Originally Posted by
dsquared37
I think you need to go back and read the rules a second time.
The hit is based upon a purchase (pause, breathe) while the $250 threshold you refer to is for bonus miles and has nothing to do with the hit.
While I'm 95% sure that you're correct, it's not entirely clearly explained on the Thanks Again website. From a random airport merchant near me:
Cards:AMEX and VISA Only - Earn 500 Bonus Miles/Points when you spend $250 over 90 Days; 1500 Bonus Miles/Points when you spend $500, 4000 Bonus Miles/Points when you spend $1000; 25000 Bonus/Miles Points when you spend $5000; Max Bonus: 25000 Miles/Points ever
Reading this, it's not obvious at all that you would 4 miles for a $4 purchase at this merchant, especially when other merchants have it listed as:
All Cards; First Transaction Only: 5 Miles/Points per Dollar Spent; Ongoing Transactions: 2.5 Miles/Points per Dollar Spent