I have an ordinary, old fashioned AmEx Gold Card -with an $85 fee- that gives points in what they call Membership Rewards. You can exchange the AmEx rewards points for points on several different airlines, although the only time I've done that was on Continental. I hate to fly, and only do it under duress or emergency, so airline miles/points aren't worth much to me. They also have several hotel partners,
which I use regularly. Ive stayed in Hilton family hotels, Westins, and Best Westerns with AmEx points. I've bought electronics (including a MacBook laptop) and purchased Amtrak tickets, and had restaurant gift cards, all with AmEx reward points. And they don't expire.
American Express also has great customer service. When I lost my card in Sofia, Bulgaria, I had a replacement the next day.
I always pay as agreed, and they always hold up their end of the bargain. But from what I've heard, you don't want to get on the wrong side of them.
Lindy