Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,445
If you value miles on an economic basis - as a discount against trips you would take anyway - a 2% cashback card is frequently the best option.*
If you value miles aspirationally - to be able to purchase travel you could not normally afford/justify - branded miles/points cards are frequently better.
In either situation, most travel related spend (airlines, hotels, car rentals...) will be more profitable on the associated branded credit card.
As someone who values miles on an economic basis, roughly 90% of my (non-travel) spend goes on 2-5% cash back cards.
Anyone who claims to be able to answer this question for you, without customizing the answer to your specific style and goals, is probably giving you bad advice.
* The Virgin America card can pay about 2.15% on everyday spending. I'd argue that the risk of accumulating points on a relatively new, unprofitable airline would negate that extra payback.