The Best Credit Card Offers with Rewards

By Joe Taylor

Credit cards don't have to force you into debt. In fact, if you use them the right way, credit card rewards can actually earn you money. Over the years, I've tweaked my spending so I use credit cards to pay for everything. That way, I rack up a frequent flyer bonus, a cash back rebate, or special perks with every purchase. I like to review what's in my wallet from time to time, replacing cards I don't use that often with new accounts that offer special signup bonuses.

While I still carry a few wads of emergency cash around, it's easier than ever to run most everyday purchases on rewards credit cards. Check some of these out from our partners:

Here is one of the credit cards I carry around and actively use:

1. Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card Another great miles-based reward program, Capital One's Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn 2X miles on every purchase. They're the bank's own "miles," so they don't expire and you can transfer them to just about any airline. The card has an intro $0 annual fee for the first year then it costs $59 per year,  but you can easily make that back in travel rewards if you plan your purchasing right. A "VentureOne" version of this credit card, Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card, carries no annual fee, but you'll only earn 1.25 miles on every purchase.

5 hot offers

These cards also offer some strong rewards and perks for spenders who like saving money.

1. BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card Bank of America wants to treat you to a $100 statement credit after you spend at least $500 on purchases with this card in the first 90 days of account opening. With no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for your first twelve billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made within sixty days of account opening. 

2. BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card Earn 1.5 points per $1 on every purchase with no annual fee. Online exclusive you can earn 10,000 bonus points if you make at least $500 in purchases with this card in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for $100 towards travel purchases.

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card The TV ads might be cheesy, but you really can earn tons of points that you can exchange for almost anything.

4. Chase Freedom You can earn 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that change every quarter when you sign up and activate your bonus each quarter. 

5. Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express This American Express card once set the standard for rewards programs. It stayed in my wallet so long, the numbers nearly wore off. The program's still strong, just trumped by this year's incredible bonus offers from competitors.

Remember that banks only make money on these programs when you spend a lot on your card and pay off your balance nearly every month. That's why they're available to folks with good or excellent credit. If you're in doubt about whether to apply, see if your current bank or credit card issuer gives you access to free FICO score reporting (many now do).