bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.
There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.
I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good.
If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any.
I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.
