Nab the best credit card rewards

As your mailbox can attest, the credit card offer is back. There are lots of promises. Avoid the hype and score the best rewards.

2 of 4

Stick with simple formulas

Several issuers are touting 5% cash back in different spending categories throughout the year. The problem? Complicated rules, like having to sign up every quarter.

"Aim for cards that offer simplicity and automation," says Curtis Arnold of CardRatings.com.

Two straightforward rewards programs that have served cardholders well for years are Blue Cash by American Express (1.25% cash back after you spend $6,500 a year; 5% back at gas stations, groceries, and drugstores after that threshold) and Fidelity Investment Rewards (2% cash back into your Fidelity account).

NEXT: Make sure you can spend the miles

Last updated September 13 2010: 11:20 AM ET

Your Money, Your Job, Your Life

$100,000 jobs -- no degree

You don't necessarily need to go to college to make big bucks. PayScale.com ran the numbers and found these 6 jobs where top performers can earn $100,000 or more a year without a bachelor's degree. More

I retired in paradise

From the South of France to Southern Colorado, here's where nine couples are spending their golden years. More

What's the perfect credit score?

To ensure the best deal on any loan, aim for 780-plus on your FICO score. But, that's not always possible. Here are the minimum scores recommended by experts for the best rates on loans. More

Find Homes for sale
- City, state, or zip
- Price range
  to

Property Type
Find a home in:
New York | Atlanta | Chicago | Los Angeles
Washington D.C | Houston | Philadelphia | More options

Special Offer