in 2005 - I was able to use the miles I earned when I opened the account, which IIRC was 40K miles. Maybe 50K. Now it's 60K minimum. And the time I did use miles, I flew Air Canada instead of USAirways since they were a partner airline and dammit if the stupid flight from DC to Toronto wasn't late and they delayed getting me my luggage at both ends of the trip. And broke some of my luggage.
I don't think I'd be eligible for USAA. My dad was National Guard back in the 60s and 70s and both of my grandfathers were in the Navy in WWII but that's it. Not sure if that's enough of a connection.
I've been contemplating getting a Capital One card.
