Heads up to those transferring to another program within MBNA (I headed to the Amtrak Guest Rewards card, but I hear the new Radisson Goldpoints card ain't bad either)---MBNA and NEA have a contract that technically disallows people from switching to other affiliate programs from the NEA card. This is unusual for MBNA---I'm a longtime cardholder with them and have swapped through half a dozen of their affiliate card programs.

Anyway, I was able to do it by using the trusty technique of calling back until I got someone who would try to make the switch for me, and it took. So don't lose heart if you get told you just have to close the NEA account rather than transform it.