I agree with others above my love for points/miles but I usually simply use a backup card to pay for food/services at businesses that don't accept Amex. Recently, I ate at a restaurant that took everything under the sun, Dining club, personal checks, etc...so I assumed amex was no problem, to my surprise the owner complained that she was small business and amex took 5% of charges, she went on for at least 20minutes. So instead of whining also, I just took out another rewards card by visa. Case closed.