[lotsofpulp]

There is no such thing as free...you simply flew thousands of miles paid for by paying an extra 1 or 2 percentage points for everything.

On the other hand, if you did not fly thousands of miles using miles and points, and you still paid the same price as the cardholders, then you helped pay for those who did fly around for free.

[morgante]

The value of the points to me exceeds the transaction costs.

For example, I willingly pay a 1.8% fee to pay my taxes via a credit card. I end up getting back 5-10% in bonuses.