7 ways to get the most from rewards credit cards

1. 7ways to get the most from rewards credit cards

2. With all credit card rewards programs available, the issue is not whether you should get a rewards card, but what type of rewards card is best for you. But it's a confusing marketplace, with cards touting cash back, points or miles and other incentives to get your business. "When considering a rewards card, the most important issue is to put some thought into it," says Scott Crawford, co-founder and vice president of product and marketing at Ascend Consumer Finance. "You can look at something online or get an application in the mail that seems like the best thing ever, but if it doesn't fit what you're interested in, then it just won't work for you. Like if you have an airline miles card, but if you don't fly much, that isn't a really good deal."

3. 1. Align rewards with your interests. Reward card programs come in many different forms -- generally allowing you to accumulate points toward merchandise, gift cards, travel miles or points or cash back -- so it makes sense to align rewards with your interests and goals. If you're hunkering down and trying to budget your income better, you might choose a card that offers cash back toward such basics as shopping at your favorite grocery store or filling your gas tank.

4. 2. Cash back is king. Cash-back rewards cards give you the most basic currency available -- cash -- to spend as you like. According to a 2015 CreditCards.com survey, cash-back rewards are nearly three times more popular than airline rewards or hotel rewards programs. The “cash” can be applied toward your balance or can be redeemed for purchases, or can even be mailed to you by check.

5. 3. Compare the reward offer with others. A major mistake many consumers make is to add a credit card to their wallet on impulse, says Crawford. "I used to work in credit card marketing, and it's amazing how little thought people put into getting a credit card offer. I would say that most credit card decisions tend to be made on impulse."

6. 4. Dump less rewarding cards. If you're carrying several rewards cards, you may be diluting the value of your rewards by rotating charges across them all instead of focusing all your spending on one card that rewards you the most. Cards with annual fees and higher interest rates should be evaluated carefully to see if they are worth keeping. If you are going to add a new rewards card and dumping others, do the dumping carefully so as to not negatively impact your credit score.

7. 5. Run your spending through one card. Once you’ve narrowed down the number of cards you’re using,, try to put as much as your spending on that card as possible to maximize the rewards program value. It's not going to do you much good to have a great rewards card if you don't use it. Of course, you don't want to spend money you don't have just to get rewards, but if you typically do put certain expenses on your card, put those on the rewards card first.

8. 6. Know when your rewards points expire. Be sure to check the fine print in your credit card agreement or on the reward card's website to see when your particular rewards expire. "Typical reward expiration is 12 to 18 months, with some going out as long as 24 months," says Roger Brooks, senior vice president of business development at Zipline Payments. "Sometimes you can buy your points back after they expire, but it's best to use them before the expiration date.”

9. 7. Keep track of changes in terms. Credit card issuers are notorious for changing terms. When they do so, they have to notify you, but the problem is, you're not likely to even read what they send, since it generally comes in the form of a dense snail mail notice in fine print. However, a change in rewards terms, such as getting fewer points or a lower percentage of cash back, is something that will typically be disclosed in such a notice, so you need to take a minute to examine the notices your card company is sending you.

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