In the last 2 or 3 years since the economic meltdown started when Bush and Obama have been flinging TARP and bailout money around,all the banks,online brokers and CC companies have been easing on lending and giving signup bonuses.It's all part of artificially stimulating the economy where they even let the little guy in on some of the freebies action.Why not take advantage of it? Just Google air miles and there are so many that give round trip tickets for free after one small purchase with a CC.And if you don't use them,there are brokers online that pay good money for your miles.Just Google Chase Continental One Pass 25,000 air miles and another one is Southwest Rapid Rewards.You can get a Marriott card where after a first purchase you get 4 nights free in Marriott hotels.