THE BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS

Whether you want simple cash-back rewards or points to put toward travel purchases, we have something for you.

- SEAN JACKSON

WITH the right credit card, you could collect rewards worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year. But before you apply for a rewards card, evaluate your lifestyle and spending patterns to help you choose one that yields the most cash back, points or miles on your purchases. If you have a big family and buy a lot of groceries, for example, you may want to select a card with ample rewards on supermarket spending. If you're on the road (or in the air) a lot, you may want a card that heaps on the perks for travelers.

You should also consider how much effort you're willing to put into gaining the maximum value out of your rewards. If you'd rather not think about it much, a basic cash-back card that offers a decent payback on every purchase is probably the best choice. “Travel rewards can be more lucrative than straight cash back, but they’re also more work,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst with Bankrate. “It takes some research to understand the loopholes and some flexibility to be able to travel on the optimal dates. Some people love this, treating it like a game and juggling a bunch of different cards to get great benefits. Most people, though, would rather keep it pretty simple.”

And keep in mind that a rewards card makes sense only if you pay off your balance in full each month. If you don't, interest charges on the balance you carry will counteract the benefits of any rewards you earn.