What else, it got derailed

First of all, I doubt their program will disolve without warning - but to play it safe one can transfter miles everytime your balance reaches 5000. That way, you never have a lot to loose.

If you are getting a Visa for another airline, and you're a member of Frontier, you may want to get the Frontier MasterCard ( http://www.frontierairlines.com/mastercard/ ) which has no annual fee if you don't mind only 1 mile for every $2 spent and a 2500 mile signup bonus. And since some hotel promos only work with MC and some others only work with Visa, it's good to have one of each even if you mostly use just one of them, as long as you don't pay any annual fee for the other one.

could I conceivably call MBNA and ask to be switched over to the Amtrak card?

Based on this thread I called to try to switch my LL Bean platinum Visa with MBNA switched to the Amtrak card. Turns out the LL Bean and one other student card they offer can NOT be transferred. They recommended I apply for the Amtrak and then transfer my credit limit to the new account (had the LL Bean for 6 years now). I dunno if your alumni card falls under that category, you'll have to just call and check.

One thing they also recommended was the MBNA World Points card.

https://wwwa.applyonlinenow.com/USap..._MC=A000000XPH

Any comments on this card as opposed to the Amtrak? I'm travelling a ton for work now and need to get a rewards card ASAP so all this spending doesn't go to waste

also going to call today about getting my amex blue turned into a Starwood Amex. I dunno how that'll work I'll probably just have to apply for the starwood as a new card too.

For a $2 per 1 mile ratio, you are better of with the bronze American Airlines card.

Somewhat of a fraud if you ask me.

Perhaps, once anyone can actually officially get one. But per recent posts in the AA section of FlyerTalk, I've been reading that Citibank recently had this as a trial (and thus people COULD get it in the PAST) and are considering bringing it back for real (and thus people MAY BE able to get it in the FUTURE) but as of this point are not offering it at all (so people can't get it NOW). To me, a card I can't actually get isn't a good deal for me no matter what the terms.

They are not offering it anymore

I threw away a couple of those pre-approved applications a few weeks ago?

I am not amazed that they pulled the plug, really a waste of earning miles opportunity.

I think after this year, I might have to create a new post, "Dumping United Visa, need another visa card"

United also offers a no fee card that earns 1 mile per $2.

[This message has been edited by wanaflyforless (edited Feb 11, 2004).]

so does northwest (NW) through US Bank.

I have one, so they must still be issuing them:-)

I assume you are refering to the bronz AA card. When I called Citi two months ago to apply, this card was not an option (even though I asked specifically about it). It seems for those to whom they originally issued the card, it is still valid - but no new applications.

I got the gold aadvantage card and then before my first month was up (and annual fee was charged) called and converted it, no questions asked, they overnighted my new card to me. Also, just got approved for the platinum 6 months free, 10,000 mile offer, will probably downgarde it to gold, and combine them both for larger CL gold card and a lower annual fee.