I've blogged before about 8 ways you can save money if you choose to use credit cards; one of my tips was to choose the credit card with the best rewards program for your spending style. Now Money.cnn.com has put out a list of the "100 Best Money Moves;" among these 100 tips are 6 fabulous credit cards based on their rewards programs.
1. If you want cash back (and are a small spender)
Annual fee: None
Rate: 13.99%
You get: 2% back on every purchase—most competitors offer 1%, if that—with no spending minimums and no limits on how much you can earn.
2. If you want cash back (and are a big spender)
Annual fee: None
Rate: 17.24% to 21.24%
You get: 5% back on purchases at supermarkets, gas stations, and drugstores—and a respectable 1.25% everywhere else—after you spend $6,500 a year
3. If you spend a lot each year on filling your car's tank with gas
Annual fee: None
Rate: 13.99%
You get: 5% cash back on gas purchases and 1% on everything else, with no spending caps or minimums; you start earning rewards right away.
4. If you eat out a lot (and travel)
Annual fee: None
Rate: 15.24%
You get: 3% cash back on dining, 3% on gas (on purchases up to $3,000), 2% on travel, and 1% on everything else. (You'll earn rewards shopping anywhere, not just at Costco stores.)
5. If you want free airline flights
Annual fee: $59
Rate: 11.90% to 19.90%
You get: Two airline miles for every dollar you spend (no caps); redeem them on virtually any airline. There are no blackout dates, and the miles never expire. For bonus deals, see website above.
6. If you want free hotel stays
Annual fee: $65
Rate: 15.24%You get: One point for every dollar, redeemable at 1,000 Starwood hotels and resorts worldwide (including chains W, Westin, and Sheraton, plus ritzy properties like the St. Regis).
Read about the other 7 ways you can save money if you choose to use credit cards or peruse money.cnn.com's full list of the "100 Best Money Moves."
