I hear ya on the fees! We were already paying for SkyClubs, so it made more sense to get GE, $200 airline, PP and a few other goodies w/2 cards. We do it for our Christmas gift. The $50 fee for flts can be paid in that ailrine allowance if I forget to charge the buddies! Plus all the points that can convert to miles or hotels. Do whatever works best for you. PS--do they offer first year no charge?