With regard to credit cards, the use/non-use of a particular card and the value it offers is dependent on the type of charge. This is true now more than ever. For example, HHonors VISA offers 3 pts/$ at HHonors properties and only 2 pts otherwise. HHonors AMEX is 5/3. Marriott VISA offers 3 pts/$ at Marriott properties and only 1 elsewhere. SPG AMEX is only 1 pt/$, with the exception of the current targeted double points promo. The extra earning by the Marriott and HHonors (AMEX) cards would further skew the hotel results away from Starwood if they were considered in the overall equation. The best deal here depends, again, on how you value the points.