As you already have a credit history with AmEx, my suggestion is to get the AmEx Starwood card (Part of Sheraton/Westin hotel chain). It has no annual fee, and you earn 1 Starpoint per dollar spent (which is translatable one for one to 8 or so different Airline frequent flyer programs... Also, when you hit 20,000 Starpoints, it can be converted into 25,000 Freq. Flyer Points, so in essesence, you get more than 1 for 1. You can also redeem for hotel and other rewards).

Also, by applying they will give you 1,000 Starpoints as well as free Gold status in Starwood Preferred Guest for one year.

See: http://home1.americanexpress.com/app...t.asp?6/22/b/1