I DO like my Capitol One Venture Card, which does not charge a fee for foreign currency conversions, and which allows more freedom as far as chosing flights. Just do keep in money that each "mile" of the fabled "double miles" is worth two farthings, i.e., a ha'penny, NOT a full penny, So, converting 280,000 "miles" yields $1400 in credits, NOT $2800, as I had to explain to my wife today.

In fact, almost ALL of the "rewards cards" yield 1%. As for Citibank Aadvantage, which generates travel rewards, i.e., tickets, it's not what it used to be. While I recall estimating that each "mile" yielded about two cents in travel expense several years ago, today comparing relative value for a round trip to Washington D.C. generated an estimate of 0.8 cents per "mile," mainly because for about nine days out of ten, a one-way cross-country leg requires 25,000 miles, not 12,500 miles each way, or 25,000 miles for the full round trip. I presume that American Airlines uses this differential to fill seats on their most lightly booked travel days.

I do enjoy those Capitol One vikings, but double miles my arse, NOT all miles are created equal! In effect, a Capitol One mile is in horse racing terms, four furlongs, not eight.

I think 280000 miles is worth $2800 if you use the "Purchase Eraser" option. I have the CapOne VentureOne card (same as Venture card however it gives only 1.25 reward miles per dollar spent but has no annual fee) and I believe that's how it works for that card. I haven't used it in a while though because I switched to the Bank of America Travel Rewards card a few months back. It's similar to CapOne but gives 1.5 miles per dollar and also has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. It also has a chip but it's chip-and-signature, not chip-and-pin.

As Lucy suggests, if found the "purchase eraser" feature to be the most valuable use of the CapitalOne miles. I have since moved to the Chase Sapphire and Ink cards for their impressive Ultimate Rewards, large sign-up bonuses, and absence of foreign transaction fees.