One option to get cash back right away is buying $250 ($50 cash rebate toward the $49 annual fee) worth of certificates at the restaurants you like/eat at often. Any dining beyond that point gets you cash back right away. You can even give some gift certs away as real gifts in any occassion or while taking people out for meals.
After topping off my US Airways to a free ticket, I may just switch to iDine Prime. A $20 meal costs you only $16. To me, it's a good deal. Hard cold cash seems better nowadays.
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- I am a Freqnt Miles Maniac and a Ballroom Dance Miniac :-) -