i use 2 cards:
1. Amex Starwood. Most people would value this at over 2% back, especially if you use the points at certain properties at certain times of the year. To me it is about equal to a card with 2% cash back.

2. United Mileage Plus Club Card. I get 1.5 miles per dollar. So this is about 3% cash back or even more if you use the miles more selectively. This one has a $395 annual fee but I feel this is offset by the extra free bag and lounge access.

Even if you don't get a travel credit card, as long as you have the money to pay off the balance every month, why not earn points, miles or cash back? With a Citi Thank You points earning card or a regular Amex, you can redeem for gift cards, cash, or travel. All for charging your regular expenses. It doesn't make sense to use cash or a debit card. I regularly redeem my credit card points for Neiman Marcus gift cards, Homegoods gift cards, Pottery Barn, etc.

Anonymous wrote:if you are only going to get one card I recommend the starwood amex. Low annual fee and you can redeem points for hotel stays or transfer to airlines. If you transfer 20k, you get 5k extra miles. Sign up bonus of 25k or 30k miles if you meet a spending threshold.

I think this is the above the wing blog you were talking about? His discussion says he Starwood is about 1.25% cash value so a cash rewards for 1.5 - 2 is a better value. But of course not forced to spend on travel so maybe feels less valuable (I mean haw unsatisfying is a statement credit- you never see any tangible reward!). But talking hard numbers depends on your situation and flexibility with credit score.

http://boardingarea.com/viewfromthewing/2012/10/15/the-best-rewards-credit-card-for-the-99-and-for-the-1/