@KHTravelBitten - thanks for the report - I'm assuming the ability to "claw back" points deposited in another program (I.E. miles to the airline FF, or hotel program) is harder than a bank's own currency (I.E. MR or UR).

@sdsearch - appreciate the perspective - wasn't looking for a one-for-all approach, more just figured I'd throw out and see other's experiences/opinions. The particular card I'm considering is one of those $450 annual fee cards - and I get some of that value back, so I'm actually OK with waiting a few months and doing the "prorating" (I know this issuer has done that for me before on another card).

Hope to get some more experiences, opinions - its a delicate balance - there's a poster around FT , forget the name, that always preaches not "biting the hand that feeds" and I tend to agree - just wondering how far/long people have nibbled