Credit Cards that Reward You Each Time You Spend
June 21, 2010 — -- Think getting paid to shop sounds like a fantasy? Maybe, but it can be your dream come true -- if you use credit cards with the best rewards.
ShopSmart magazine reviewed the cards that are available to consumers, and "Good Morning America" consumer correspondent Elisabeth Leamy appeared on this morning's show to share the magazine's findings.
Here are ShopSmart magazine's picks for cards that give cash back, airline miles and points rewards.
Click HERE to visit ShopSmart magazine.
Q: Which card is the best to use if you want cash back for groceries, gas and drugstore items?
A: The American Express Blue Cash. After $6,500 in annual spending, you get 5 percent cash back at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations, and 1.25 percent cash back for purchases elsewhere.
Q: Which card is best for travel miles?
A: The Capital One Venture. This card rewards you with 2 miles for every $1 that's spent. If you spend $1,000 in the first three months of getting the card, you'll get 10,000 miles, and the $59 annual fee is waived for the first year. It carries a 13.9 percent APR.
Q: What's the best card for people who love to shop?
A: Fidelity Rewards American Express. This card gives you 2 points for each $1 that you spend and you don't need a brokerage account to have the card. You will need a brokerage account redeem points for cash deposits. It carries a 13.99 percent APR.
Q: How can I choose the card that's right for me?
A: Here are a few tips: Watch out for sneaky fees. About 20 percent of credit cards have annual fees, which can offset your rewards. None of the cards selected by ShopSmart charges an annual fee in the first year, but you should be on alert for fees for balance transfers, cash advances and foreign transactions.
Q: When I'm thinking about selecting a rewards card, should I go for points or cash rewards?
A: Go for cash. With cash back cards, you don't have to calculate the value of the reward. You may also be less tempted to spend point on items you don't need at the card issuer's online malls.
