take advantage of credit card rewards the right way

Provided you are credit worthy and responsible with paying off balances obtain a cash rewards credit card. Many banks offer them but you will likely want to do this with the bank that you currently use if they offer it along with internet banking and free checking. My strategy is to pay for everything I need with the card taking full advantage of the rewards. The following day after I have used the card to pay for my gas, groceries, clothing etc. etc. I log into my internet banking and immediately pay off the balance of my card. Doing this means my card never carries a balance and never has any interest charges but I always get the full rewards on my credit card. Each year I get a nice check from my Credit Card/Bank for the rewards that is usually $250-$400. Not bad for doing something easy.