As the Euro 2008 Soccer Championship for their just opened ticket sales only accepts MC ( ) , I am in need for one.
I am looking at UA, LH, NW, Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, maybe Hyatt or Holiday Inn. Which one would you choose?

It depends. Do you spend a lot? I'd go with Starwood. But it doesn't sound like you do if you don't have a MC.

Do you fly a lot? Who with?

If you're not planning to use it, then I'd just go with the one that gives you the best deal for opening the card. Which, as far as I know, if United's 25K deal, which you can redeem for a domestic ticket. First year free, I think. Or just get a regular one with no annual fee.

Does UA have a MC, I thought only Visa, with Starwood I believe it's only AX? I seem to come across many VI and AX opportunities, but no MC on those FPs I am interested in.

None of these programs offer Mastercard affinity cards in the USA, however there is Diners Club Mastercard. Diners Club Rewards points transfer to all of the hotel programs you mentioned, and also to these airlines...

Air Canada Aeroplan�
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
American Airlines� Advantage�
Asiana Club
British Airways Executive Club
Delta SkyMiles�
El AL Israel Airlines "Matmid" Club
Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns
GlobalPass� (10 member airlines)
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles�
Icelandair
Korean Air SKYPASS
Mexicana Airlines Frecuenta
Midwest Airlines - Midwest Miles
SAS EuroBonus
South African Airways Voyager
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards�
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Virgin Atlantic Airways flyingclub

Annual fee $95, 12,000 point (= 12,000 mile) bonus, awarded as 1,000 per month with minimum one transaction per month.

http://dinersclubus.com

Thanks for the heads up, mia.
Beats me that MC seems to be so weak/nonexistent with so many programs.
Almost looks like an AA monopoly ...

US-scare mastercard... *A miles.

Continental issues it's Mastercard through Chase-you can use CO miles to fly on NW.