I believe this card in its current form was launched around June of 07.

It's a good card for non-US spending, and the customer service has been excellent. They seem to have a dedicated call center for premier customers based out of Buffalo, and it probably would take a customer longer to navigate their phone IVR system than to get connected to a rep. Usually.

The premier checking product is pretty nice as well. Low rate (below .5% ?), but very few fees. Free returned cheques, free bank cheques, but no free TT though.