I use the AE card. I get one point for every dollar I spend. 25,000 points will be buy me one round trip ticket on continental airlines from Phoenix to anywhere in the continental US.
I also use the card as leverage with my vendors. They pay around 3-4% to AE to get their money. I will ask if they will give me the 3-4% discount if I pay by check or cash. Also, if you spend allot with your card you can ask to have the fee waived. The fee is $55.00 a year.
I put anywhere from 10-20K on it per month. That adds up to a lot of points and airline tickets.
Peace,
Rex