Credit Card Rewards

Last Updated on December 9, 2006 12:43 PM EST

Consumers can now choose from many different credit card rewards, ranging from cash back to gas rebates and travel perks.

Credit card rewards are far easier to get than most people believe. Many credit cards offer rewards which are based on how much you spend with them but the best reward benefits are made from the deals and partnerships that a particular reward card has. For instance, some reward cards will give you a great rate on miles earned per dollar spent but then they will only let you redeem those miles in very limited ways.

It pays to seek out the incentive deals and partnerships that a credit card has so that you can then make an informed choice as to which one is best for you.

Getting More Rewards and Airline Miles

You can accumulate miles and points faster by not only spending money on a reward card but by spending the right money on your card. Some reward cards limit the range of purchases that they will give you rewards for, while others increase your rewards when you shop and spend money with their partners.

This is the nature of the rewards matrix. You can gain the most miles essentially following the shopping and travel incentives offered by your rewards card. On any given trip you can get "incentive" miles for flying, staying, and shopping with your cards rewards partners. You may pick up 50% more miles on a flight, 5000 free miles a night at a hotel, and 100 bonus miles per day with a car rental. Sometimes you are not given these rewards unless you ask for them. So the motto is do your homework and know what's available.

Credit Card Rewards - Getting Your Card

First, choose the card that has the most useful partners for your travel and spending habits. Second, after you get your card sign up for any of the frequent flier programs which it partners with. Third, use your cards website to monitor any new deals that may come out. These deals can be as small as getting 500 free miles when you pay your wireless phone bill with your card, they all add up in the end. Here are some links to several credit cards with great rewards.

Browse some of the top rewards credit cards by major issuers today.

Chase Platinum MasterCard®: 0% Intro APR for up to 12 months; The time period for the introductory APR and the balances to which it will apply will be based on the issuer's review of your application and credit history; No Annual Fee; More Details; Apply Now

Blue from American Express®: No Annual Fee; 0% APR for up to 15 months; Membership Rewards Express program; More Details; Apply Now

American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card: First Year Fee-Free - $125 Thereafter; Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® bonus points after your first purchase with the card - redeemable for a $100 gift card; No Pre-Set Spending Limit; More Details; Apply Now

Chase Free Cash RewardsSM Visa® Card: No Annual Fee; Intro 0% Fixed APR for up to 12 months*; More Details; Apply Now

*Although we try to maintain the offers up to date, credit card offer details change frequently. Please read the terms of your credit card application carefully when applying. We are not responsible for the card choices made by a user and for any errors.