Also, it was mentioned earlier in the post, but after reading more in the other forums about your credit history, paying via check, etc... I think a BankDirect account is the way to go (along with maybe one card like the SPG Business or an Citi AAdvantage Business/Personal card).

http://www.bankdirect.com/programs/aadvantage.aspx
One Time Bonuses

• 1,000 miles upon opening a checking account. Open this and use it as your primary checking account. Keep the cash balance as high as possible.
• 1,000 miles upon opening a money market account. Open and fund with $1,000 and leave it alone.
• 10,000 miles for setting up direct deposit into your checking account. You probably don't have direct deposit, but if you do then great.
• 5,000 miles to use their bill pay service. Set up 3 bills to pay, easy!
• 5,000 miles to use their Visa check card. Pay using your debit card as you already do, easy!

Monthly Earnings

• Earn 100 miles per month for every $1,000 of the monthly average collected balance in your Mileage Checking Account up to the first $200,000 on deposit. Earn 25 miles per $1,000 for all balances over the first $200,000 on deposit.
• Earn 50 miles per month for every $1,000 of the monthly average collected balance in your Mileage Money Market Account up to the first $200,000 on deposit. Earn 25 miles per $1,000 for all balances over the first $200,000 on deposit.

This is a great option for you because you can continue to write checks and use your a debit card for payments while earning miles. Ideally you would use this in conjunction with a card like the SPG AMEX. Vendors who will not accept AMEX can be paid via check from your BankDirect checking account.