Thanks everyone. I called Diners Club US. They are not taking applications (not new information) and the CSR don't feel there is any plan to accept new applications in the foreseeable future. I asked if I may request an invitation to apply. She has nothing available to mail. I don't understand why BMO Harris doesn't want to take new applications. BTW, I was a Diners Club card holder until year 2003 (for its primary CDW/LDW coverage). Anyone know if I can use that very old closed relationship to open/re-open an account? Any special number to call?

Regarding Barclay's Silver card, I am thinking to payoff my full balance this month and then speak with a retention manager. I spend over $50,000 in the card this year for the 6,000 EQD. I made EXP from my flight based EQD/EQM but still kept spending on Silver Card because AA is using EQD to prioritize the upgrades. If Barclays offer a credit of $195 (or some other hard-to-refuse offer) then I will keep the card open . Otherwise close the account. Or, as jordyn suggested, perhaps convert the card to JetBlue as a backup. Anyone spoke with Silver card's retention managers?

Do you have a first-hand experience with "First Tech Credit Union"? Their Choice Card seems perfect for us (priority Chip-and-PIN, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, nice reward, etc.). But the Credit Union and its customer service received very poor reviews in Google search. Can anyone comment?

Barclay's Silver card was a good product. Citi was able to negotiate with AA and kept Admirals Club membership in the Executive card without increasing the annual fee (so far). My understanding was, Barclay's has a better relationship with the current management of AA. I wonder why they killed the Silver card. The card has no significant value anymore ($99 companion fare, which IADCAflyer likes, is valuable, but Alaska Air credit card's companion certificate is much better and can be used in most AA flights). I am really frustrated.

Back to my original question, is there anyone (recently) tried Citi's Executive card in the self-service terminals overseas to test if the Chip-and-PIN option is available?