I wouldn't dismiss the thought that BankOne played a role here. They have the MileagePlus Visa cards they got from Firstusa and, except for the Amtrak deal and some odds and ends (eg. Starwood), if you want UA miles, you have to get their card.

Moreover, I think BankOne is providing financing for part of the UA bankruptcy. Last month Bankone raised their fees on foreing currency transactions to 3%. I have no inside knowledge, but it wouldn't surprise me if they insisted on exclusivity as to Visa and MC cards with UA. I think this move may not work since folks who get this far in the game would be most unlikely to shell out an extra 2 cents in hard cash to get a UA MP mile.

Amtrak pulled the plug on the big transfers into its program to get miles to UA a year or two ago. They did it then with no notice and no one seemed to take them to task. Thus, I am not surprised they have pulled the same thing again. Still, a lot of people who never go near an Amtrak train used that card and my guess is that well will turn to dust in a matter of days.