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While we often we think of credit cards as debt traps, the truth is that, used responsibly, credit cards actually provide a number of benefits.  Savvy credit card use can lead to the earning of valuable rewards, as well as cash back.  You can actually make money simply by making purchases that you would normally.
The goal, of course, is to get the best credit card possible.
This includes a credit card with generous rewards, as well as easy redemption.  Many of the best credit cards also come with a signing bonus.  When you sign up, and then spend a certain amount of money within a set period of time, you receive bonuses worth $100, or even $200.
Honestly, the interest rate isn’t as important when you have these types of cards.  While it’s nice to have a low interest rate, it’s really a moot point if you are smart about your credit card use and pay off the balance each month.  When you only spend what you have, and use your credit cards in tandem with your regular budget, you won’t pay interest, since you can pay the balance each month.
Even better, is if you can get a 0% introductory rate for balance transfers and purchases.  This gives you time to pay off lingering debt that you might have, as well as make larger purchases and have time to pay them off without paying interest.
For the most part, the best credit card offers require that you have good credit, or excellent credit.
If you want the best cash bonus, or the best rewards program, you need to be prepared to show your good financial reputation.  Get the best card you can so that you have the best advantage.  It’s all about getting the best deal, and the best credit card offers can provide you with a financial advantage — and sometimes that might even mean paying an annual fee.
There are a number of different types of credit cards from travel rewards cards to airline miles cards and more.  Below you will see some great overall credit cards to maximize your credit card use.
Here are some of the best credit card offers available right now:
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday card is an American Express credit card with no annual membership fee.
You receive 50 Rewards Dollars when you spend $1,000 in the first three months of membership (this can be redeemed for cash back).  The rewards have no cap, so you can earn as much as possible.  Meet that requirement and also get a free year of Amazon Prime!
You receive 3% cash back on all U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in spending), 2% cash back on U.S. gas stations and select major department store purchases, and 1% cash back on other purchases.  Terms and limitations apply so make sure to check the details.
This is a great card is you want simple cash-back categories that don’t rotate.
There is a 0% 15-month introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers with the Blue Cash card (after that you have a variable APR, currently 12.99%-21.99%).
It is also worth noting that the Blue Cash card comes as Preferred, as well.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has an annual fee of $75, but the cash back is more generous.
You receive 6% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in spending), and 3% cash back on select major department stores and U.S. gas stations, as well as 1% cash back on other purchases.  If you use your cash back card for everything, and rack up enough rewards, it’s enough to offset the annual fee — and make money on top of that.  In fact, if you spend $25 a week on groceries with your card you will earn enough to offset the annual fee.
You can also earn 100 Rewards Dollars when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of membership.  Same as above you can also get a free year of Amazon Prime if you meet the bonus terms.  Terms & restrictions apply.  You also have a 0% intro. APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months with a variable rate of 12.99%-21.99% after the intro rate expires.
Discover re-vamped their credit card line and came up with a real nice overall card – the Discover  it™ card.
This particular card offer up cash back rewards (currently 5% for online shopping and department store purchases through December 2014 and 1% on everything else).  The 5% is on the first $1,500 you spend in the quarter while the 1% is unlimited.  Make sure you sign up for the bonus category.
There are also no annual/overlimit/pay-by-phone fees.  In fact your late fee will be waived the first time you pay late (which you shouldn’t do anyway).  You also won’t have your APR penalized if you happen to pay late.  And to help you pay on time Discover lets you choose your due date and you have until midnight ET to pay online or by phone.
If you travel you’ll like that there’s no foreign transaction fees when you use your card.
Currently you can enjoy an introductory 14 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.*  There’s 3% balance transfer fee.
And if that wasn’t enough you’re also getting a free FICO® credit score every month on your statement!
Click through the link above to see rates, rewards, and other details.
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
This is an air miles card that is ideal for those who travel frequently, and are loyal Delta customers.
You don’t have to worry about expiring miles — ever.  There is a $95 annual fee, but it is an intro $0 fee the first year.
You receive 30,000 bonus miles when you make $1,000 in purchases during the first three months.  That’s $300 when you use Pay with Miles to buy an airline ticket.
You receive double miles for Delta purchases, so frequent flyers can rack up the points faster.  All other purchases earn you one mile, so you can use this card outside of airline purchases and earn miles.
This card also comes with perks like a free checked bag (your first bag is checked free as well as up to 9 people in your reservation), priority boarding, and a discount on in-flight purchases (20% off).
American Express also offers two other Delta SkyMiles cards, with more perks and rewards: the Platinum with a $150 annual fee, and the Reserve with a $450 annual fee.  Click through the Gold Delta SkyMiles link for more details on those cards.  (See our Gold Delta SkyMiles review.)  Terms and restrictions apply.
Other Types of Card to Consider
Like I said in the beginning, these are great overall cards.  But you might have spending habits or needs that require a more specific kind of card.  If you think that’s the case then take a look at the categories below for a card that would better suit your needs:
As you can see, there are many types of rewards, bonuses and cards available.  Take a look at your spending and shopping habits and match it up to the best credit card offer for you.
What’s the best credit card you have?  Why?
Share your best card in the comments so we can help out other readers find the best credit card offer!
*As you always should, make sure you read through the card details to make sure this card fits your needs and you understand the terms and conditions. Be aware that the terms may change after this article’s publication.
“Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.”
* See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the “Apply Now” button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuer’s website. Discover is a paid advertiser of this site.
Filed Under: Credit Cards
Glen Craig is married and the father to four children that he spends the day chasing as a stay-at-home-dad. He took an interest in personal finance when he realized most of his paycheck was going toward credit card bills. Since then he's eliminated his credit card debt and started on a journey towards financial freedom.
July 27, 2012 at 8:42 am
I have chase freedom and love it. I also have the chase sapphire preferred card to get the big sign up bonus. The preferred version carries an annual fee though so I plan on cancelling it before my year is up.
July 28, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Annual fees aren’t bad so long as the card use makes up for it (either from rewards, cash back, or perks).
July 27, 2012 at 10:22 am
While the Chase Freedom card has 0% interest on the Balance Transfer, it does have an upfront fee of 3%.
Mr. Everyday Dollar says
July 27, 2012 at 11:22 am
I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred and it’s great for earning points to reduce travel costs.
July 27, 2012 at 3:54 pm
My new United Explorer card is the best! Besides the 40K miles bonus you get one free bag on a flight. This adds up if you fly a lot. I like the miles because I get to fly overseas flying business or first class.
July 28, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Things like free bags or priority boarding are very cool flying benefits.
July 27, 2012 at 11:49 pm
I love my Chase Freedom card! Paying it off every month means free money for us. We don’t buy things we can’t afford, anyway. One of the things I really like about credit cards is that I get to review all of my purchases in one convenient place, which makes budgeting easier. I can map trends in purchases as well.
July 28, 2012 at 1:46 pm
That’s a key point there – if you aren’t paying your balance off in whole then any rewards/perks you get aren’t worth as much.
I love how some cards tell you your spending categories. Great way to see where you are spending your money.
July 28, 2012 at 1:39 pm
I have a Blue card as well. You’re right about their customer service, it’s awesome.
July 28, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Anyone have an idea of what number your credit score should be to qualify for the best credit card offers?
July 29, 2012 at 9:56 am
I’d say you should have a score of about 650 and up to be considered for the best credit card offers. Excellent scores would be from about 720 and up.
A Little About Me
I'm Glen Craig - I used to live paycheck-to-paycheck, drowning in credit card debt. I turned that all around and now I build wealth rather than debt.
My goal is to make personal finance easy for you.
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In accordance with FTC guidelines, we state that we have a financial relationship with companies mentioned in this website. This may include receiving access to free products and services for product and service reviews and giveaways.
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