Originally Posted by
sdsearch
You're not paying $95 to get 5K TYP unless you're not going to use the card at all the next year other than for this.
If you're not using the card at all, why did you get this card? If you are using the card for 3x on various things, then that's what the $95 is in part paying for (as well as for the ability to transfer).
I was very happy to take the 5K TYP for $1k spend. It came at a time I needed a spend offer, and I intended to keep the card anyway, because I use the card all the time, for hotels (and only those for which I don't have a specific hotel program card), for gas, etc.
I got it when I was traveling, I think it is obvious why most people got that card. You do pay $95 for 5K TYP - that is the fact. Do your valuation, and it will cost you more that $95 because of poor TYP value.
Some retentions are no brainers, as with AA cards - spend the amount of AF, get it credited.