Looks like ScoreCard, a rewards program affiliated with a number of credit cards (typically smaller issuers), has done a points devaluation. The 20K point U.S. or Canada "Universal" ticket now goes only as far in the universe as $325 can get you. Want to go somewhere and they can't find a fare less than $325? They now call it a "full option ticket" and make you pay the difference plus a $25 fee. You've been enhanced!

About the best backup left is a USAir 25K ticket (up from 20K), which still looks viable for as long as the airline is. ScoreCard will also crow about creating a 40K award from 6 west coast cities to Hawaii (50K for everyone else). But they're debuting Hawaii interisland awards at 15K (yeep). You typically earn a point per dollar charged.

I could actually use "full option" to my advantage, getting them to book some oddball mileage run on an airline of my choice with flights I've already priced to less than $325. Anything goes as long as it prices to that level or less, and tickets bought on the airlines do earn miles.

For most people, though, it's a benefit cut. I guess the next shoe to drop will be getting absorbed by Goldpoints at a 1:1 conversion rate! Best advice is not to let too many miles accumulate in this program.