Originally Posted by biggestbopper
Why hasn't everyone jumped on this card which allows you to get more than four miles per dollar spent at some merchants and no annual fee (I haven't 'cause I didn't know about it until now)?
Well, not having heard about it is certainly one factor.
But not having a good use for UA miles may be another factor for some.
While the card also lets you earn BA or CO miles, it earns those at a lower rate (tho still 2.5 miles per $ spent).
But that's it. No other airlines.
Also, you can only transfer in 6000 point (thus $1200 spending at those 5x merchants) increments for UA, and only in 10000 point (thus $2000 spending) increments for BA and CO. If you aren't going to use the card enough to get to those thresholds before they can change the terms (remember, the transfer possibilities are subject to change at any time!), it may not be worth the risk for some.
Finally, you have to use it ONLY at such merchants to get good use out of it, if you have another card that earns 1 mi/$. Because this card earns LESS than 1 mi/$ at all OTHER merchants.
(Tho if you're used to choosing the card based on the retailer from doing thinkis like iDining, this may be easier for you than if you're used to always paying for absolutely everything with one card.)
Originally Posted by biggestbopper
This looks like a better deal than the Starwood American Express card--although only at gas stations, groceries and drugstores.
Actually, it's a BETTER deal than the SPG Amex at EVERY merchant, IF your goal EITHER way is UA miles. That's because while SPG Amex converts to all other airlines at 1 to 1.25 miles/$, it converts at half that rate to UA. Meanwhile, the Chase Rewards Plus card earns about 0.8 UA miles/$, which is still better than 0.5 UA miles/$!!!
But obviously, if you're not going after UA primarily (just using this card to add to a secondary account), then SPG Amex or Diners Club is still better for tons of other FF programs at other merchants.