I did the math and came up with a big "no". So, I got rid of the Citi AA Platinum and went with AMEX Blue Cash and the free Citi Platinum Dividend cards. Why?

Figure my annual spend on my non-work cards was between $30k to $40k. I used $0.01/mi as the value of miles - so the miles I'd get on an annual basis would be worth between $300 to $400/year. Subtract the $85 annual membership fee, and I'm winding up with a card that pays me between $215 to $315 a year in miles.

Now with the cash rebate cards, I'm up to $550 so far (year ends in Dec) with Amex, and $100 so far (payable anytime) with the Citi - both with no annual fees.

Now - here's the small print. Citi will limit your cash back to $300 in any year. You get 1% for normal purchases and 5% for groceries, drugs, gas, etc. AMEX has a more complex tier structure that goes up the more you spend - but doesn't have a cap (that I've found). However, the numbers are 1% and 3% (I don't carry a balance). Bottom line: if you work the system just right, you'll maximize your money back *much* more than with the airline mileage cards. ^