I had already been using SPG Amex as my primary card for years prior to getting the CS Visa...so I would strongly suggest going that route. you'll find it's easy to get better than $0.02/Starpoint for hotel/airfare on SPG...so assuming you travel even occasionally you'll likely find the Amex is a superior card. However, now I too am in the boat of those looking for a new backup for the times a vendor doesn't take Amex...or for purchases abroad.