Originally Posted by ohmark
If one collects BA miles, the Diner's BA air mile reward (with 50% bonus) would be the same as, or better than SPG, even with the SPG bonus, would it not?
That's a promotion. Right now, through August 31, you get a 1:1.37 conversion rate for BA. That's nice, if you happen to need BA miles exactly right now. I think I'd rather have 1:1.25 anytime, but for those whose redemption needs align perfectly with the promo, you get a nice bonus with Diner's Club.
There is now more than one Master Card or Visa that provides 5% cash back on many purchases including at gasoline stations, supermarkets, and drug stores. With some exceptions, this is probably better than one can do with any hotel or airline card. Just my $.02.
Usually those cards give 1% on everything else, so your total yield ends up being 1.05% or whatever. But I agree: if you find one that gives true credits on your next statement without any action on your part (I think Chase Perfectcard does this), then it's a worthwhile card to have as a backup to SPG Amex.