family stays paid with the card (earn 2,500 points for each of your first four eligible stays at Hilton Family hotels worldwide, when the stay is paid for with your Hilton HHonors Card from American Express within the first 18 months of Cardmembership).
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Like the Hilton Visa, cardmembers can earn more points for purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations, but this card also offers more points for other types of purchases such as home and wireless phone, TV and Internet service providers; all for no annual fee. And members can earn Gold status with the card.
Drawbacks: None apparent.


InterContinental Hotels Group
Priority Club Visa Signature Card (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 3 points for every $1 spent when you stay at an InterContinental Hotels Group property; earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else; earn an additional 10,000 bonus points when you spend $15,000 annually; start with a $20 credit on your first statement; Gold Elite status (if you are not a cardmember you can either earn Gold Elite by staying 15-20 nights or earning 20,000 points or by purchasing it for $50). Gold Elite comes with a 10% point bonus per stays among other benefits.
Annual Fee: $0 first year; $29 thereafter.
APR: 0% APR for the first 6 billing cycles, then 11.24% Variable after.
Enrollment Bonus: 15,000 points after first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The fee free first year is sweetened even further by a $20 credit when you receive the card, and for the following years at only a $29 annual fee, the card is a relatively good deal, especially with the added benefit of Gold Elite status.
Drawbacks: Like other cards, "you may receive a Platinum card with different benefits and without the no pre-set spending limit feature."

JetBlue
The JetBlue Card from American Express (American Express)
Benefits: Earn 1 Award Dollar for each $1 you spend; you will earn 2 Award Dollars for purchases at restaurants and movie theaters, purchases of gym memberships, tickets for sporting events or performing arts events sold by event venue, theater or authorized agent and green fees at golf courses directly billed as such; 200 Award Dollars = 1 TrueBlue point; points won't expire.
Annual Fee: $40.
APR: 13.24%; Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: Earn 50 TrueBlue points (10,000 Award Dollars) with your first purchase (award flights are 100 TrueBlue points).
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Ya gotta love the double Award Dollars for having fun, the $40 annual fee won't break the bank and when you use the card, all the points in your account are extended another year--a good deal in a simple program such as TrueBlue where points normally expire one year from when they are earned.
Drawbacks: None apparent.

Korean Air
SKYPASS Visa Signature Card
Benefits: Earn 2 miles on all Korean Air purchase on the card; earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on the card; 2,000 bonus miles upon renewal; 2 Korean VIP Lounge coupons each year; $100 discount certificate for Korean Air tickets each year.
Annual Fee: $80 ($60 for the Classic card).
APR: 16.99% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 10,000 bonus miles with first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Although the enrollment bonus looks weak compared to other cards, cardmembers get yearly benefits that could make having the card worthwhile, such as the $100 discount certificate, although there are some restrictions with the certificate, and the 2 airport lounge visits are a nice touch.
Drawbacks: The APR is high and so is the annual fee, especially when you consider you only get 10,000 miles upon sign up. Overall, the card seems to give a "plus" that's equaled with a "minus" making the card a bit of a washout.

La Quinta
La Quinta Visa Rewards Card (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on purchase at La Quinta Inns & Suites; earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else; redeem points for miles/credits with American, Continental, Delta and Southwest or for gift certificates.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 0% for the first 6 billing cycles, 0.24% variable, 14.24% variable or 18.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 12,000 bonus points after purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The enrollment bonus is enough for two free award nights and there is no annual fee. And you have to give this small program credit for even having a credit card.
Drawbacks: Not a lot of excitement here and the interest rate is high if you don't qualify for the lower rate card.

Lufthansa Miles & More
Premier Miles & More World MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles on ticket purchases of Miles & More integrated partners and 1 mile per $1 spent elsewhere; annual companion ticket; no mileage expiration with at least one credit card purchase that earns miles per month.
Annual Fee: $79; waived for Senator and HON Circle Members.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable depending on your credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles; 15,000 additional bonus miles when you complete an initial mileage transfer.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Annual companion pass is a nice touch as is earning double miles on Miles & More integrated partners. And if you're an elite member, the card is free.
Drawbacks: Higher interest rate than some and with an annual fee of $79, more expensive than most.

Lufthansa Miles & More
Miles & More World MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent; annual companion ticket; no mileage expiration with at least one credit card purchase that earns miles per month.
Annual Fee: $59; waived for Senator and HON Circle Members.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable depending on your credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 15,000 bonus miles; 10,000 additional bonus miles when you complete an initial mileage transfer.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Annual companion pass is a nice touch and if you're an elite member, the card is free.
Drawbacks: As with some other programs, if you do not qualify for the 2 cards mentioned here, you will receive a Platinum card with a credit line of less than $5,000, only 5,000 bonus miles upon your first purchase and you will earn 1 point for every $2 you spend. The good news is that there is no annual fee.

Marriott Hotels
Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 3 points for every $1 spent at Marriott locations; earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases; receive a Free Night Stay e-Certificate upon account approval (category 1-4 hotels); receive 10 nights credit toward the next elite level.
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $30 thereafter.
APR: 13.24%, Variable, Prime + 9.99%.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus points after purchase.
Spending Cap: None
Why we like it: 20,000 bonus points and a free hotel stay certificate when signing up for a fee-free first year and budget $30 card thereafter.
Drawbacks: This card doesn't offer a lot of ongoing benefits.

Marriott Hotels
Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott locations; earn 2 points for every $1 spent on airline, dining and rental car purchase; earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases; receive a Free Night Stay e-Certificate upon account approval (category 1-4 hotels) and each year upon account anniversary (category 1-5 hotels); receive 15 nights credit toward the next elite level; 2 for 1 Golf coupon upon account opening.
Annual Fee: $65.
APR: 14.24%, Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus points after first purchase.
Spending Cap: None
Why we like it: Free night certificate each year that you own the card, the elite credits will help get you toward the next level, it's not tied to just the first elite level.
Drawbacks: Not one of the cheaper cards at $65 a year.

Mexicana Frecuenta
Mexicana Airlines Visa Platinum (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent; 2 miles for Mexicana purchases; get 1 free companion ticket your first year after your first purchase and a $99 companion ticket coupon each year thereafter; receive 2,000 Anniversary Miles each year.
Annual Fee: $45.
APR: 1.9% fixed first 6 months, then 13.24%, Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 4,000 Welcome miles when you join the Frecuenta program.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Cardholders will also receive a 15% discount with Mexicana Airlines on routes from the U.S. to Mexico and Latin America when paying for tickets with the card.
Drawbacks: If you are already a member of the Frecuenta frequent flyer program, you will not get the 4,000-mile welcome bonus when obtaining the card.

Midwest Airlines
Midwest Airlines World MasterCard
Benefits: Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Midwest Airlines or Midwest Connect Airlines tickets; 1 mile per $1 elsewhere; up to 10,000 miles for balance transfers.
Annual Fee: $49.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 12,500 bonus miles with your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The double miles for Midwest purchases is nice as well as the slightly lower than the norm annual fee.
Drawbacks: Not much here to get excited about.

Midwest Airlines
Midwest Airlines World MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on Midwest Airlines or Midwest Connect Airlines tickets; 1 mile per $2 elsewhere; up to 10,000 miles for balance transfers.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 5,000 bonus miles with your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: $0 annual fee.
Drawbacks: Not much here to get excited about.

Northwest Airlines
Note: Although you can still read about Northwest Visa cards online, with the merger with Delta coming up, the card is no longer offered.

Southwest Airlines
Rapid Rewards Visa Signature Card (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 2 Reward Dollars for every $1 purchase made directly from Southwest Airlines and participating partners; 1 Reward Dollar for every $1 spent elsewhere; receive up to 8 credits with balance transfers (1 for each $1,200 transferred); each year you'll get 2,400 Reward Dollars (2 Rapid Rewards credits) after your car anniversary; once you earn 1,200 Reward Dollars you will receive 1 Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit; exclusive offers for cardmembers.
Annual Fee: $59.
APR: 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: Get 8 credits after first use.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The double Reward Dollars for not only Southwest purchases, but also participating partner purchases is very attractive. As is the annual 2 credit bonus after your card anniversary.
Drawbacks: Similar to other credit card programs, if you do not qualify for the Signature card, you may receive a Visa Classic card which does not offer double Reward Dollars for Southwest and partners purchases and the 2,400 Reward Dollars (2 Rapid Reward credits) each year after your card anniversary.

Spirit Airlines
FREE SPIRIT Onyx World MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Spirit purchases; 2 miles for every $2 spent on everyday purchases on select merchants such as Burger King, 1-800-Flowers.com, LUKOIL or GETTY gas stations, Barnes & Noble and more; 1 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere; complimentary $9 Fare Club as long as you make one purchase each billing cycle with your card; elite status with account activity every month; current promotional offers up to 25,000 bonus miles when you reach flight thresholds within your first year of registration for the promotion (4 roundtrips = 5,000 miles; 7 = 5,000 bonus miles more; 10 = 5,000 more and 12 roundtrips will get you 10,000 more bonus miles for a total 25,000 bonus miles).
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $69 thereafter.
APR:18.24% Variable or 21.24% Variable, depending on the review of your application and credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 15,000 bonus miles with first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: It's obvious that Spirit has worked to pack this card with value: elite membership, free $9 Fare Club and even triple miles for Spirit purchases.
Drawbacks: The APR is higher than most.

Starwood Hotels
Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express (American Express)
Benefits: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent at participating Starwood properties and retail outlets, earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else; earn an additional 15,000 points when you spent $15,000 in the first 6 months;
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $45 thereafter.
APR: 2.90% introductory APR for the first 6 billing cycles, then 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 10,000 points after first purchase within one year of owning the card.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The enrollment bonus is enough points for up to 3 nights at a category 1 or 2 property. This card has been very popular at the Freddie Awards, winning Best Affinity Credit Card for three years in a row.
Drawbacks: None apparent.

United Airlines
Mileage Plus Visa (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent; Mileage Plus Choices program (includes redeeming miles earned with Mileage Plus Visa for any open seat on any available United flight booked on united.com with no blackout dates--for example: purchase a $129 ticket, then redeem 12,900 miles for a Visa statement credit that pays for your flight); one $25 United Discount Travel certificate and one one-way, 1,000 mile, one-class upgrade certificate after first purchase.
Annual Fee: $60.
APR: 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $250 of qualifying transactions with the card.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: We've been vocal fans of the Mileage Plus Choices program from its beginning because it offers cardholders another option toward getting seats with card usage.
Drawbacks: None apparent.

United Airlines
Mileage Plus Platinum Class Visa (Chase)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on groceries, dining, gas at the pump and home improvement purchases; 2 miles per $1 spent on United and Star Alliance purchases; 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases; Mileage Plus Choices program (includes redeeming miles earned with Mileage Plus Visa for any open seat on any available United flight booked on united.com with no blackout dates--for example: purchase a $129 ticket, then redeem 12,900 miles for a Visa statement credit that pays for your flight); earn up to 5,000 elite qualifying miles (EQM) each year at a rate of 1 EQM per $1 of purchases made on United.com; as a one-time bonus each year, once you reach $35,000 or more in purchases, you receive 5,000 EQM; one roundtrip companion ticket on the anniversary of your account; one $25 United Discount Travel certificate and one one-way, 1,000 mile, one-class upgrade certificate after first purchase.
Annual Fee: $140.
APR: 13.24% Variable.
Enrollment Bonus: 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $250 of qualifying transactions with the card; 5,000 elite qualifying miles.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The Mileage Plus Choices program as well as the hand up toward elite membership make this card worthwhile.
Drawbacks: A bit pricey at $140--members might do well to look closely at the plain Jane Mileage Plus Visa which offers good benefits at less then half the cost for this card.

US Airways
US Airways Premier World MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 2 miles per $1 on US Airways purchases, 1 mile per $1 elsewhere; up to 10,000 bonus miles with balance transfer; domestic awards start at 20,0000 miles instead of 25,000 miles for cardholders; first class check-in and zone 2 boarding, one complimentary US Airways Club day pass annually; annual certificate redeemable for up to two $99 companion tickets; when you spend more than $25,000 in new purchases within your January through December statement closing dates, 10,000 of those miles that have been awarded to your account will be converted from base miles to Preferred miles.
Annual Fee: $79.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 25,000 bonus miles with first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: We always like it when award discounts are offered to cardmembers and when cardmembers are given a head start toward elite status. This card does both. And you can even get 10 free issues of Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated or Entertainment Weekly.
Drawbacks: Not a lot to write about here; the APR is higher than most, but we suggest you not carry a balance.

US Airways
US Airways World MasterCard (Barclays)
Benefits: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent; up to 10,000 bonus miles with balance transfer; domestic awards start at 20,000 miles instead of 25,000 miles for cardholders; first class check-in; Zone 2 boarding; annual companion certificate.
Annual Fee: $49.
APR: 14.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history.
Enrollment Bonus: 10,000 bonus miles with first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: We like the discount on award tickets and US Airways recently made changes to the program to allow cardmembers who spend at least $25,000 a year on the card to get the discounted awards with no award processing fee. With the new Dividend Miles Select program tied into this credit card, cardholders take advantage of first class check-in and Zone 2 boarding.
Drawbacks: The APR is higher than most, but we suggest you not carry a balance. And unless you spend at least $25,000 a year, you have to pay an award processing fee for the discount awards available as a cardmember.

Virgin America
Virgin America Visa Signature Card (Barclays)
Benefits: 3 points on every $1 in Virgin America purchases, including onboard purchases; 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else; up to 2,500 points for balance transfers (1 point for every $1 transferred), up to 1,200 bonus points per year (300 bonus points for every $5,000 you spend).
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: 13.24% variable or 17.24% variable, depending on review of your application and credit history (0% on balance transfers for your first 6 billing cycles).
Enrollment Bonus: 2,500 bonus points with first purchase or balance transfer.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: For a fee free card you get bonus points for Virgin America spending including ordering snacks from the airline's nifty seatback entertainment system.
Drawbacks: Like some other cards, "In certain instances, we may be unable to open an account for you or you may receive a Platinum card with a credit line of less than $5,000. Signature benefits vary from Platinum benefits. Please review the materials provided with your Cardmember Agreement for more details."

Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic American Express Card -- White Card (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Virgin Atlantic purchases; 2 miles per $1 spent at Regus business centers; 1 mile per $1 spent everywhere else; earn up to 7,500 bonus miles upon anniversary; earn up to 2,500 bonus miles when you add additional cardmembers to your account; spend at least $25,000 per year and redeem miles for a Virgin Atlantic economy award ticket and get a second award ticket for half the miles; get Virgin Atlantic Plastic Fantastic exclusive offers.
Annual Fee: $49.
APR: Introductory 0% for first 6 billing cycles for purchases, balance transfers and direct deposits; 12.24% Variable thereafter.
Enrollment Bonus: 12,500 bonus miles after your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Earning 3 miles for Virgin purchases is generous, as is the anniversary bonus, we like at least some concession for big-spending cardmembers with the half the miles for a second coach ticket offer, the Plastic Fantastic offers are a plus and the annual fee won't break the bank.
Drawbacks: The enrollment bonus isn't very generous.

Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic American Express Card -- Black Card (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Virgin Atlantic purchases; 1.5 miles per $1 spent everywhere else; earn up to 15,000 bonus miles upon anniversary; earn up to 5,000 bonus miles when you add additional cardmembers to your account; one tier point per $2,500 in purchases (maximum of 2 per month); complimentary Regus businessworld gold membership worth $30; spend at least $25,000 per year and redeem miles for a Virgin Atlantic economy award ticket and get a second award ticket for half the miles; get Virgin Atlantic Plastic Fantastic exclusive offers.
Annual Fee: $90.
APR: Introductory 0% for first 6 billing cycles for purchases, balance transfers and direct deposits; 12.24% Variable thereafter.
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles after your first purchase.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: Earning 3 miles for Virgin purchases is generous, as is the anniversary bonus, we like at least some concession for big-spending cardmembers with the half the miles for a second coach ticket offer. The Plastic Fantastic offers are a plus and we like the faster track to elite for bigger spenders.
Drawbacks: Not a lot of drawbacks here.

Wyndham Hotels
Wyndham Rewards MasterCard (Bank of America)
Benefits: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Wyndham hotel stays; earn 1 point per every $1 spent everywhere else.
Annual Fee: $0.
APR: Between 9.99% and 17.99% based on your creditworthiness; 0% APR for first 12 months for balance transfers.
Enrollment Bonus: 6,000 bonus points.
Spending Cap: None.
Why we like it: The enrollment bonus is enough for a free night at a Tier 1 hotel--a nice offer for an annual fee-free card.
Drawbacks: Not very exciting.

As we end this look at credit card options (for now), we trust you have a better sense of what these cards do and don’t offer, and where your credit card needs fit. We will continue to look at other credit card options in future issues.

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