If you do not want to earn airline rewards there is no reason to use a card with an annual fee. There are a number of "cash back" cards that are free. For example, the Charles Schwab VISA carries no annual fee and pays 2% on all purchases. The card is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, a unit of Bank of America, the same as your Alaska card. If you choose the Schwab card do not cancel the Alaska card until after the Schwab card is activated because you may be able to move some of the credit line to the new card.

http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/...2=credit_card&


If you choose an American Express rewards card you will probably still need a Mastercard or VISA because fewer merchants accept American Express. Be aware that not all American Express cards are issued by the American Express company. Bank of America and Citibank are also licensed issuers.